How to Properly Feed Your Aquatic Turtles ~ Eastern Painted, Hieroglyphic Cooter & Mississippi Map

Aquatic turtles need to eat in the water to be able to swallow. If you put food on land, they might eat it there but most likely will haul it into the water. Thus, you should be present as your turtle eats and remove any uneaten food after ten to fifteen minutes. Live animals can be left with the turtle if they are aquatic. Any land animals (insects mostly) not eaten in five minutes should be removed and put back in their accommodations for the next try. Baby turtles need to be offered food daily while some adults may only need food two to three times a week. I feel more comfortable offering them something each day.

Newly-acquired turtles may be shy and may not eat at first. They are more likely to eat if you do not watch them so this is one case where you would not try to watch them eat.

Many aquatic turtle owners feed their turtles in a container separate from their main tank. The turtles are left for about an hour in a tub of shallow, warm water. During this time, they eat their fruits, vegetables, meats, etc. and make a big mess. The shallow, warm water, as well as just providing a place to eat, causes them to defecate during this time. When they are done, they return to the main tank which remains clean. This is done every 2-4 days depending on how often the turtles have to eat. If fed in the main tank, it becomes more fouled.

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[22CobraKing]

Ca they eat pink salmon

[SteeleTate]

@22CobraKing ~ I think so. It probably won't hurt them. Thanks!

[SteeleTate]

Awesome, MM's like heavy currents because they mainly live in rivers. Mine seems to like Tetrafauna Repto Treat which is Dried baby shrimp. You can get it at any pet store. I highly recommend that. They should do fine together. Thanks!

[flightlevelerjax]

Thank you for the advise and I might get one of the cooters it has a great shell

[SteeleTate]

@flightlevelerjax ~ Yes, that is why I got him! They are great Turtles and VERY cheap! I got Jack for only $10 at my local reptile expo. Thanks!

[Richerxiong562]

I have red ear slider about 2 inches and I feed him reptoMin baby but he doesn't eat I had him for one month and all he does is bask and sleep do u know wats wrong with him

[SteeleTate]

@Richerxiong562 ~ You should try a different type of food like lettuce, spinach, or Dried Krill. I hope that helps! Thanks!

[flightlevelerjax]

Hey Steeltate in stead of getting the cooter (couldn't find one) I got a Mississippi map any care tips and do you think he'll be fine with my red eared slider?

[SteeleTate]

@Eyemanisha ~ I am not sure. My Turtles have never done that. Sorry, you should probably take him to the vet! Thanks!