Can Turtles Eat Eggs? The Surprising Answer!

Turtles are omnivores and hence have a long list of foods on their menu. Well, we’ve seen wild turtles devouring eggs. But what about pet turtles?

Can turtles eat eggs? Yes, pet turtles can eat eggs, but not raw. They can have cooked eggs as a treat. Even at that, you should serve eggs sparingly. Eggs have high protein and saturated fats that could lead to health issues like pyramiding.

We’ll clear up exactly how to feed eggs to turtles and the health benefits. Also, we’ll uncover the health risks of feeding too many eggs to your shelled friend.

Can You Feed Eggs To Your Pet Turtles?

You can feed hard-boiled eggs to pet turtles, though moderation is key. Eggs are rich in vitamins A & D, protein,  and calcium.

These three nutrients are crucial to a turtle’s health. In fact, lack of one can lead to severe health complications, ranging from infections to stunted growth. It’s no wonder that eggs are a nutrient-packed food for your shelled friend.

But there’s a caveat. Eggs are overly rich in saturated fats and proteins. Chicken eggs, for instance, have 7 grams of protein and 5 grams of fat.

But why is too much egg protein bad?

If your turtle eats too many eggs, it could be at risk for a condition called pyramiding. This is where the shell starts to grow abnormally, creating a pyramid-like shape. 

While it may not seem like a big deal, pyramiding can cause your turtle much discomfort, making it harder for turtles to move around.

In addition, too much protein interferes with your turtle’s digestive and kidney functions.

So, what’s the issue with fat?

While a bit of fat is necessary for proper growth and development, too much can be detrimental. Too much fat in a turtle’s diet can lead to obesity, which can cause a host of health problems.

Egg yolk, for instance, is higher in saturated fats. Hence, you can ditch it for egg white.

Don’t forget the shell because it has beneficial nutrients like calcium. A diet of calcium is essential for strong bones and shells.

However, you’ll need vitamin D3 to process calcium. Your turtle can get it from sunlight, or you can serve a vitamin D3 supplement.

So, what types of eggs do turtles eat?

Turtles are not so picky regarding egg types. They have a long list of eggs on their menu, including bird, fish, reptile, and mammal eggs.

Do Turtles Like Eggs?

Contrary to popular belief, turtles like eggs. In the wild, turtles prefer to eat a diet of plants, small animals, and eggs. 

However, keep in mind a few things. Eggs are high in fat and protein, which can lead to obesity and other health problems if they’re not eaten in moderation. It’s also important to cook the eggs thoroughly before feeding them to your turtle, as raw eggs can contain harmful bacteria.

Health Benefits Of  Turtles Eating Eggs 

While you may not think of turtles as egg-eating machines, they derive many health benefits from consuming them. 

• Protein is essential for growth, especially in young turtles.
• Eggs are rich in vitamin D, which permits calcium metabolism. Also, they have Vitamin A for healthy eyes, lungs, skin, ducts, and mucus membrane.
• Eggs are packed with calcium that helps keep turtles’ shells and bones strong and healthy.
• The low cholesterol in eggs can help reduce the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. 
• Eggs have choline, which supports brain function and liver health. 

So if you’re wondering whether or not you should feed your turtle eggs, the answer is a resounding yes!

How Much Eggs  Should Turtles Eat?

Just like with any turtle food, moderation is key. Too many eggs can lead to problems just like too much of anything else would. So, how many eggs can a turtle eat?

It’s difficult to actually tell how many eggs a turtle should eat. This is because eggs come in many different sizes.

A good rule of thumb is that no more than 10% of their diet should be made up of protein, including eggs. 

However, pet turtles shouldn’t eat eggs more than twice a month. So, if you’re feeding your turtle a varied diet of veggies, fruits, and pellets, then one or half an egg (chicken egg) once every month is probably fine.

How Do You Prepare Eggs For Turtles?

Ensure to hard-boil the eggs so they’re easy for your turtle to digest. You’ll also want to remove the shell and crush it to make it an excellent source of calcium. Avoid seasoning or scrambled eggs, so it doesn’t disrupt their delicate digestive system.

You might think that since turtles are reptiles, they would be able to eat raw eggs just like their wild cousins. However, this is not the case! Raw eggs can be dangerous for pet turtles.

Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin that prevents the absorption of biotin in the intestines, so it’s not great for their overall health. 

In addition, according to CDC raw eggs can contain the salmonella bacteria. 

Can You Feed Eggs To Baby Turtles? If So, How?

Yes, you can. Young turtles tend to grow very quickly. And for that, they need lots of protein. In fact, their diet should comprise 70% to 80% protein.

To feed juvenile turtles:

1. Boil and remove the shell.
2. Chop the boiled egg into manageable pieces.
3. As for the shell, grind it to a fine powder to prevent choking risk.

Video Of A Turtle Eating Eggs 

Turtle eating a boiled egg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

It turns out that turtles can eat eggs! In fact, eggs are an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and calcium for turtles. However, pet turtles may not be able to digest eggs as easily as their wild counterparts. In addition, too many eggs can lead to health problems.

Therefore, only give your turtle eggs occasionally as a treat and ensure they’re well-cooked [boiled] before serving.

Do you want to know if turtles eat apple or dandelions? Read our articles about it to learn more.