
Red-eared slider turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat both animal protein and vegetable matter. As juveniles, they are mainly carnivorous, but they become more omnivorous as they age. In the wild, they are known to eat a variety of invertebrates, crustaceans, small fish, tadpoles, frogs, and birds. As pets, their diet should be a mix of animal and plant-based foods, with a variety of different foods offered to prevent nutritional imbalance and potential illness.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Diet | Mixture of animal and plant materials |
Young red-eared slider diet | 50% protein, 50% vegetables |
Adult red-eared slider diet | 25% protein, 75% vegetables |
Commercial pellets | Nutritious, convenient, beneficial |
Live prey | Allows turtles to exercise by hunting |
Prey items | Earthworms, crickets, waxworms, silkworms, aquatic snails, bloodworms, daphnia, shrimp, krill, mealworms, tadpoles, feeder fish |
Leafy greens | Collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, kale, bok choy, romaine lettuce |
Aquatic plants | Anacharis, water hyacinth, water lettuce, duckweed, azolla (fairy moss), frog-bit |
Other vegetables | Carrots, green beans, squash, shredded vegetables |
Fruits | Bananas, berries, apples, melons (only as treats) |
Supplements | Reptile multivitamin with calcium and vitamin D3, cuttlebone |
What You'll Learn
Red-eared turtles are omnivores
For pet turtles, it is recommended to feed them a mixture of animal and plant-based foods, with a slight preference for animal protein for younger turtles. A typical diet for turtles under 1 year consists of 50% protein and 50% vegetables, while for turtles over 1 year, it shifts to 25% protein and 75% vegetables.
Some recommended animal-based foods include:
- Crickets
- Waxworms
- Silkworms
- Aquatic snails
- Shrimp
- Krill
- Mealworms
- Tadpoles
- Feeder fish (infrequently due to potential parasites)
- Frogs
- Crayfish
For plant-based foods, red-eared turtles can eat a variety of vegetables and aquatic plants, such as:
- Collard greens
- Mustard greens
- Dandelion greens
- Kale
- Romaine lettuce (sparingly)
- Carrots
- Squash
- Water hyacinth
- Duckweed
- Anacharis
It is important to provide a diverse and varied diet for red-eared turtles, as this promotes balanced nutrition and provides sensory enrichment.
Why Baby Turtles Are Vulnerable to Death and How We Can Help Them Survive
You may want to see also
Young turtles eat more animal protein
Young red-eared slider turtles are predominantly carnivorous, so their diet should be weighted more towards animal protein.
In the wild, red-eared sliders are known to eat a variety of invertebrates, crustaceans, small fish, tadpoles, frogs, and even birds. They have also been observed scavenging on carcasses.
For pet turtles, it is recommended that young turtles are fed a diet of 50% protein and 50% vegetables. The carnivorous portion of their diet should consist of high-grade commercial turtle or fish pellets, as well as a variety of invertebrates and vertebrates.
Some examples of animal-based foods suitable for red-eared slider turtles include:
- Crickets
- Waxworms
- Aquatic snails
- Shrimp
- Mealworms
- Tadpoles
- Feeder fish (although these may carry parasites)
- Frogs (captive-bred only)
- Crayfish (pre-killed only)
- Earthworms
- Slugs
- Beetles
- Grasshoppers
- Moths
Adjusting Turtle Opacity in NetLogo: Changing Transparency Levels
You may want to see also
Vegetables should be offered daily
Red-eared turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat both animal protein and vegetable matter. While younger turtles tend to be more carnivorous, it is still important to offer them vegetation, as vegetables should be offered daily. As turtles age, they tend to become more omnivorous, and vegetation should make up a significant portion of an adult red-eared turtle's diet.
When offering vegetables to red-eared turtles, it is important to provide variety. Turtles can get bored and stop eating if they are fed the same foods every day. Floating vegetables, such as shredded red bell pepper, can be a good option, as red-eared turtles are often drawn to the colour red. Additionally, aquatic plants, such as water hyacinth, water lilies, Elodea, or duckweed, can be placed in the tank for turtles to snack on throughout the day.
It is also important to note that the size of a single portion of vegetables should be roughly the same size as the turtle's shell. This will ensure that the turtle is getting an adequate amount of nutrition from its vegetable intake.
Signs to Look Out for with Your Box Turtle
You may want to see also
Turtle pellets are a good source of vitamins and minerals
Red-eared slider turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat both animal protein and plant matter. As juveniles, they are mainly carnivorous, but they become more omnivorous as they age.
However, it is important to remember that variety is key to good nutrition, so it is best to offer a wide variety of foods rather than just relying on commercial turtle pellets. A variety of fresh food offers a wider range of nutrients in different forms and is more stimulating for the turtle.
For this reason, pellets should make up no more than 25% of a red-eared slider's diet. The rest of their diet should consist of animal-based foods and vegetables.
Some good animal-based foods to feed your turtle include:
- Crickets
- Waxworms
- Silkworms
- Aquatic snails
- Shrimp
- Krill
- Mealworms
- Earthworms
- Tadpoles
- Feeder fish (although these should be given infrequently due to the risk of parasites)
When it comes to vegetables, it is important to offer a variety of leafy greens and other vegetables. Some good options include:
- Collard greens
- Mustard greens
- Dandelion greens
- Kale
- Bok choy
- Carrots
- Squash
- Green beans
Understanding the White Foam in Turtle Tanks
You may want to see also
Live prey provides exercise and hunting stimulation
Red-eared slider turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat both animal protein and vegetable matter. As juveniles, they are mainly carnivorous and become more omnivorous as they age. Live prey is a great food option for these turtles as it provides exercise and hunting stimulation.
Live prey can include insects like moths, crickets, grasshoppers, and worms. It is important to ensure that these insects are sourced from a pet store, an undeveloped field, or raised at home to ensure quality and safety.
Feeding on live prey allows turtles to exercise their natural hunting instincts and provides mental stimulation. The act of chasing and catching their food helps to keep them active and engaged.
In addition to live prey, red-eared slider turtles can also be fed commercial turtle or fish pellets, as well as a variety of invertebrates and vertebrates. The carnivorous portion of their diet should not exceed two-thirds for juveniles and half for adults.
It is important to provide a diverse and varied diet for red-eared slider turtles to ensure they receive proper nutrition and stay engaged in their food.
Co-existing Cats and Turtles: Friends or Foes?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Red-eared turtles are omnivores, so their diet should consist of both animal protein and plant matter. Young turtles tend to be more carnivorous, so their diet should be more protein-heavy, while adult turtles are mostly herbivorous.
The carnivorous portion of a red-eared turtle's diet can include commercial turtle or fish pellets, crayfish, shrimp, snails, tadpoles, and frogs. The plant portion of their diet can include dark, leafy greens such as romaine lettuce, collard greens, mustard greens, and kale.
The frequency of feedings depends on the age and size of the turtle. Smaller or juvenile turtles will eat every day, while adult turtles can be fed every two to three days.