Since turtles are unfortunately not able to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy food, colorful and interesting smelling fruits, vegetables and salads are always eaten greedily and in excess. However, after years of malnutrition, ray turtles develop real eating disorders and unlearn or refuse to eat natural and suitable food. Gout, constipation, shell deformities and fatty liver and even death are usually the result of an inappropriate diet.
In order to save the life of your turtle, it is imperative to reintroduce it to species-appropriate food. However, a change of food must be done slowly, consistently and over a longer period of time, so that sufficient raw fiber-utilizing bacteria can settle in the gastrointestinal tract again. In a first step, we recommend to mix the daily, usual food ration with premium food (e.g. Agrobs, dried herbs, etc., see food section). Over time, the proportion of unhealthy food should be reduced more and more and the proportion of premium food gradually increased until the turtle has become completely accustomed to natural food again. This adaptation process can take several months depending on the extent of the eating disorder, but in most cases it succeeds without problems. However, damage already done to organs, bones and shell due to years of malnutrition is irreversible and can still lead to health problems even after a change in diet.