I haven't been on this board in quite a while, but checked it today and saw this question. Just wanted to say, that with time, the turtles will come out on their own to eat when they hear you outside. I have an outdoor pen as well as a turtle that lives under our shed. All of my turtles hear me when I am out in the yard and they come out from wherever they are to be fed. If by chance they don't hear me, I just make a ttt-ttt sound and they will all come out looking to be fed. Have a good day! ....9boxies