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Many turtle species, including tortoises, supplement their diet with eggshells, animal bones, hair, and droppings for extra nutrients. [62] Turtles generally eat their food in a straightforward way, though some species have special feeding techniques. [13]
A 1975 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation bans the sale (for general commercial and public use) of turtle eggs and turtles with a carapace length of less than 4 inches (100 mm). This regulation comes under the Public Health Service Act and is enforced by the FDA in cooperation with State and local health jurisdictions.
These eggs have a leathery, flexible shell and they typically measure only 26-28 mm in diameter. [24] Incubation time is temperature-dependent, ranging from 9 to 18 weeks. One study on the incubation period of the common snapping turtle incubated the eggs at two temperatures: 20 °C (68 °F) and 30 °C (86 °F).
People in Southeast Asia began harvesting chicken eggs for food by 1500 BCE. [2] Eggs of other birds, such as ducks and ostriches, are eaten regularly but much less commonly than those of chickens. People may also eat the eggs of reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Fish eggs consumed as food are known as roe or caviar.
Turtles sexes are based on the nest temperature that the eggs are stored in. [13] Due to climate change, more turtles are hatching as females. [14] Turtle hatcheries are combatting this issue by moving eggs to an area of the beach with increased shading and extra cooling factors, and increased depth of nests to hatch more male turtles. [15]
In Mexico, turtle eggs are a common meal; locals claim the egg is an aphrodisiac. [87] Eating turtle eggs or meat can cause serious illness due to harmful bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia marcescens, and high levels of toxic metals that build up through bioaccumulation. [86] [88]
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Like Blanding's turtle, the chicken turtle uses a sucking motion when feeding; [76] any water taken in during the process is expelled before the food is swallowed whole. [82] The Florida chicken turtle is known to feed passively, swimming along with its long neck extended and foraging in clumps of vegetation.