Are You Thinking About Adopting an African Sideneck Turtle as a Pet? They are hardy creatures that can reach 25 years of age, and can be purchased from reputable breeders or pet stores for around $50 to $100.
The adorable turtle features an endearing, upturned mouth that forms an irresistibly charming permanent smile, reaching lengths between eight to 12 inches in the wild.
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Insects
African sideneck turtles are popular aquatic pets that can live for decades. These remarkable reptiles earn their name by not being able to tuck their head under its shell like other turtles do, giving it its unique appearance.
Sideneck turtles are omnivorous animals in their natural environment and will feed on insects, plants, and fish without restrictions or limitations. Therefore, it’s essential that your sideneck turtle receives a variety of food items so it doesn’t become over-dependant on any single one – this could result in nutritional deficiencies resulting in illness or sickness for your turtle.
An appropriate diet for turtles includes commercial turtle pellets, romaine lettuce, collard greens, grated zucchini and squash as well as grated carrots. Furthermore, calcium and Vitamin A powder supplements should also be given regularly.
Fish
Sideneck turtles in their native environment are omnivorous feeders, feeding off all forms of vegetation, fish and insects they come across. When kept as pets in captivity it’s essential that we provide an assortment of foods in order to prevent one type from dominating over time.
Additionally to commercial turtle pellets, your turtle should also receive some high-protein foods such as mealworms, earthworms and freeze-dried shrimp as a supplementary diet. These will provide essential supplemental proteins necessary for its health and welfare.
As with other reptiles, sidenecks are vulnerable to health issues that threaten them. Common examples are metabolic bone disease (MBD), swollen eyes and calcium or vitamin D deficiencies.
Vegetables
As sideneck turtles mature, their diet will gradually transition away from insects and toward plant-based materials like leafy greens such as spinach, romaine lettuce, collard greens, and kale – ideal sources for transition.
Small freshwater fish like guppies and mollies provide essential protein. Turtles will benefit from having some fish as part of their diet as it adds variety and keeps their appetite satisfied.
Provide your sideneck turtle with foods rich in both nutrients and minerals to promote proper eating and hydration, establish a feeding schedule to facilitate proper digestion, and provide necessary calcium/vitamin supplementation.
Fruits
An important factor in maintaining the health of any turtle is diet. Commercial turtle pellets and fresh fruits such as apples, melon and strawberries are good options to provide your turtle with nutrients; in addition, pet stores often stock high protein foods like worms or crickets for sale.
African sideneck turtles in their natural environment feed on insects and aquatic organisms for protein. Replicating this diet in captivity should be replicated – you can purchase mealworms, roaches, earthworms and freeze-dried fish at most pet stores.
Vegetables like bok choy and collard greens should only be fed sparingly to your pet as too many may lead to kidney disease and goiter.
Nuts
African sideneck turtles are omnivorous animals in their natural environments, eating insects, plants and fish in large quantities as well as protein-rich foods like earthworms, clams and snails – so providing an appropriate diet in captivity is also key.
Your pet should receive a combination of commercial turtle pellets, cooked meat strips and dark leafy greens in his diet, with carrot tops, radish tops and parsley added for increased vitamin content. Vegetables should make up 20%-40% of his daily food intake – it is recommended that they are chopped into small pieces prior to placing into their tank at nighttime.
Eggs
African sideneck turtles are omnivores (OM-ih-vore) in the wild, meaning they feed on both plants and animals. When young, their diet tends towards insects and protein-based sources; as they mature further they become more interested in plant material for sustenance.
Their long necks allow them to tuck their heads under one of the shoulders on their lower shells known as plastron (PLAS-trun). Furthermore, these creatures possess glands along their sides which produce an unpleasant scent to warn off predators.
Turtles make the ideal pets for beginner aquarists and can live for decades with proper care. Just make sure to work closely with an exotic animal vet in recreating as much of their natural environment as possible.