what do turtles eat?
If you're a new turtle owner, chances are, you are wondering what
to feed a turtle. Depending on the age and specie of your reptilian
pet, there are many variations on what to feed a turtle. One primary
rule of thumb that you have to comply with is to feed your turtle
something similar to what he or she is more likely to eat in the wild.
There
are three kinds of turtles - those that are carnivorous in nature,
those who rely heavily on plant food sources or herbivores, and there
are also omnivorous groups of turtles. To properly know what to feed a
turtle, you have to first determine what turtle specie you're taking
care of. Additionally, you should identify the natural habitat where
your pet used to reside as this issue also determines its diet along
with its other care needs.
Turtles may be expensive to feed since
they are exotic pets, and most pet stores do not have a complete line of
foods appropriate for such creatures. With that said, replicating the
natural diet of turtles is probably the best feeding solution you can do
to make sure that your critter will live a healthier life. By and far,
these reptiles eat a wide variety of foods that are in season. Variety
is an important key that you need to think about when thinking about
what to feed a turtle.
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what do turtles eat? |
Concentrate on feeding your pet with
natural products that contain adequate amount of minerals like vitamin
D3, calcium, and phosphorous. Although turtles get sufficient
phosphorous from what they eat, more often than not their intake of
calcium is lacking, which means you have to concentrate on giving your
pet with calcium-rich food sources similar to egg shells that are boiled
and crushed, cuttlebone, and crushed oyster shells.
An excessive
amount of protein can negatively affect the kidney functions of your pet
and can also cause deformities on its shell. Therefore, refrain from
foods that are high in protein such as dog or cat foods as well as meats
that humans eat. Protein will not cause any harm to your turtle as long
as it is fed sparingly with other meals. The main rule right here is
not to overuse a single type of food.
Turtles, especially the
herbivorous species, also enjoy a diet full of fruits and vegetables.
You can provide your turtle with bananas, strawberries and greens such
as romaine lettuce, turnip greens, or dandelion greens. Remember that a
diet that is optimal for one type of turtle may be dangerous to another
specie. For example, you will want to stay away from feeding fruits to
desert-type of turtles as fruits could make them sick, or give them
diarrhea.
Basically, what to feed a turtle largely depends on its
age, specie, and natural habitat. In the wild turtles do not get to feed
on fancy foods that pet owners provide to them. Hence, it's in your
best interest to become educated before you interact your pet in a
specific diet.
what do turtles eat?
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