Can Tortoises Eat Worms? Turtles too? SEE HERE!

Although most tortoises are herbivores, some species require animal protein. Worms are inexpensive, easy to obtain, and high in protein. When eaten in moderation, worms are safe.

Worms like waxworms, superworms and mealworms can be eaten by omnivorous tortoises. However, live superworms can bite baby tortoises. Wax worms are high in calories and fat, so only feed them sparingly to tortoises.

Not all tortoises should eat worms, as animal protein can make herbivores sick. What and how often you feed your tortoise depends on its species and size. Animal proteins should only make up 20% of a tortoise’s diet, so give them as a treat once or twice a week.

ALSO SEE: Best Tortoise Incubators

Table of Contents

Do Tortoises eat Worms?

Your omnivorous tortoise can eat worms. So do red-footed and yellow-footed tortoises. So worms are a safe and necessary part of their diet.

Exclusive herbivores such as sulcatas and leopards can’t digest worms and may refuse to eat them. If your tortoise eats a worm, it may get no nutrients or have digestive issues.

So, check if your tortoise is omnivorous. No animal protein means no worms.

Can Baby Tortoises Eat Worms?

Your omnivorous juvenile tortoise will require animal proteins.

Earthworms are a good source of: Zinc, Copper, Amino Acids, Manganese, and protein

Baby tortoises need calcium to develop their shells.

Babies are more susceptible to calcium deficiency than adults due to their rapid growth. Baby tortoises lacking calcium failed to develop proper shells, according to Veterinary Record.

In fact, worms aren’t your baby tortoise’s main calcium source! Raised feeder worms (mealworms, superworms, and wax worms) lack protein to sustain a tortoise, according to Zoo Biology. Instead, use them as a treat or supplement.

Feeding your baby tortoise worms with care Superworms, which have a sharp pin on their backs, are known to bite.

Baby tortoises’ mouths are softer and can’t eat worms. They won’t be seriously hurt, but it will be annoying. Feed baby tortoises mealworms and wax worms.

Can Tortoises eat Wax Woms?

Worms are the most popular reptile food because they are safe for tortoises.

Wax worms are high in calories and fat. They are known to cause obesity in animals, especially slow-metabolizing animals like tortoises.

Wax worms are wax moth larvae. Yellow or white larva with small black markings on side. Their feet have small black or brown heads. Less angular than other worms.

Wax worms should be given in moderation. If you want your tortoise to eat worms regularly, avoid wax worms.

Can Tortoises eat Superworms?

Superworms are one of the cheapest types. They’re sophabaas morio larvae, a type of darkling beetle. Superworms are also known as morio worms.

Is it safe for tortoises to eat morio worms They won’t harm an adult tortoise when eaten or digested, but keep them away from babies.

A fully grown tortoise’s mouth will be strong enough to eat a superworm without getting pricked by the sharp pin on its back. To avoid a bite, feed the worms dead. This is less enrichment but safer for your tortoise.

Make sure you give your tortoise morio worms, not superworms. The term superworm is often used to refer to large mealworms that should not be fed to tortoises. Color and shape will be similar, but morio worms have dark ends and are mostly black.

Can Tortoises eat Mealworms ?

Even omnivorous tortoises eat mealworms. They’re easy to find and cheap to buy. It has a thick outer shell or lining, so it isn’t ideal for tortoises.

Mealworms have been linked to compactions and intestinal blockages in tortoises. This could mean the worm is partially digested. Because tortoises don’t eat often, or in large amounts, consuming indigestible food may cause nutrient deficiency.

Of course, no one knows if tortoises struggle to digest mealworms. Cautionary owners should avoid or feed them in small amounts. Large mealworms are also not recommended for your tortoise. They are tough to eat due to their size and tough exterior.

Mealworms are actually the larval stage of the mealworm beetle. Mealworms pupate into adult beetles when left to grow.

However, commercial mealworms will not mature because they are fed a hormone that prevents them from maturing. So don’t worry about escaped worms growing up in your tortoise’s enclosure.

Can Tortoises eat Night Crawler?

Nightcrawlers are raised for fish bait and as reptile food. Their name refers to many earthworm species. The most common type is lumbricus terrestris, which is pale, light-brown in color.

Nightcrawlers are safe for tortoises to eat, but quality is important. Bait shops often sell nightcrawlers in bulk. But bait shops raise them for bait, not pet food. So buy nightcrawlers raised specifically for reptile food.

Also, don’t let your tortoise eat your backyard earthworms. Pesticides and parasites carried by backyard worms can harm your tortoise.

Can Tortoises eat Red Wigglers?

Red wigglers are earthworms that are closely related to nightcrawlers, even sharing a name. A red wiggler’s thin shape, small size, and deep red color identify it.

Red wigglers are preferred over nightcrawlers for tortoises. Their size facilitates catching, chewing, and digestion.

Like nightcrawlers, they pose the same risks. Buy red wigglers for reptile food, not bait.

How many Worms Do Tortoises eat?

Your tortoise’s worm consumption depends on its species and size. Worms should make up no more than 20% of a tortoise’s diet, so they can be offered once or twice a week.

Ensure your tortoise gets enough calcium when feeding worms. Although worms contain this mineral, they are insufficient for a growing tortoise.

If omnivorous, tortoises should eat worms and plants. Worms are a good source of enrichment and nutrition for tortoises that eat them in the wild.

Can Sulcata Tortoises Eat Mealworms?

Can Red Footed Tortoises Eat Mealworms?

Can Russian Tortoises Eat Mealworms?

Can Redfoot Tortoises Eat Mealworms?

Can Desert Tortoises Eat Mealworms?

Can Leopard Tortoises Eat Mealworms?

Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Mealworms?

Can Turtles Eat Live Mealworms?

Worms like waxworms, superworms and mealworms can be eaten by omnivorous turtles. However, live superworms can bite baby tortoises. Wax worms are high in calories and fat, so only feed them sparingly to tortoises.