Box Turtle and Clovers?

Question

I have a three toed box turtle that we just got, and I am trying to find plants to put in the habitat, and I know some plants they cannot eat. I was wondering if clovers are one they can't eat, I know its unlikely, but I don't want to take any chances.

Answer 1

I'm just guessing on this so you may want to get a more reliable source. Several clovers grow in the box turtles native range. (American box turtles, ornate and three-toed)
I'm talking about clovers like Big Hop, Red Clover, and Arrow Leaf Clover. There are also several sorrels and shires that grow in the box turtles native range. Other similar plants like Alfalfa are common in the box turtles' habitat. The native turtles seem to be surviving quite well in close proximity to these several abundant clover types and relatives in the wild. It is also very unlikely that your turtle will attempt to eat the clover as it's not a normal food source for them. Box turtles like earthworms, insects, esp. grasshoppers and crickets as well as plant material like ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and melon (Cantaloupe). Make sure that the turtles temperature is 80ish most of the time and that he gets lots of full sunlight exposure or that you have a full spectrum light bulb. You may want to add a vitamin-calcium supplement to the food.

Answer 2

Clover is fine, but they won't eat very much of it. They mostly want bugs, worms, snails, etc.

They will eat some common yard plants (clover, wild strawberry, dandelion, etc.), mushrooms, berries, etc. but in the wild, all plants are only about 25% of their diet.