How to Feed Baby Turtles

Baby aquatic turtle

Turtles can make great pets. They can be left unattended all day. Because they do not have feathers or hair, they are good pets for people who have allergies. If properly cared for, they will live for decades. Proper feeding from the time they are hatchlings is one of the keys to happy, healthy and long-living pet turtles.

Things You'll Need

• commercial pet food
• fresh fruits and vegetables

Instructions

Feeding Your Baby Turtle

1. Feed baby turtles commercial turtle food that is specifically for young turtles. Check the size of each food pellet, and cut into smaller pieces if necessary. Although turtles are omnivores (eating both meat and vegetables), turtles that live on land tend to eat a more vegetarian diet as they grow older, while aquatic turtles prefer more meat (fish, crickets, etc.).

2. Mix your turtle's diet with a combination of commercial turtle food and with food you purchase fresh, including green leafy vegetables such as romaine lettuce (not iceberg lettuce) and cabbage. Break all food into small pieces for baby turtles.

3. Purchase more than one kind of commercial turtle food. Like us humans, turtles like a variety of food. This also ensures that they are getting sufficient nutrients and protein from a wide variety of food. Do not feed your turtle hamburger.

4. Get a few live "feeder" fish and crickets from your local pet shop for an occasional meal. Having to move around to catch their food is also good exercise for your turtle.

5. Set up a second, smaller tank or aquarium as a place to feed your baby aquatic turtle (aquatic turtles MUST be fed in water). Turtles are sloppy eaters, taking bites and sometimes spitting out crumbs. They also are known to excrete within a half hour or so after eating. Feeding them in a separate container helps keep your main aquarium cleaner.

6. Feed baby turtles often. Give them food, and after about a half hour remove any food they have not eaten. As turtles get older, feeding schedules can be reduced from once a day to every other day.

7. Supplement your baby turtle's diet with vitamins and minerals. Baby turtles in particular need vitamin D for shell development and to keep their shells hard. They need an ultraviolet lamp or sunshine, and also vitamin D supplements and foods that contain vitamin D.

8. Pay attention to which types of food your turtle seems to like best. Turtles can be fussy eaters. Pet shops carry liquid vitamin B-12, which may help stimulate your turtle's appetite.

9. Read up on your specific species of turtle to learn more about its dietary needs and proper care.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your turtle and his environment clean to prevent bacteria growth and the potential risk of salmonella. Always wash your hands after handling your turtle.

References

• Care, feeding & discussion groups on turtles
• Sales of baby turtles and supplies
• Information on care & feeding of turtles