In honor of World Turtle Day: strawberries!

Although I tend to think everyday is World Turtle Day in my backyard, I decided to help my turtle herd celebrate with some fresh strawberries. They’re in season now and a local farm is organic, so I picked up some.

Most herbivorous and omnivorous turtles and tortoises are attracted to bright colors. Red and yellow tend to attract them best so I like to get bright colored fruits and veggies as a part of their regular diet.

Scents are important, too. Pearl, my leopard tortoise, likes some rose blossoms but not all. She likes First Prize and Double Delight best even though First Prize is pink and Double Delight is white with bright red edges. Both are fragrant roses and Pearl always sniffs the roses before eating them (not that Pearl is spoiled or anything).

What chelonians eat as adults often depends on what they eat when very young. If they eat a variety of foods as hatchlings and juveniles, they will eat a variety of foods as adults. I can often trick some picky eaters into trying new foods but it can be tough.

Fredalina and Ethel, who joined my herd a few weeks ago, have already learned that I’m the source of food and come charging towards me. They both love strawberries and Ethel even grabbed one and ran off with it.

I know Onyx, my geriatric girl, loves these and chowed down. I couldn’t get a photo of The Old Man, who joined the herd early last year, as he’s still very shy. But his appetite is great. Everyone else, including Topaz, Uno, and the rest of the herd, were very happy with strawberries.

Fredalina and Ethel were beloved pets when they joined my herd but unfortunately, they are the exception. Doing rescue work can be heart breaking at times because often the turtles are in horrible shape. The Old Man is lucky; he’s doing very well. Although still shy, he’s eating well, has gained weight, and this spring is even courting one of the female box turtles.

On a sadder note, I took in a female box turtle rescue a few weeks ago who was in bad shape. She crossed the Rainbow Bridge this past weekend. She had been found as a stray, and had been chewed on by dogs or coyotes on more than one occasion. She was also very lightweight. I got her to veterinary care. We medicated her, soaked her, and gave her fluids. I tempted her with every food I know box turtles like but she was past eating. I’m so sorry, Little Girl, I wish you had found me sooner.

All photos by Liz Palika.

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