What to Feed Diamond Back Terrapin Turtles

Diamondback turtles, scientifically known as Malaclemys terrapin, are known for their distinctive markings, which make them more beautiful and vibrant compared to other turtles that are native to the United States. If you own a diamondback turtle, you will definitely want to know what to feed it so that its nutritional needs are met and your pet turtle remains in premium health.

  1. Feeding Hatchling Diamondback Turtles

    • Start feeding diamondback turtle hatchlings on frozen bloodworms, but slowly introduce them to commercial turtle food. By the time they are 3 to 4 weeks old, hatchlings' main diet should be commercial turtle food. Feeding a mixture of a couple of commercial food brands is advocated by Diamondback Terrapin World.

    Feeding Juvenile Diamondback Turtles

    • Juvenile diamondback turtles are more than 3 inches long, but smaller than adult turtles. They do well on commercial turtle food and occasionally you can treat them with small fish, such as smelt. They are voracious eaters and will continue to feed as long as they keep getting food. Restrict feeding time to 15 minutes, once a day.

    Feeding Adult Diamondback Turtles

    • In the wild, diamondback turtles live on shrimp, clams, snails, small fish and crabs. They are mainly carnivorous, but some are known to eat vegetation. In captivity, adult terrapins eat small fish, such as smelt, and commercial turtle food. Freeze the fish as soon as possible. It helps in killing parasites. However, freezing destroys the Vitamin E and Vitamin B1 content in the fish. If the turtles are not eating commercial turtle food and living just on thawed fish, crush some Vitamin E and Vitamin B1 pills and stuff into the thawed fish. Both vitamins are essential for diamondback turtles' health. Adult diamondbacks can be fed a whole range of seafood, such as shrimp, clams, aquatic snails and krill.

    When to Feed

    • Hatchlings should be fed twice a day. Feed the hatchlings as much as they can eat in 15 minutes. Once they reach 3 inches in length, they are considered juveniles; reduce the feeding to once a day for 15 minutes. Feed adult diamondback turtles every other day. Adult female diamondbacks have a tendency to put on weight, and this should be avoided, as it can be fatal. Adult diamondback terrapins tend to crush everything they eat with their jaws, which can make their water dirty quickly. It is advisable to feed them out of their tank to keep the water clean.