How to Feed Pond Turtles
Turtles can add a unique touch to any outdoor pond. In addition to the food you provide, they will eat both insects and their larvae, keeping insect populations down. They also will eat plant matter like algae in your pond. Pond turtles are relatively easy to keep, and can sometimes be paired with larger fish like koi. Eventually, these little reptiles will learn to come to you like pets when it's feeding time.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Turtle or fish food
- Vegetables
- Fruit
- Flowers/plants
- Vitamin supplements
- Earthworms
- Mealworms
- Snails
Instructions
-
-
1
Feed your turtles turtle or fish food. If you have turtles and koi in the same pond, feed them both koi food. The turtles will get all the nutrition they need from the fish food. Feed the prepackaged food only every other day, as it's rich and will make the turtles fat.
-
2
Feed your turtles leafy green vegetables and fruits every day. Wash and cut up vegetables like romaine, red leaf and iceberg lettuce, carrots and squash. Include fruit--tomatoes, bananas, strawberries, berries and peaches. Also include plants and flowers when available.
-
-
3
Feed your turtles earthworms, mealworms and snails for protein once every couple days. Do not overfeed meat, as it will make turtles unhealthy.
-
4
Offer vitamin supplements to your turtles once or twice a week. Make sure your supplement includes calcium for bone and shell growth.
-
5
Clean your pond once a week. Take out any old food to prevent rotting.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Balance your turtles' diet. If they grow too quickly they could crack their shells. When weather cools, turtles will eat less.
Never feed pond turtles hamburger meat due to its fat content.
