Caring for Terrapins

A terrapin is a member of the reptile family and very similar to a turtle. When you are caring for terrapins, one of the most important things to remember is that a terrapin cannot regulate its body temperature. They are dependant upon their surroundings to draw enough heat to stay warm. You will need to provide a heat lamp for your terrapin in order for it to stay healthy.

Terrapins don’t like to be picked up or even touched, so you need to content with just watching your terrapin. They can live up to twenty years, so be sure you can take care of it and not abandon your terrapin when you tire of it.

Caring for terrapins requires some planning. You will need a tank or aquarium with enough room to supply your terrapin with a wet area for swimming and a dry area so they can bask in the warmth of a heat lamp. Your terrapin will also need a place to crawl under or into and hide when it wants to get away. This can be built from stones or wood.

Caring for terrapins also means keeping the tank clean. Ideally, it needs to be cleaned everyday. If this is not possible with your schedule, you may want to feed your terrapin from a dish instead of on the floor of the aquarium. If you do feed your terrapin on the floor of the aquarium, be sure to remove any food that is left over immediately. It can spoil and begin to smell. Regular cleaning of the aquarium will help keep your terrapin healthy.

Caring for terrapins also include the necessary diet. Terrapins will need a combination of animal proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Some of the foods terrapins like are:

Meat (small bites of cooked chicken, turkey, or beef)
Worms (mealworms, wax worms, or earthworms)
Lettuce
Strawberries
Kale
Bananas
Apples
Terrapin pellets (found at most pet supply stores)
Powered bone meal (provides calcium)

Your terrapin will also require fresh water daily, not only in their drinking water, but in the water they swim in as well. You can also use a filter to help remove chlorine that may be present in tap water.

Caring for terrapins includes allowing enough space for your pet. If you have more than one terrapin, you will need to allow for additional space or they may fight.

Also, if your terrapin appears to be sleeping around the clock, he is more than likely ill. You may want to see if there is a veterinarian close by that is familiar with reptiles. There are medications available for sick terrapins.

After touching your terrapin or cleaning its tank, you need to be sure to wash your hands thoroughly. Terrapins can carry diseases which can cause flu like symptoms. Hand washing is the best way to prevent you from catching it.

You can learn a lot about reptiles when you are caring for terrapins. These are amazing creatures and they are interesting to watch. Since they live so long, many people will continue caring for terrapins into adulthood.