No matter how hard you try as a pet owner, conflicts arise when you place different species into one tank.
Although they are both reptiles, turtles and lizards are incompatible tank mates.
We’ll explain the risks of having turtles and lizards in the same habitat.
Do Turtles Eat Lizards?
Yes, Turtles do eat lizards if they are small enough. Adult eastern box turtles are known to eat small lizards and turtles. For your pet’s safety, it’s best to keep them in separate tanks.
Here is video of snapping turtle eating lizard.
Can Turtles And Lizards Live Together?
No, turtles and lizards cannot live together because turtles will try and eat lizards. Its best to keep them in seperate tanks.
Except for tortoises and bearded dragons, most reptiles don’t appreciate company.
The majority of reptiles are loners, and most don’t get along with their own species.
Turtles have aggressive personalities.
It’s not uncommon to see two turtles fight amongst each other.
So it is more likely you’ll see turtles attacking another reptile within enclosed spaces.
When you place a lizard and a turtle inside a tank, the turtle will try to attack and injure the lizard.
Also, turtles are omnivorous creatures, meaning they will eat anything they can get ahold of.
So if you have a small or shy lizard, your pet turtle will attempt to eat it.
Even if they are unable to eat the lizard, the turtle can leave serious injuries.
The chances of your turtle catching and attacking the lizard are inevitable. It’s recommended that you separate both turtles and lizards from the very beginning.
Regardless if you buy a turtle or lizard, proper care and maintenance are needed.
Here are some differences between the two.
Turtles As a Pet
Turtles can be aquatic or terrestrial. While aquatic turtles spend the majority of their day in the water, terrestrial turtles live in muddy spaces. Both turtles need a consistent supply of water to survive.
Pet turtles need access to dwelling spaces and clean water. The water needs to be filtered so they can swim and drink from it. Dirty water will make your turtles sick and increase the likelihood of an infection.
Basking is important for your turtle’s health and shell quality. Make sure their tank or enclosure has a small spot for them to sunbathe.
Since turtles dislike low temperatures, you should install an external heater. The water and dry area need to be heated in the winter, so your turtles are comfortable. If there is no natural light available, you can use a UV lamp that uses UVA/UVB light to give them their daily dose of Vitamin D.
In regards to feeding needs, turtles are omnivores. An average turtle’s diet includes snails, worms, fish, slugs, and other small mammals.
While turtles always appear to be hungry, they have a slow metabolism. Don’t overfeed your turtles! Overfeeding can lead to long-term injury and is detrimental to your turtle’s health.
Turtles are anti-social by nature. Even when placed with a turtle of the same species, they will fight each other. They have a territorial behavior when outsiders intrude on their space. The turtles will become aggressive and will fight to establish dominance.
Lizard As a Pet
Lizards are great for beginner pet owners because they are adaptable and easy to handle.
Nevertheless, it’s important to research obtaining a lizard pet.
Each lizard is unique and has its own specific sets of needs. So you need to find one that complements your lifestyle.
While some lizards are under 12 inches tall, some can grow very large (Green Iguana – 2 Feet).
These animals will need an enclosure that is at least 2x their adult size.
Like turtles, lizards need to be in a temperature-regulated environment. Having basking lights that have UVA/UVB radiation will help your lizard’s Vitamin D synthesis.
The diet will depend on the type of lizard. For instance, your lizard can be herbivorous, omnivorous, or carnivorous. Make sure to give them the right food to support their nutritional needs.
Do Lizards Eat Baby Turtle?
Yes, lizards can eat baby turtles. They are an easy prey.
Larger lizards and reptiles love to prey on baby turtles. Small crocodiles and monitor turtles will stalk turtle nesting sites and eat the infant turtles.
To them, baby turtle shells are softer than adult turtles, and other reptiles view them as more edible.
If your lizard’s teeth or jaws are strong enough, they will attack a baby turtle. Because of this, it’s best to create distance between the two.
Foods Your Turtle Should Avoid
Just like lizards, there are some foods that you’ll want to steer clear from to protect your turtle.
- Raw meat: Turtles can eat fish and other aquatic species. However, avoid giving your turtle raw poultry and meat. When exposed to the tank elements, it will rot and start to grow microorganisms that will be dangerous for your turtle’s health.
- Diary: Despite popular belief, turtles and other reptiles are lactose intolerant. This means that their digestive system cannot process milk, yogurt, cheese, or other dairy foods.
- Processed Meat: Do not feed your turtle burgers, salami, sausages, or other forms of processed meat. While they are a source of protein, the processed ingredients can harm the turtle’s digestive activity.
- Refined sugar: Sweets, candies, and foods that have refined sugar will make your turtle sick. Alternatively, you can give your turtle small pieces of fruit in moderation.
What is Store-Bought Food Good For My Turtle?
Store-bought turtle food can be used for the majority of your turtle’s meals. It can take the form of sticks, chunks, or pellets.
High-quality turtle food will have sufficient Vitamin E and Vitamin D. Check for brands with animal-based protein, fillers, and greens. There are different feeding options for baby and adult turtles. The formula will have less protein if it’s for adult turtles. So make sure to choose the right feeding source based on the age of your turtle.
Vitamins and minerals will prevent nutritional defects in your turtle. You can help your turtle grow by giving them Vitamin D supplements, calcium, and multivitamins. Vitamin D and Calcium are also available in powder form. Give your pets these supplements to make feeding simple and effective.
Conclusion
For first-time pet owners, it can be tempting to buy an extra companion for your turtle. Nonetheless, reptiles despise the company of others.
While you might be able to have reptiles in the same species housed together, problems will arise if you put a turtle and lizard in the same tank. In most scenarios, the lizard will be under high stress if housed with a turtle.
Don’t waste your time forcing a lizard and a turtle to become friends. Instead, give them both their own space, and both will amaze you with their company.
F.A.Q
Can Lizards Eat Turtle Food?
No,lizards cannot eat turtle food because it is not healthy is for them.
While lizards can eat the same insects and plants as turtles, turtle food is not meant for lizards.
Just make sure the insects are bought at a store to ensure they are not filled with parasites.
Turtles are omnivores and have a special diet. That’s why the turtle pellets are designed for them, as it has their nutritional needs in mind.
Turtles and lizards can share the same insects, but make sure they have separate pellets.
This will help lower food costs in the long run.
Also read
References
https://a-z-animals.com/blog/turtle-predators-what-eats-turtles/
