What should I feed fussy turtles?

Question

I recently got 2 aquatic turtles. They seem perfectly happy and content. The thing is, in the store where I got them from they were only feed dried shrimp. I thought they needed more than this, so I also got turtle feed and blood worms.

They LOVE the blood worms, but both hate the pellets. Is it ok to feed them just shrimp and blood worms?

Also, I'm hearing conflicting advice about feeding fruit/veg. Do you give your turtles fruit or veggies?

Thanks for your help!!

Phaedra · Accepted Answer

You must feed your turtles a varied diet.

Veggies should be offered daily; red lettuce and green.

Fruits should be offered every couple of weeks.

Pellets every other day. 


Pet stores never feed turtles the correct things. Shrimp and blood worms should be offered 1-2 times monthly at most. They are good for the turtle, but to much can lead to shell pyramiding.


here is a great site: 

http://www.redearslider.com

They have a NUTRITION section and it will show you the best kinds of veggies, fruits, and pellets, and how often.

At first your turtles may not want the veggies or pellets, but you have to get them used to the new food.

Anonymous · Answer

Fruits and veggies are only for mature turtles, which can have up to 50% of their diet as dark green leafy vegetables (and a few others). For juveniles, concentrate on earthworms, liver you dust in bone meal, and bait fishes. Save the pellets for a supplement and the shrimp and bloodworms for treats.

What should I feed fussy turtles?

2 Answers