Question 1

What do box turtles eat in the wild?

Accepted Answer

Wild box turtles' diet is varied and depends largely on their home territory, the season, and even their age. Box turtles will eat vegetation like berries, flowers, and roots. A baby box turtle often does most of its hunting in the water and will eat small amphibians, fish, insects, eggs, and larvae. A baby turtle and young Box Turtles will refer to eating meat over vegetables. On the other hand, an adult box turtle tends to spend most of its time searching for food on land and, as such, has a more herbivorous diet, though adult box turtles may still eat various insects like grasshoppers, worms, slugs, or beetles.

Question 2

What should you feed a pet box turtle?

Accepted Answer

Pet box turtles should be fed a diet with a similar variety that they would find in the wild. Depending on the pet box turtle's age, health, and breed, they should be fed a mix of vegetation and protein or animal-sourced food. The vegetation should mostly consist of veggies and leafy greens, with only very small amounts of fruit. Box turtles may also enjoy and benefit from some flowers added to their diet. Whether or not you supply animal-sourced proteins will depend largely on the specific species of box turtle as well as its age and any health conditions. For turtle owners looking for additional supplementation, there are a few considerations. Reptile pellets are a great way to ensure your turtle gets the minimum necessary nutrients.

Question 3

What vegetables and greens can box turtles eat?

Accepted Answer

The vegetation should mostly consist of veggies and leafy greens, with only very small amounts of fruit. Acceptable veggies and greens include most dark leafy greens like spinach or kale, mustard greens, collard greens, parsley, swiss chard, bok choy, turnip greens, alfalfa hay, broccoli, watercress, red or green cabbage, cilantro, bell peppers, and green beans. Box turtles can also occasionally be fed cactus, squash, cooked sweet potato, okra, cucumbers, mushrooms, carrots, peas, and corn. Avoid light green leafy greens since these are often not as nutrient-dense.

Question 4

What fruits can box turtles eat?

Accepted Answer

Fruits should be offered in small amounts as their sugar content makes them more popular and a bit less healthy. Acceptable fruits include apples, strawberries, raspberries, pears, mangos, grapes, bananas with the skin on, peaches, tomatoes, kiwis, figs, apricots, and raisins.

Question 5

What protein and animal-sourced foods can box turtles eat?

Accepted Answer

For pet owners who do want to provide a source of protein, you can offer cooked or raw chunks of beef heart, or chicken. Other meats and animal proteins include minnows and hard-boiled eggs. Insects are another way to provide protein, and grasshoppers, crickets, mealworms, moths, slugs or snails, beetles, caterpillars, and earthworms all make great choices. To reduce the risk of secondhand poisoning by pesticides and chemicals, any live insects should be raised by the owner rather than caught wild. You can also obtain insects from pet stores and bait shops.

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