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Q: My daughter gave me a box turtle. I feed it lettuce and any other fruits or vegetables that it will eat. Its primary source of food is lettuce, though. What else can I feed my turtle to make sure it's getting enough nutrition? I've gone to a pet superstore, but the people there weren't sure what to give it. I've tried dry pellets, but the turtle won't touch them. -- J.D., via e-mail

A: The good news is that your box turtle is eating. Box turtles will often stop eating if they're stressed, cold, weak or sick.

The bad news is that the diet your turtle is eating is very far from nutritionally adequate. Box turtles are not herbivores, so a diet of vegetables and fruit alone is extremely deficient.

Box turtles require around 50 percent animal protein in their diets. In the wild, that comes from worms, grubs, snails, different kinds of insects and even the carcasses of dead animals. Your turtle should eat cooked meat (avoid fat), live earthworms and slugs (make sure they're pesticide-free; you should be able to buy these at pet-supply stores that specialize in reptiles), and feeder fish (available at aquarium stores).

While a little bit of romaine lettuce is fine from time to time, your turtle needs around 10 percent of his diet to be dark, leafy greens such as mustard, turnip, collard and dandelion greens. These are an essential source of calcium and other minerals, and are necessary to keep the turtle's digestion functioning properly.

The protein and greens should be mixed with vegetables, including squash, mushrooms, sweet potatoes and green beans. Be sure to cut everything into very tiny pieces so the turtle doesn't fill up only on his favorite foods. Hard vegetables should be steamed or grated.

Most box turtles love fruit, and it should be around 10 percent of their diet. You can also chop it very finely and mix it with meat and vegetables. This strategy will entice your turtle to eat the foods he isn't so fond of.

Box turtles can rival cats in finickiness, and getting them to eat a balanced diet is sometimes hard. Fortunately, there are some excellent resources available to help you keep your box turtle healthy. Visit the box turtle forums at www.KingSnake.com, where you can ask questions and talk with experienced turtle-keepers.

One of the helpful experts you'll find at KingSnake.com is Tess Cook, who goes by the handle "PHBoxTurtle." She's the author of "Box Turtles" (TFH Publications, $11). Cook also maintains The Box Turtle Care and Conservation Web site (boxturtlesite.info), where you can find plenty of basic information to help keep your turtle healthy and happy.

Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com.