Baby turtles do eat in water. Just like adult turtles, baby turtles are aquatic animals and they are adapted to eating and swallowing their food underwater. This is because their natural diet consists of aquatic plants, insects, small fish, and other small aquatic organisms that are found in their natural habitats like ponds, rivers, and lakes.
When baby turtles are kept as pets, it is important to mimic their natural feeding behavior to ensure their health and well-being. Feeding them in water helps facilitate this behavior and allows them to eat comfortably.
To feed baby turtles in water, you can set up a separate small aquarium or tank filled with warm water. The water level should be shallow enough for the baby turtle to easily reach the surface for air, but deep enough for them to be able to fully submerge their head to eat.
When feeding baby turtles in water, you can offer them a variety of foods. Commercial turtle pellets are a popular choice and provide a balanced diet for growing turtles. These pellets usually float on the water’s surface, making it easier for the baby turtle to locate and consume them.
Additionally, you can also offer small pieces of aquatic plants, such as duckweed or water lettuce, as these provide important nutrients and fiber for the baby turtle’s diet. Live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia can also be offered as occasional treats to provide variety and enrichment.
It is important to note that baby turtles have different dietary requirements compared to adult turtles. They need more protein for growth, so their diet should consist of a higher proportion of animal-based foods. As they grow older, their diet can gradually shift to include more plant matter.
Feeding baby turtles in a separate tank of water has the added benefit of helping to keep their main tank clean. Baby turtles can be messy eaters, and by providing a separate feeding tank, any leftover food or waste will be contained in the water of the feeding tank, reducing the amount of debris in their main tank.
In my personal experience, I have found that feeding baby turtles in water not only helps keep their tanks cleaner but also provides them with a more natural feeding experience. It is fascinating to watch them swim and eat underwater, and it gives them the opportunity to exhibit their natural behaviors.
Feeding baby turtles in water is an important aspect of their care and helps promote their health and well-being. By replicating their natural feeding behavior, we can ensure that they receive the proper nutrition and enjoy a clean and comfortable environment.