What do baby turtles eat?

Turtles, as long-lived creatures, are an ideal choice for pet lovers who enjoy caring for small animals and form deep emotional bonds.

While these slow-moving little companions might seem low-maintenance at first glance, raising them actually requires considerable dedication and effort.

Let’s explore the essentials of proper turtle care to ensure your shelled friend thrives!

Selecting a healthy baby turtle

First, observe whether the turtle frequently breathes with its mouth open or has nasal discharge—these could indicate respiratory diseases. Check for wounds or shell damage, and gently pull the turtle’s legs to assess their strength. Soak the turtle in water to evaluate its activity level.

After bringing it home, isolate the turtle for observation to help it adapt to its new environment and monitor for signs of illness. Reptiles often carry internal parasites, so always sanitize your hands after handling them.

Choosing the right aquarium for a baby turtle

Avoid buying an aquarium that’s too small for your turtle. Ideally, the aquarium should be at least five times larger than the turtle’s size.
Water level: Don’t keep your turtle submerged in water all the time. Fill the aquarium with water only up to halfway of its body.
Place some sand or stones in the aquarium. This helps the turtle to bask and stay ventilated, preventing shell rot. Change the water every week.
Lighting: Place the aquarium in a spot where it can get sunlight, but avoid direct exposure to harsh sun. Provide shaded areas and a water pool or basin for the turtle to rest and play. Since turtles are quite active, allowing them some exercise helps with their bone development.

What do you feed a baby turtle?

Baby turtles can be fed every three days. The amount of food depends on the turtle’s size, generally about 5% to 10% of its body weight. During spring and autumn, when temperatures are mild and their appetite is strong, you can increase the amount slightly. Before winter, feed them more than usual to ensure they have enough nutrients for hibernation.

The food must be fresh. In hot summer, animal-based food can easily spoil, so avoid feeding leftovers. In cold winter, avoid frozen food to prevent digestive issues. After feeding, remove any leftover food promptly to keep the water clean.

In spring and autumn, when temperatures are cooler, turtles usually eat only around midday, so it’s best to feed them between 8 to 9 a.m. From late spring to early autumn, during the peak feeding season, turtles are less active at noon and mostly search for food in the late afternoon (17:00 to 19:00). Therefore, feeding them around 16:00 to 17:00 is ideal. A regular feeding schedule helps turtles get the nutrients they need.

Water requirements for raising baby turtles

The water for raising turtles should not be too much or too deep. Generally, a depth of 2 to 3 centimeters, level with the turtle’s shell, is enough. Whether to change the water depends on its cleanliness—replace it whenever it becomes polluted or cloudy. Change the water more frequently in summer but less often in winter, especially during hibernation.

When temperatures start to drop in autumn, place the tank or basin in a warm, sunny spot sheltered from the wind. For weak or sick turtles, keep the water temperature around 20°C during colder months to help them recover. You can use a 100 to 150-watt incandescent bulb to gently warm the water.

The impact of temperature on baby turtles

It’s incorrect to say that turtles are cold-blooded; they are actually ectothermic animals, meaning their body temperature changes with their environment. When the water temperature drops below 15°C, turtles will lie still at the bottom of the water and begin hibernation. As temperatures rise above 15°C in late spring and early summer, they become active and start feeding. The ideal temperature for turtles is between 25°C and 30°C. When the temperature exceeds 35°C, they may stop eating due to discomfort. Therefore, their peak feeding period is from June to August, while their appetite decreases before May and after September.

During hibernation, turtles should not be fully submerged in water. Instead, they should be placed in moist sand or soil, with the environment kept at around 15°C (not too warm). When temperatures rise to 20°C in April of the following year, you can start feeding them again.

What are effective measures for disease prevention and hibernation care?

Disease Prevention:

Disinfection: Regularly clean turtles with a potassium permanganate solution to prevent infections.
Medicated Feed: Add a small amount of oxytetracycline or furazolidone to their food to help prevent diseases.
Protection from Predators: Guard against threats from mice, snakes, cats, and other predators that may harm turtles.

Hibernation Period:

Turtles typically begin eating in early April. Their feeding activity peaks from June to August and stops when temperatures drop below 18°C. When temperatures fall below 15°C, turtles enter hibernation, which usually lasts from November to April of the following year. However, this may vary depending on the species.

In late March of the following year, when temperatures rise to around 18–19°C, turtles start eating again. Initial Feeding Tips:

Offer small amounts of high-quality food.
Ensure the environment temperature does not drop below 15°C after feeding to prevent digestive issues.

As temperatures gradually rise and stabilize, increase the amount of food accordingly. Periodically add antibiotics like oxytetracycline to their diet. For baby turtles weighing less than 50 grams, supplement their diet with calcium to prevent bone softening (metabolic bone disease).

By following these steps, you can ensure your turtles stay healthy and thrive through all seasons.

What to do if your turtle isn’t eating?

Hibernation:
- If the temperature is below 13°C, turtles naturally enter hibernation and stop eating. This is normal behavior.
- If your turtle has an eye infection and cannot see, it may not find its food. Check its health and treat any eye issues promptly.
Health Issues:
- If your turtle isn’t eating, it may have digestive problems or another illness. It’s best to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Baby Turtles:
- Very small turtles may stop eating and go into dormancy due to hunger. However, dormancy can be dangerous for small turtles, as they may not wake up. Feed them regularly to prevent dormancy. Once they grow larger than a matchbox, they usually start eating on their own.
Other Reasons for Not Eating:
- Unfamiliar Environment: Turtles may not eat if they’re stressed by a new environment. Give them time to adjust.
- Cold Weather: Turtles eat less or stop eating in cold temperatures. Ensure the environment is warm enough.
- Poor-Quality Food: If the turtle food is stale or unappetizing, your turtle may refuse to eat. Try fresh, high-quality food.
- Picky Eaters: Turtles accustomed to eating live prey (like fish or shrimp) may reject other foods. Gradually introduce a balanced diet to avoid picky eating habits.

By addressing these factors, you can encourage your turtle to eat and ensure its health and well-being.

What do baby turtles eat?