You definitely won’t be getting any cuddle time with this pet. But they are just hypnotizing to watch and very fun to take care of. You will definitely feel like you are looking after a creature from ancient times due to their pre-historic features.
They are quite low-maintenance but giving the right food and correct environment will ensure that they will be a happy, healthy and thriving pet turtle in your home. There are various species of turtle in the pet world today. Each species has its own specifications when it comes to food. Here are a few tips for you to know what and how to feed your turtle:
Pelleted Food
This is the commercial food for turtles that you could find at best buy or at the local pet store. It is food made just for turtles. Since turtles are known for being water lovers this is the best choice when it comes to feeding time and your turtle is swimming about in a water body. This is because pelleted food floats. Doctors generally recommend a turtle’s diet is around 25% pelleted food items. Check out Pet Wave turtle food to get the best possible food and pelleted items in the market for your turtle.
Fish and Insects
If you didn’t already know, turtles are omnivores, meaning that they eat both animals and plants. When it comes to giving fish, the right fish for your turtle would be the feeder fish. For example, a feeder fish such as the comet goldfish is an excellent source of protein and is loaded with vitamins and minerals. This should also make up another 25% of your turtle’s diet. Chasing around live insects or fish is a suitable way to build mental stimulation and physical activity for your pet.
Vegetables and Fruits
Always remember to fill up your turtle’s diet with good number of fresh fruits and veggies. What are the best vegetables for your turtle? Well, chopped kale, collard or mustard greens are favourites and the most ideal options for your pet.
Add in some sliced up carrots, zucchini and squash and you have pretty much covered the turtle’s diet plan. You can also opt for aquatic vegetables such as lettuce or duckweed. In addition, when it comes to fruits shredded melons, apples or chopped berries are the best options to offer up to your precious pet.
The Method of Feeding
Do note that younger turtles consume way more food in comparison to their older counterparts. Make sure your turtle’s diet is inclusive of a balanced amount of carbohydrates, protein, fat and vitamins/minerals. For instance, calcium is an extremely vital part of a turtle’s diet due to the needs in the shell.
Make sure you feed your turtle in a separate environment to the one they usually spend the most time in. I would suggest going for a water filled plastic container as majority of turtles defecate while consuming food and food also can affect water quality negatively. Lastly, make sure you feed your turtle every-day, start off with one cup of food per day and see how your pet responds. Then you can increase decrease the quantity accordingly.
Make sure your pet turtle lives a long healthy life by feeding it the right food!
