Chinese Grass Turtles Are Not Hard to Raise at All! 10 Times Easier to Care For Than Red-Eared Sliders, a Zen-Style Approach Works Even for Beginners

Many people complain that the “Chinese grass turtle” (Mauremys reevesii, a common freshwater turtle) is difficult to raise. I think this is a deep misunderstanding you have about the “Chinese grass turtle.” In fact, the “Chinese grass turtle” is much easier to raise than the “red-eared slider” (Trachemys scripta elegans, a common pet turtle)!

Advantages of Raising Chinese Grass Turtles

Not a Picky Eater

First of all, the “Chinese grass turtle” is not a picky eater—noodles, rice, fish, shrimp, eggs, bananas, potatoes—as long as it’s cooked, they can eat it. Secondly, aside from being prone to skin and shell rot (a common turtle disease characterized by skin ulceration or shell damage), the “Chinese grass turtle” rarely gets pneumonia, gastroenteritis, or white eye disease.

Docile Temperament

Furthermore, the “Chinese grass turtle” has a very stable temperament, unlike the “red-eared slider,” which has an unruly nature and is prone to stress responses (a non-specific physiological and psychological reaction of an organism to changes in the external environment). I think the “Chinese grass turtle” is still very easy to raise.

A Guide to Raising Turtles the Zen Way

As long as you learn to adopt a “hands-off” and “Zen-style” approach, disturbing the “Chinese grass turtle” less will result in a healthy turtle. Maintain regular feeding, water changes, and also feeding.

Don’t listen to people who say “they only grow well on imported turtle food”; “Chinese grass turtles”are not picky about their diet at all. If you have a small bit of leftover noodles, a mouthful of steamed egg, or even a piece of banana peel, as long as it’s cooked and not salty, the “Chinese grass turtle” will eat it heartily.

The key is “feeding at a fixed time and in a fixed quantity.” For example, feed them once every evening, with an amount the “Chinese grass turtle” can finish in 5 minutes. Don’t pile up a heap and let it overeat, and it will steer clear of gastroenteritis. What’s so difficult about raising them?