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How to get my baby turtle to eat pellets instead of just mealworms?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My baby Mississippi Map Turtle will only eat mealworms and refuses to eat anything else. What Can I do to encourage him to eat his pellets?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on December 17th, 2017

Make sure temps are high enough for him. Low temps can affect appetite and digestion in reptiles. Withhold mealworms for a day then offer bits of pellets. You can grind up mealworms and coat the pellets before feeding. Offer other prey as well. Make sure they aren't too big and gut load them for 24 hours prior to offering to maximize nutritional value.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on October 27th, 2018
Check the water quality and temperature. Low temps can affect appetite in reptiles. Mealworms and pellets are just part of a balanced diet. He should be getting fresh greens and other vegetables as well. Vitamin and calcium supplementation is essential. Make sure any food offered is diced small enough for him to eat. Dust everything with a multivitamin and a calcium supplement. The best time to offer greens and pellets is about an hour after the heat lamp turns on in the morning. You can review slider care at the link below.

http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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