How long to feed turtle

[Ridinandreptiles]

Hey guys I just got an adorable little box turtle. I was wondering if the standard "let them settle in for a week" before feeding like with snakes and lizards is still applicable, or if I should feed sooner. He's so little, it seems like 2-3 days would be more appropriate. But those who know, please enlighten me

[John1982]

I feed my boxies every day.

[John1982]

I feed roughly 50% protein(boiled chicken/eggs, earthworms, roaches, crickets, f/t pinkies, etc), 30% fruit, with the remaining 20% being a fairly even split between veggies, greens, fungi. In order to get them to eat a varied diet it's easiest to just dice everything up and mix it together. I recommend earthworms for an animal still settling in. Chopped up worms will continue wiggling for a while and seldom fail to get a box turtle's attention.

These are naturally seclusive animals and it could take a while before yours is comfortable enough to come out and start eating in your presence. They're also largely crepuscular so offer food in the early morning or late evening. They do best in heavily planted, outdoor enclosures and require a fair bit more space than one might guess from their size.

Best of luck and please share pictures when you get a chance.

[Ridinandreptiles]

I will share a few pictures later tonight. I gave him a few red worms and he was not hesitant like I originally thought he may be. I'm glad you clarified they can eat boiled chicken/eggs. I was searching about that yesterday. Thank you

[Ridinandreptiles]

Here's the little dude - so cute. He is in a Rubbermaid for now but j plan on building a turtle table when he grows up a bit.


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[John1982]

He is a wee little thing, good luck!

[DennisM]

Cute little guy. I've never kept turtles, so this is a question, not a criticism: I see a thorny succulent in the enclosure, might this be a problem? I get some pretty decent stab wounds from mine while gardening occasionally.

[Ridinandreptiles]

No it isn't a problem. I have them outside with my Sulcata. Even though this turtle wouldn't come from an area with this plant, the Aloe Vera is turtle-safe (:

[Ridinandreptiles]

John - how do you trick em into eating their veggies and now just picking out the meat?

[John1982]

Try making a puree of the veggies and then stirring in the chopped up protein.