What do box turtles eat for food?

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The box turtle is known for the hinged lower shell that completely protects the turtle when it retracts into the shell. The American box turtle population has begun to drop due to habitat loss and capture. It is recommended that you purchase your box turtle from a rescue or a breeder to help avoid the unnecessary capture of a wild box turtle.

Water

Turtles need water to drink and wade in everyday. This water should be changed each day because turtles defecate in the same water that they swim. Tap water is fine, as long as it is not cold water.

Live Food

Turtles will eat earthworms, slugs, meal worms, pinky mice, crickets, snails and night crawlers.

Meat

Young turtles need more protein than adults, and good options are finely chopped chicken or raw beef hearts. As the turtles age, animal protein should make up about 10 percent of their daily intake. You can also use canned dog and cat food made mostly of chicken.

Fruit

Turtles are motivated by color, so strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, blackberries, cherries, plums and cantaloupe with the rind are all good choices.

Vegetables

A salad of shredded carrots, shredded orange squash, green beans and sweet peppers can be offered at every meal along with an animal protein.

Source:

Diet and Feeding Your Box Turtle

General Care of American Box Turtles

Herp Care Collection Box Turtles

More Information:

Box Turtle Fact Sheet

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What do box turtles eat for food?

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