Diamondback terrapin food eat diet
The upper shell in itself is usually black or brown in color, while the plastron (lower portion) is normally yellow or green. Its mouth has a white patch on it, akin to a milk moustache. In terms of size, males are smaller at only about 4 to 6 inches, while females grow to 9 inches. The best diet for adults is a mixture of commercial food. Diamondback Terrapin Turtle: Habitat Diamondback terrapins can be found along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, from Cape Cod to Texas. I would offer them a small amount of pellets everyother and I also feed them whole smelt two times a week. Diamondback Terrapin Turtle - Information on the Facts, Habitat, Diet and Lifespan of Diamondback Terrapins In 1994, the diamondback terrapin turtle, scientifically termed as Malaclemys terrapin, was designated as the official reptile of Maryland, United States. Diamondback Terrapin Turtle: Information The diamondback terrapin, as its name suggests, has diamond shaped circular patterns on each scute of its carapace. It has an otherwise whitish skin that bears black spots or blotches. Home About Search Tank Setups Feeding Feeding Hatchlings Feeding Juveniles Feeding Adults Feeding A Fresh Hatchling Trouble Feeding A Hatchling Force Feeding How Do They Drink Saltwater Separate Feeding Container Stopped Eating Commercial Food Breeding Health Issues Subspecies Pictures.
As mentioned earlier, these are the only turtles that live in brackish waters. This was because the meat of the terrapin was considered a delicacy, eaten as terrapin soup. It is hoped that the numbers will improve, but it is uncertain as to whether they will ever be as populated as they were before the 1700s. In the spring when they first come out from hibernation I feed them everyday but by May I switch two feeding them every other day. It can be nearly impossible to get an adult wild caught to eat pellets. Males are born in cooler nests, while a warmer nest results in females. If you are working with turtles that only will eat seafood I would suggest feeding them frozen smelt. I had a couple that continue refuse to touch it even after six years of watching all the other diamondback terrapins eat pellets. Although new laws and legislation have allowed for the repopulation of this turtle, even today, it faces a wide variety of threats like limited habitat, presence of vehicular traffic that runs over turtles attempting to cross roads in search of a place to lay eggs, etc. Most wild caught diamondback terrapins will refuse commercial food. Many years ago I use to rehab wild caught diamondback terrapins and nearly all refused to eat pellets.
