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What do I feed my African side neck turtle and how to set up its tank?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

I recently got a helmeted African side neck turtle and i'm not sure what to feed it and use to decorate its tank.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on February 10th, 2018

Sideneck turtles are omnivorous. You can offer earthworms, crickets, beef heart, feeder fish, collard greens, spinach, dandelion greens and mixed vegetables. Feed an adult as much as can be eaten in about a minute every other day. Juveniles should be fed more frequently. Decorate with rocks and logs to provide a means of getting into and out of the water for basking purposes. Gravel or sand can be used as substrate. A filter is necessary to maintain water quality. The tank should, ideally, be at least 55 gallons depending on Hanible's size.

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