Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok, so I built my turtles an outdoor pen with lots of dirt and leaves to dig in, and a big water dish on one end- the end that I can get into. The whole thing is covered with screen. I am wondering how to get my turtles to come out to eat. Since I have put them in there (yesterday) they have dug in and have not come out! Should I just wait for them? I cannot easily get to them on one side, and I hate to dig them up- I try not to bother them.
Will they get used to this and start coming over for food? Do you just leave the food out for them pretty much all the time, changing it every 24 hours? I have only had them for a few weeks now, so I am still getting used to them, and they are still getting used to me. Thank you for your input.

I always dig my babies up when it's feeding time.

Well, I guess I will need to make some cage modifications. Do you just set them next to the food? They aren't babies. They are full grown adults. Thank you for your reply.

Yes, I set them next to the food and they will start eatin it.

They need repetition. Every day put the food down at the same time and in the same place, and dig the boxies up and put them at the food. After a while they will be waiting for you. It may take a while but eventually they will know that it's time to eat.

That is a great a idea. I usually do that, but lately I've been off my game. [chuckle] Reptiles are creatures of habits; they like things the same everyday.

Thanks for the amazing photo. Mind if I use it for a painting?
I realized that I get up later in the morning than my turtles do. I may try putting the food down before I go to bed, so that it is there when they wake up in the morning. Does anyone feed their turtles in the evening?

I never feed my turtles or any reptiles in the evening. I feel that if it gets too cold they can't properly digest their food. I usually try to feed them early in the morning, one hour after the light is turned on to give them a chance to warm up, or early afternoon; this way they have all day to bask and digest their meal properly. Best of luck!

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

Thanks for the info! I haven't been digging them up as I still feel kind of bad about disturbing them. But I have been trying to talk a bit when I put their food out, and I have a feeling they come out right after I leave. They always clean the plate anyhow! I am glad they are getting used to me.

I found them on craiglist from a lady who's 90 something year old grandmother passed away and left a large colony of turtles! There were originally over 10, and I took 4 of the EBT's. I feel kind of bad for them because I know they were probably very used to the lady and her routine, but hopefully they will come around.

My goodness. how come you didn't take all the turtles?

I would have liked to but my husband did not want me spending our savings on this project, and so I needed a week to get the money together, and by that time other people had bought 6 of the turtles. She was asking $50 each for her grandmother's turtles. It seemed a little sad to me- I definitely would have wanted to keep my grandmother's turtles, but if you cant, you cant I guess.