Easy Pet Turtle Care
Before having a turtle as a pet, it is recommended to know how to care for it properly so that it stays healthy. Turtle care is simple and requires only 30 minutes every day. However, knowing what needs to be done and how really helps. If you take good care of them, your reptile friend could live for over 25 years.
Before adopting a turtle as a pet, it is recommended that you research the many species of pets to choose from. Know that different species of turtles may require more personal care; requiring more detailed housing needs, diets and special environments. For example, snapping turtles are more aggressive and soft-shelled turtles are more vulnerable to impure water and rock damage. For those with no experience keeping turtles, red-eared sliders and Russian sliders are a good hardy turtle to start with. Be sure to check the laws in your states before purchasing a turtle, because of the salmonella risk, it is illegal to sell turtles smaller than 4 inches. Keeping red-eared sliders as pets is also regulated in some areas.
The first step to proper turtle care is to create an environment for your pet. Turtles placed indoors will need at least a 40 gallon tank. This leaves enough room to create a wet and dry area for your pet with plenty of room to move and exercise. Know that as your pet gets larger, you may need to purchase a larger aquarium. In addition to glass aquariums, large rubber tubs work well for housing turtles. The water in your tank should be six inches or more so it is deep enough for your pet to swim. Because chlorine and fluoride are present in tap water, it is not suitable for your turtle’s drinking water. Instead, use natural spring water.
The usual way to create a suitable environment is for the tank to be 75% water and 25% dry land. For the dry area, large, flat rocks work well to provide a basking area, where your turtle can dry off completely. A curved trunk is one way to help your turtle easily get out of the water and into the dry area of the tank. Although tank decorations are not required, you may want to add some to add aesthetic value. If you do, avoid anything with sharp or pointy edges, if live plants are added, make sure they won’t harm your turtle.
Place the tank in a quiet, low-traffic area of the house. A new turtle may be stressed by being in a new environment and may be shy and withdraw when people enter the room. Heating your aquarium will help keep your turtles active, since they are cold-blooded. Usually a constant temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit will allow them to slow down, although some species need a warmer climate. An ultraviolet light can be used during the day to help your turtle absorb the essential vitamin D3 needed to utilize the calcium. The UV light should be turned off at night to signal the end of the day and help your pet maintain a consistent schedule. Even with UV light, your pet turtle will still require regular exposure to direct sunlight.
A heavy duty filtration unit will be needed to keep the tank clean and fecal matter should be removed from the tank as soon as it appears for the same reason. For fungus prevention, you can add 1/8 cup of table salt for every five gallons of water. Simply changing ten percent of the water each week helps maintain a much cleaner environment. Even with regular maintenance, you should periodically remove your turtle and all items from the tank for a thorough cleaning. White vinegar can be used to clean the inside of the tank and the filter can be cleaned with water, chemicals should not be used when cleaning your pet’s aquarium.
Although small tortoises need to be fed every day, adult tortoises only need to be fed a few times a week. Turtle diet varies by species, but most turtles are omnivorous and a variety should be given to help your pet get the proper nutrition to stay in good health. Turtles can eat cooked chicken, low-fat dog food, earthworms, fish, green leafy vegetables, and fruits. Since turtles are messy eaters feeding in a separate container will help keep the tank clean.
Turtles have sharp teeth and can bite, so be careful when reaching into the turtle’s tank or handling it by hand. Taking care to wash your hands after caring for your pet turtle is highly recommended due to the bacterial risk.
Small children should not be allowed to handle pet turtles without adult supervision. Pet turtles are not recommended as pets for children under five years of age.