Help Your Pet Turtle Live A Healthy Life
Welcome to the internet’s most comprehensive resource for answering the question, “What Do Turtles Eat?“.
Nowhere else will you find current, insightful, and accurate information to keep a pet turtle well fed and healthy.
Turtles are a very popular pet and because they can live for a long time, it is important to care for them properly. Done right, your little friend can live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life for years to come.
But of course we believe that all turtles are created equal so you’ll often find us talking about our tortoises friends as well. After all, they get hungry too.
So look no further to answer the question of what do turtles eat.
Look how happy these guys are after visiting “What Do Turtles Eat?”
Types of Turtles
As I’m sure you’re aware, there are many times of turtles in the world. It is estimated there are over 300 species alive today. They are found around the world except in colder, harsh environments where their cold blooded bodies would not survive.
Although most are known for their hard shells and beaks, there are many variations, colors, sizes, and shapes. Some preferring freshwater and some preferring salt water.
Below you’ll find a list of some of the more well known species. And of course as more care sheets are added, so too will this list grow. If you have any suggestions for what do turtles eat be sure to let us know.
- Alabama Red-Bellied Turtle - Pseudemys alabamensis
- Alligator Snapping Turtle - Macrochelys temminckii
- Eastern Box Turtle - Terrapene carolina
- Eastern Painted Turtle - Chrysemys picta
- Galapagos Tortoises - Chelonoidis nigra
- Green Sea Turtles - Chelonia mydas
- Leatherback Sea Turtle - Dermochelys coriacea
- Mississippi Map Turtle - Graptemys kohnii
- Pig-Nosed Turtle - Carettochelys insculpta
- Red-Eared Slider - Trachemys scripta
Examples Of What You’ll Find Here
About Red Eared Sliders
Although they are certainly not an endangered species, FDA regulation title 21 prohibits the purchase of turtle eggs and turtles which have a carapace (shell) length of less than 4 inches.
This ban was introduced in 1975 as a way to curtail the issue of Salmonella infections in children.
Keep in mind, this is becuase wild turtles had been being found and picked up by children. As with every pet, it is best to wash your hands right after enjoying or handling your turtle. Red eared sliders are no different.
About Green Sea Turtles
Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) are one of the most majestic animals in the ocean. And although you may never ask what do turtles eat in regards to a pet green sea turtle, these sea creatures are still worthy of the attention as a peaceful marine turtle.
Green sea turtles are one of the largest species of turtles in the world. They can grow to be as much as 5 feet long and weigh up to 500 pounds!
Like most turtles, they can live a long and healthy life ranging from 40-50 years and possibly up to 100 years.
They are well adapted to marine life with large flippers and lungs capable of holding their breath for 5 hours underwater.
Unfortunately their popularity is somewhat of a problem for the sea turtle species as a whole.
These turtles are currently on the Endangered Species List because of over fishing, accidental death in fishing gear, habitat loss, water pollution, and excessive collection of turtles and their eggs for human consumption.
About Eastern Painted Turtles
The Eastern Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta picta) is one of the most widespread turtles native to North America.
Not only that but painted turtles are generally the second most popular pet turtle in the USA, right behind the red eared slider.
They are so popular in fact, that four (4) U.S. states have named the painted turtle their official reptile. Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, and Vermont have all officially voted them in.
Like other aquatic turtles, eastern painted turtles are hardy pets and when in the wild, can live for as long as 55 years.
As a pet, it is not uncommon to have a eastern painted turtle for 30+ years.
