Turtles have a diverse diet and can be fed various types of food. There are mainly three categories: animal-based feeds, plant-based feeds, and mixed feeds. In some regions, quail feed and fish feed are also used effectively for turtles.
1. **Animal Feed**: It's best to provide as much animal-based food as possible. This includes insects like crickets, mealworms, and snails, as well as small fish, shellfish, and animal by-products such as pig blood, organ meats, and even moths or other insects (which can be caught using black light at night). Freshness is crucial when feeding animals; avoid spoiled or contaminated food, especially dead fish or shrimp that may have been exposed to pesticides. Also, limit the amount of high-fat foods, as they can be harmful over time. All animal-based feeds should be chopped into small pieces before serving.
2. **Plant Feed**: The range of plant-based foods is wide. You can use locally available ingredients such as corn, wheat, rice, sorghum, beans, and even fruits and vegetables like pumpkins, watermelon rinds, apple peels, and leafy greens. Hard vegetables should be soaked in water first to soften them, and if possible, cooked for better digestion. All plant-based feeds should be chopped into smaller pieces before being given to turtles.
3. **Mixed Feed**: Mixed feeds offer balanced nutrition and are usually formulated for different growth stages—juvenile, sub-adult, and adult. While there are standard formulas, research on turtle feed formulation is still evolving.
- **Juvenile Turtle Feed Formula**: 77% fishmeal, 2% brewer’s yeast, 18% α-starch, 1% blood meal, 1% vitamin complex, and 1% mineral salt.
- **Sub-Adult Turtle Feed Formula**: 70% fishmeal, 5% silkworm cocoon powder, 1% brewer’s yeast, 20% α-starch, 1% blood meal, 1% multivitamin, and 1% mineral salt.
- **Adult Turtle Feed Formula 1**: 70% fishmeal, 22% α-potato starch, 3% brewer’s yeast, 1% multivitamin, 3% dicalcium phosphate, and 1% mineral salt.
- **Adult Turtle Feed Formula 2**: 67% fishmeal, 2% glutathione, 3% brewer’s yeast, 22% α-potato starch, 4.4% soybean cake protein (50%), 1% multivitamin, 0.3% choline chloride (50%), and 0.3% mineral salt.
**Feeding Practices**: The feeding schedule depends on the water temperature throughout the year. In summer, when temperatures are high, more protein-rich food is recommended. In autumn, when the water is cooler, slightly higher fat content is beneficial. From spring until mid-April, feed once daily between 8–9 AM, with the portion size around 5–10% of the turtle’s body weight (including water content). Starting in May, feed twice a day—at 9 AM and 3 PM. When the water temperature exceeds 33°C in summer, feed in the late afternoon, around 5–10 PM, with portions up to 7–10% of the turtle’s weight. During the fall, reduce feeding slightly, and during equinox periods, switch back to one feeding per day. For dry mixed feeds, the usual amount is about 3% of the turtle’s total weight. Always ensure that the food is consumed within two hours, and adjust the next day’s feeding based on what was eaten.
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