Q&A for How to Feed a Red‐Eared Slider Turtle

Try feeding it something different. They love centipedes and worms. If that doesn't work, try crickets. If all else fails, call a vet.

Pet red-eared sliders will feed on just about anything you give them, but it is recommend that you feed them a commercial turtle food or pellet for proper growth and health benefits. On occasion, you can offer them leafy greens, freeze-dried shrimp or krill, crickets, superworms, rosy red minnows, and even pinky mice.

Yes. You can feed crickets to your turtle.

Without images, I can't make a conclusion. It could be shell rot if the fuzzy stuff is coming from its shell. It could also be water mold, which is harmless.

I have two reds; I feed them plenty and they still do this. It is a natural thing, he is fine.

First of all, see a vet! Injuries and infections can be fatal. A deformed shell can indicate rachitis and other illnesses. Your turtle needs a balanced diet, the right light spectrum, and clean water to develop a healthy shell.

You should take your turtle to your closest exotic vet. Turtles eat a lot, and if she hasn't eaten there's something wrong.

Yes, but you should and can feed her in her tank. If you don't want spillage, you can feed her in a separate container if needed.

Turtles do eat their own feces and it is absolutely normal behaviour for them to do so. Like rabbits, they do this to properly digest the vegetable.

Yes, it is good exercise, but make sure nothing can hurt him if you can't supervise him at all times (close dishwashers, remove electrical cords, etc.).

Yes, dandelions are actually a recommended food for them. They can be fed clover but not on a regular basis.

Try to stop the bleeding by placing a towel over it an pressing very gently. If you are afraid you will hurt him, let a vet do it. But there is really no reason to worry unless he is losing a lot of blood, in which case take him to the vet.

You can give him a few pinches of his food, and as he grows older, you can give him a handful. Never feed your turtle more than he needs, no matter how badly you want to!

No, just make sure you don't keep two males in the same enclosure as they can be very territorial, and will likely fight each other to death. But two females will be a good choice as they will not fight over it. Turtles are usually very friendly creatures and enjoy eating together.

You can feed him ten to twenty, depending on the size of the pellets. As he gets older, you can feed him thirty to forty pellets (again, depending on the size).

Do it gradually, so as to not upset their stomachs. Add in some of the new food into the old food, adding more of the new food and less of the old food until you are just feeding the new food.

Yes, you can feed your turtle carrots, but if she still won't eat veggies, talk to a vet.

Yes, it is normal, but no, it's not okay. Next time, try to remove the eggs before she can eat them.

Bring him to a vet who specializes in reptiles. The vet may recommend force feeding. Ask the vet to show you exactly how to force feed so that you are less likely to make a mistake.

Try feeding him/her more meat, like tiny fish, crickets, and mealworms. If you live somewhere with cold winters, turtles will tend to sleep through the winter if there is no heat lamp and UVB lamp.

A lot of turtles do this, they like to see what is outside, and get excited with their owner shows up.

Give your turtle some time to adjust to its new environment. Any animal, when removed from its habitat, requires some time to adjust to its new habitat. So, give your turtle at least a day's time to adjust to its new environment. If two days have passed, still your turtle isn't eating anything, take it to the vet. Your turtle might be sick.

No need to worry for right now, he just really wants to be near you. Keep an eye out for blood smears on the glass though. If you see that, then contact a vet or professional reptile worker. If he has a small tank, then he might need a bigger one as well.

Red eared sliders do eat their own poop. It's a normal part of their life and it won't harm them.

Feed it caterpillars every 2 to 3 days. Babies don't eat much, and it will take one or two days for your baby turtle to adjust into its own environment before it feels comfortable enough to begin eating.

Turtles don't eat carrots. Feed it crickets and caterpillars instead.

No, vary what they eat, and also feed them every 2 days. Turtles prefer caterpillars and small crickets.

This is normal for a turtle, they only eat 2 through 3 times a week. If he doesn't eat after 2 weeks consult an expert on reptilian behavior.

Your turtle is probably in brumation. Brumation is basically hibernation, but for reptiles. However, they wake up to eat and poop. They sleep a lot during this time. This is likely the case if it is winter. If the turtle is new, this could also be the cause. It could still be getting used to its new home.

Your turtle is probably in brumation. Brumation is basically hibernation, but for reptiles. However, they wake up to eat and poop. In my experience, however, my turtle did not eat very much during her brumation. This is likely the case if it is winter. Also check to see if there is anything unusual about it, that might indicate that it's sick.