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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?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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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.

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