Question: I've inherited a turtle, a red-eared slider. What do we feed it? Answer: We tend not to see many turtles in practice in New Zealand. From my information it appears that adult turtles can be fed every two to three days. They are omnivores and so need a mixture ofanimal and plant material. A quarter of the diet should be animal protein. This may include cooked chicken and lean beef, aquatic snails, earthworms and crickets. If commercially formulated turtle food can be found, it may comprise another 25 per cent of the diet. Greens, such as dandelion leaves and green beans, may be fed. Carrots can also be fed, if grated, as may apples and melon. Bananas and berries can also be fed chopped. A reptile vitamin and mineral supplement should be added once weekly and cuttlefish bone should be offered (broken up and floated on the water of the tank) to provide extra calcium. Environment is important for these turtles and you need a proper tank, heating and light system. Check for further information on the net by searching under exotic pets. I believe there are some interest groups that you may like to become involved with. Dr Elsa Flint is a veterinarian and animal behaviourist in practice at Shore Vets, Devonport.
