Shell Sanctuary

Your #1 Guide on Pet and Wild Turtles

Shell Sanctuary

Your #1 Guide on Pet and Wild Turtles

Matthew The

Matthew is a dedicated turtle enthusiast and conservationist with over 15 years of experience in reptile care. Known affectionately as "The Leatherback" among his peers, he combines his passion for turtles with a commitment to educating pet owners on responsible turtle care and environmental stewardship.

Joined: October 13, 2025
Articles: 368

Signs of Illness

Early Warning Signs of Respiratory Infections in Turtles

Close-up of a small terrestrial turtle walking on sandy ground, showing its shell and head.

Spot early respiratory signs in pet turtles: symptoms, causes, when to see a vet, monitoring, treatments, prevention.

Matthew The
February 2, 2026

Preventative Care

Questions to Ask a Potential Reptile Veterinarian

Baby sea turtle on a sandy beach near the shoreline

Questions to ask a reptile vet: credentials, turtle experience, emergency care, pain management, costs, follow-ups, facilities.

Matthew The
February 2, 2026

Common Turtle Foods

What Do Softshell Turtles Eat? A Species-Specific Diet Guide

Close-up of a softshell turtle's head with striped neck, emerging from calm water.

Softshell turtle diet: niche pet care guidance—what to feed, safe foods, prey, vegetables, portions, and feeding frequency.

Matthew The
February 1, 2026

Signs of Illness

Healthy Shell, Happy Turtle: Spotting Weight Issues

Light-colored wall with several sticky notes arranged in two columns, showing phrases such as HEALTHY HABITS, WORK OUT, WEIGHT, FOOD IS FUEL, NOT THERAPY, and YOU'RE NOT HUNGRY, YOU'RE BORED, plus a top note reading LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO SPEND IT AT WAR WITH YOURSELF.

Tell if your turtle is overweight or underweight: signs, weigh-in method, diet changes, target weight, and when to see a vet.

Matthew The
February 1, 2026

Common Turtle Foods

What Do Green Sea Turtles Eat? A Guide to Their Plant-Based Diet

Green sea turtle swimming underwater in clear blue water

Green sea turtle diet: seagrass, algae, leafy greens; pet-care tips on feeding, portions, calcium, supplements, safe foods.

Matthew The
January 31, 2026

Common Turtle Foods

Can Turtles Eat Meat and Chicken? A Guide to Animal Protein

Two bowls of ramen topped with sliced meat, half-boiled eggs, and green onions.

Can turtles eat meat and chicken? A practical guide to animal-protein sources, portions, safety, and feeding tips for turtles.

Matthew The
January 31, 2026

Common Turtle Foods

Can Pet Turtles Safely Eat Grapes? What You Need to Know

Close-up of a pet turtle on grass showing its textured skin and shell

Can pet turtles safely eat grapes? Safety, risks, feeding tips, prep steps, signs of trouble, and better fruit alternatives.

Matthew The
January 30, 2026

Common Turtle Foods

How to Create a Balanced Diet for Your Omnivorous Turtle

Sea turtle swimming underwater near a rocky reef in clear blue water

Balanced omnivorous turtle diet: portions, frequency, plant-animal variety, calcium/vitamin D, safe foods, avoid toxins.

Matthew The
January 29, 2026

Common Turtle Foods

Feeding Aquatic Turtles: Live Food, Pellets, and Vegetables

Fresh herbs and leafy greens laid out on a white surface, including dill, rosemary, thyme, and parsley.

Feeding aquatic turtles: live prey, pellets, and vegetables; portions, schedules, safety, and species-specific tips.

Matthew The
January 28, 2026

Common Turtle Foods

Feeding Terrestrial Turtles: Weeds, Insects, and Fruits

A selection of fruits and vegetables on a dark surface, including figs, blueberries, an eggplant, and apples, prepared as foods for terrestrial turtles.

Feeding terrestrial turtles: weeds, insects, and fruits; diet variety, portions, safety, and care tips for turtle keepers.

Matthew The
January 28, 2026