What is the most common food for red-eared turtles at home

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Red-eared turtles are one of the most common species of these reptiles. They are freshwater. The appearance of these turtles is very interesting: red spots on the head, intricate shell pattern. Owners who have such a pet always have a question about what they feed red-eared turtles at home.

Red-eared turtles

These are medium-sized turtles, their shell grows up to 30 cm. At the same time, males are smaller than females. This type of turtle got its name because of the elongated red spots that are located near the eyes. In some subspecies, these spots are not red, but orange or yellow. As additional decorations, these turtles carry green wavy stripes and spots on the head, legs, and body. In nature, such a turtle is quite widespread. It can be found in Central and South America, Europe, Africa, Australia. By the way, it was brought to Australia, but it has spread so much that it is now recognized as a pest that displaces local species of fauna.

What can I feed red-eared turtles

Of course, the well-being of any animal largely depends on feeding. In caring for a turtle, nutrition is also a very important factor. These turtles are predators, and therefore, animal feed should prevail in their diet, the content of which should be at least 80 - 90%. The rest is plant food. Since in nature these reptiles most often feed on small fish, it is also advised to include low-fat fish, cut into small pieces, in their diet at home. When asked what the red-eared turtles are most often fed at home, it turns out that ready-made food is preferred. However, experts advise diversifying the diet of animals. It must necessarily include pieces of lean boiled meat (for example, chicken), about once a week they should be given boiled liver. Also, turtles will refuse frogs, bugs, worms, small snails. Such food can be purchased in specialized stores. From plant foods, lettuce, cabbage, algae, green grass are recommended. But not all turtles eat it all. What do they feed red-eared turtles at home to satisfy their need for plant foods? You should try to give your pets different types of vegetables and herbs to determine what they like best. Some prefer apples. But keep in mind that sour varieties can harm the turtles, especially if the animal eats them in large quantities. And be sure to diversify the diet. First, in order for the turtlessatisfy the needs of their body in different substances, and secondly, they simply get bored with monotonous food.

Some Features

When feeding turtles, experts advise to take into account some features. Do not feed them by hand, because they will get used to it very quickly and stop eating in a different way. And besides, what they feed red-eared turtles at home, you don’t always want to pick up. You can not categorically offer such pets yogurt, eggs, bread, cheese, cereals. Their digestive system is simply not adapted to the assimilation of such food. Another important question is how often to feed red-eared turtles? It is usually recommended to feed young turtles 1 time per day, and older ones (2-3 years old) less often, 3-4 times a week. However, if the turtles persistently require food, you should not starve them. Food is best offered at the same time, preferably in the morning.

If you follow some simple rules in feeding the red-eared turtles and be attentive to your pets, then they will please the owners with a he althy look and long life.