There freshwater turtle is certainly The most widespread domestic turtle In France. Do you have one or have you made the decision to adopt one? So you're going to have to learn the type of food it needs. Indeed water turtles do not follow not the same diet as terrestrial turtles. Their type of food can vary from one species to another. The diet of your aquatic turtle is An essential point to monitor If you want to assure yourself that it lives in good health and in good physical conditions 💪.
This species is characterized by its great appetite. A balanced diet as well as an environment at the right temperature will be guaranteed a good life expectancy and its happiness. Conversely, if your little turtle is starting to strike hunger, you can clearly start to worry about its condition. What do fresh water turtles eat? This is the subject of this article that will explain everything to you ... (so read the rest 👇)
What does an aquatic turtle eat?
The water turtle is mostly carnivorous And omnivorous (that is to say that it eats both plants and meat or fish) but certain species of turtles have more trends herbivores. When you are juvenile, their protein need is a little more important than when they grow. Once adult, their diet must consist generally of 50% fresh vegetables. This is not a generality because nutrients are different depending on the species and subspecies. 🐢
Credit: www.aquaportail.com
How should the water turtle eat?
An aquatic turtle must always eat in the water. Indeed, in her natural environment, she catches her prey and take them to the bottom of the water to be able to eat them. Water also allows him to be able to switch your food more easily. This is why you will have to assure yourself that your aquarium is well maintained. A regular washing As well as a good filtration system are therefore advised to avoid any food residues.🚿
Water turtle supply depending on the species
has. What food for the Pelomedusa water turtle?
There PELOMEDUSA SUBRUFA is a very (if not the most) freshwater turtle in pet stores. Its small size of 20 to 30 cm max. as well as its lifespan of approximately 30 years make it a ideal pet. Since you read this article, it is likely that you are today owned by one of these small turtles or that you plan to buy one. This is why we have chosen to share this useful guide 📑.
Pelomedusa is a carnivorous species, which can feed in insects like verses, slugs, crickets, snails (with the shell) but also fish (fresh water) and meats like small rodents or mice. You can also complete your diet with a few pieces of poultry, turkey and a little liver (every 15 days) for Vitamin A. It will also be necessary to add a daily cuttlefish in its aquarium which will be a Source of calcium essential. The ideal is to distribute the raw foods And you have to respect one day of Jewish per week for a juvenile turtle and two days for an adult turtle.
⛔ Attention, like all species, certain foods are not recommended:
- The pellets (unnatural and cause deficiencies)
- THE Fish containing thiaminases (carp, gaspareau, monkfish, molarns ...)
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Dried shrimps (Too much phosphorus and wearers of bacteria)
- Red meat and pâtés for dogs / cats (too rich)
b. What does the Florida turtle eat?
The Florida Turtle is another widely used aquatic species but whose sale is prohibited since 2008 For ecological reasons. However, the owners who acquired this reptile before the ban are still very numerous. This is why we thought that a little reminder cannot hurt 🙂.
This turtle will experience a Evolution of its diet Throughout his life. Juveniles will be rather carnivorous, when they will become omnivores growing up.
When they are young, you can give them larvae, shrimp, a few aquatic plants (water lens, sage, etc.), white meat and liver. Once adult, the amount of plants becomes greater (~ 60 % of the diet). You can give it salads (watercress, dandelions ...), and also some fruits. We must favor food with a good calcium/phosphorus rate (at least 2). 🥬
There meal distribution is done every day When the turtle is juvenile and passes as you go to 4 days a week when the animal reaches adulthood. The foods prohibited are generally the same as for the Pelomedusa and the other aquatic species.
Table of food by species
You will find below a table detailing the type of power (carnivore, herbivore or omnivorous) For each species aquatic turtle:
Source: Chelionophilie.com
Water turtle diet
You will understand, the nutrients Will not be the same if your turtle is carnivorous, omnivorous or herbivore but we can generally schematize like this:
- Carnivore: 55% protein / 45% lipids
- Omnivorous: 35% protein / 65% Lipids & carbohydrates
- Herbivore: 30% protein / 70% carbohydrates
In the case of a herbivore and omnivorous diet the best is to assure you that the phosphocalcic report (CA/P or Calcium divided by phosphorus for dummies in math) is greater than 2. You will find below a table giving the CA/P ratio for various foods.
Food of a baby aquatic turtle 🍼
First of all, think about referring to the table above to find out what Diet type Your turtle needs. Your baby turtle will have to consume meals on a daily basis or with a maximum of 1 day depending on the species. Over time and growing up Its digestive system will improve. From there you can reduce the frequency. If your turtle is one of the species whose diet changes with age. He is advisable to get him used to his new diet from adolescence (by giving some fruits or vegetables from time to time for example). Thus the transition will be more easily arrived in adulthood.
Frequency and quantity of food for the water turtle
As explained above, The frequency will depend on age of the turtle. Generally an adult turtle is nourished 4 to 5 times a week. The quantity you give must be almost equivalent to the size of his head or 5% of its weight (10% for juvenile turtles). So to your calculator!➗
About hibernation : The hibernate aquatic turtle in October. You will have to start reducing its portions of food at the end of August so that it begins to hiber the empty stomach.
Calcium/vitamins supplements for turtle
Calcium and vitamin D3 are essential for the turtle because it strengthens its shell and its 🦴 frame. Nevertheless, with a balanced diet, it is not necessarily necessary to add a calcium supplement. However, if the situation requires it, its supplements can be found in animal centers or on certain specialized e-commerce. You can give it during the first years, see the first months of your turtle. Then, with adequate diet as presented in this article, it will be Useless to see dangerous to add. Indeed it could lead to liver or kidney problems. Anyway, we advise you to take advice with a veterinarian Specialized if you want to start a calcium cure.
As a reminder, a good Exposure to sun or UVB rays is also an essential point to allow aquatic turtles to absorb the amount of calcium necessary for its good development ☀️.
Foods prohibited for the water turtle
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Dried shrimps : As seen above, they have a very low calcium content and too strong in phosphorus. In addition, they are the bearers of bacteria at the origin of Scud disease (skin condition in reptiles)
- Fish with thiaminase: the latter destroys the Vitamin B1
- Frozen foods (destroy vitamin C)
- molds (contain too many bacteria)
- Spinach
💡 Tips & Tips
- Offer to your turtle Small living fish . This will allow it to “play” with its prey before eating it. A good way to wake up natural 🎣.
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Does not give in to “whims” : As we said at the start of this article, water turtles have an infinite appetite. It comes from their “opportunistic” behavior that they adopt in nature. Like other pets, the turtle knows how to "beg" its food (ex: by taking its head from the water as soon as you pass the aquarium). So it is you not to give in because all the specialists agree: Too much a turtle of water is the worst thing to do.
- Make sure your turtle has the right temperature and a hot spot. Indeed it needs a heat source to be able to digest its meals correctly and faster.🌡️
