Painted Turtle
Chrysemys picta
Most widespread native turtle in North America. Semi-aquatic omnivore — slightly more carnivorous than sliders, especially as juveniles (up to 60% protein). Adults still need substantial plant matter. Brumates underwater in outdoor ponds in winter.
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Safe to feed(14)
Earthworms
Lumbricus terrestris
Juveniles: 2–3 times per week. Adults: once per week.
Feeder Fish
Poecilia reticulata
Once or twice per week for adults.
Blueberries
Vaccinium corymbosum
A few pieces 1–2 times per week.
Dandelion Greens
Taraxacum officinale
Adults: daily greens offering. Juveniles: daily alongside protein.
Endive
Cichorium endivia
Include regularly in plant rotation.
Duckweed
Lemna sp.
Can be kept live in tank and grazed freely.
Water Lettuce
Pistia stratiotes
Continuous access.
Mustard Greens
Brassica juncea
Adults: 2–3 times per week. Juveniles: offer alongside other greens.
Romaine Lettuce
Lactuca sativa var. longifolia
Offer freely as an easy-to-accept green. Mix with higher-nutrition greens.
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Keep live in tank for continuous grazing.
Water Hyacinth
Eichhornia crassipes
Float in tank as an occasional grazing option.
Crickets
Acheta domesticus
Juveniles: twice per week. Adults: once per week.
Aquatic Turtle Pellets
Juveniles: daily, 2–3 pellets per inch of shell. Adults: every 2–3 days.
Collard Greens
Brassica oleracea var. viridis
Adults: 2–3 times per week. Juveniles: daily or every other day.
Feed with caution(4)
Mealworms
Tenebrio molitor
Once per week maximum, small number. Not a staple protein source.
Spinach
Spinacia oleracea
Avoid or maximum once per month, small amount.
Kale
Brassica oleracea var. acephala
Once per week maximum.
Beet Greens
Beta vulgaris var. conditiva
Avoid or maximum once per month, small amount.