Tips when Caring for Turtles

Turtles are great pets if you care for them properly. They can live up to forty years in captivity, so a turtle should not be chosen for a pet without some serious thought as to the commitment involved. Caring for turtles can be a lot of fun, especially for children. There are some specific things a turtle will require and you will need to set aside a few minutes a day to take care of your pet.

Caring for turtles is not all that complicated. You will need to find a tank or aquarium that is at least forty gallons. Turtles require space to move around in. One side of the aquarium needs to be a water area. Turtles love to swim, so make sure it is deep enough. Your turtles will also require an area to warm themselves in. A large rock, coupled with a heat lamp, can make a great sun bathing area. Turtles require an environment between 70 and 80 degrees.

Caring for turtles includes proper feeding. Diet is very important to a turtle’s health. Your turtle’s diet should include meats, fish, fruit, and vegetables. Raw meat is not advised because you never know when your turtle will actually eat it. There are food sticks available at many pet stores, but be sure they offer the vitamins and minerals your turtles needs.

Caring for turtles also includes fresh water daily. You may consider a filter for your turtle’s drinking water, to get rid of any chlorine normally found in tap water. If you prefer, you can use spring water instead. You will need to be sure your turtle has fresh water to swim in as well.

Caring for turtles requires the tank to be cleaned frequently. While daily cleaning is preferred, some people may not have the time available. However, the tank can begin to smell rather quickly and frequently cleaning will be needed to take care of this problem. It is also important in order to remove fecal buildup, as well.

When caring for turtles, be sure you wash your hand before and after you have any contact with the animal. Turtles can carry some disease that might cause diarrhea in humans. Wash your hands thoroughly after touching your turtle or cleaning its habitat.

Sometime, turtles will attempt to hibernate during the winter. While it is not always possible to keep this from happening, it is advised to try to discourage it. Turtles that are kept indoors can have difficulties regulating their temperature when they are hibernating. If your heat lamp should become inoperable or your electricity goes out, this could cause your turtle significant health problems. When caring for turtles, this is something you should prepare for in the event of a power outage.

It’s also important to keep your turtle safe. Small children will be fascinated by turtles and may try to pick them up without the proper supervision. This could easily harm the turtle if it is dropped. Be sure little children know they are not allowed to touch the turtle unless they specifically asked. Also be sure your turtle is safe from other pets. A dog, or even a cat, can cause your turtle significant damage.