Turtles are wonderful pets that can live 25 years or more when they get the proper care. Pet turtles need special care that enables them to be healthy and live longer. Fortunately, once you know how to care for your tortoise, it really doesn't take very long. Expect to take about 30 minutes a day.
Before purchasing a pet turtle, a little research should be done on the different pet species available. Know that different turtles species can require more personal care; requiring more detailed housing needs, special diets and environments. For example, snapping turtles are more aggressive and soft shell turtles are more vulnerable to impure water and damage from rocks. For those with no experience taking care of turtles, red eared sliders and Russian tortoises make a good hardy turtle to start with. Make sure to check the laws in your states before buying a turtle, because of the risk of salmonella, turtles less than 4 inches are illegal to sell. Keeping red eared sliders as pets are also regulated in some areas.
The first step to proper turtle care is creating an environment for your pet. Turtles placed indoors will need at least a 40 gallon tank. This allows enough room for creating a wet and dry area for your pet with enough space to move around and exercise. Know that as your pet increases in size you may need to purchase a larger aquarium. Besides glass aquariums, large rubber tubs work well for housing turtles. The water in your tank should be six inches or more, making it deep enough for your pet to swim in. 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 proper environment is to have your tank have 75% water and 25% dry land. Using large flat stones in your dry area will enable your turtle to have a basking area that allows your turtle to fully dry off. A curved log is one way to help your turtle easily climb out of the water and make it to the dry area of the tank. Though tank decorations are not required, you may want to add some to add aesthetic value. If you do, avoid any items with sharp or pointed edges, if live plants are added ensure they will not harm your turtle.
Place the tank in a quiet low traffic area of the home. A new turtle might be stressed out by being in a new environment and may be shy and retreat when people enter the room. Heating your aquarium will help keep your turtles active as they are cold blooded. Usually a constant temperature of approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit will enable them from getting slower, though some species need a warmer climate. An ultraviolet light can be used during the day, to help your turtle absorb essential Vitamin D3 needed to utilize calcium. The ultraviolet light should be turned off at night to indicate the end of the day, and help your pet keep a consistent schedule. Even with ultraviolet 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 prevention of fungus, you can add ¼ cup of table salt for each five gallons of water. Changing the water by ten percent each week will also help maintain a clean environment. Even with regular maintenance, periodically you should remove your turtle and all items in 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, no chemicals should be used when cleaning your pet's aquarium.
Though small turtles need to feed every day adult turtles should only be feed several times a week. The diet for turtles varies depending on species but most turtles are omnivores and a variety should be given to help your pet get the proper nutrition to stay in good health. Turtles can consume cooked chicken, low fat dog food, earthworms, fish, leafy green vegetables and fruits. Because 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 sticking your hand into your turtle's aquarium or handling them by hand. You should always wash your hands after handling your pet turtle because of bacterial risk.
Young children should not be allowed to handle pet turtles without adult supervision. Pet turtles are not recommended as pets for those under five years of age.
