In natural habitats, turtles are found in and around water, which is exactly how they will live in your house. They also need dry land to bask and dry out on, but mostly the key to caring for a turtle is the water. Pet turtles ideally will be kept in a 40 gallon tank with a lid. The typical turtle will grow to between five and eleven inches. They have a long life of 20 to 40 years, so the decision to get a turtle is a long term commitment.
Deitary Requirements
Turtles consume a mixture of insects and plants like goldfish and crickets. Typically this consists of specially formulated pellets, worms, and green vegetables. As a treat turtles benefit from snacks like a daily organge slice. Dietary supplements are also required such as viatmin D and calcium. Most breeds will not eat unless they're in the water. The difficulty is that they're sloppy eaters, causing a pet owner to either often replace the water or feed the turtles in another enclosure.
Turtles Need to Bask
Eveyr turtle enclosure wants an area for turtles to bask. They allows the turtle to heat the body, which keeps down the levels of bacteria and fungus on the shell. Every basking area should have a UVB light. The lights helps make it easier for the turtle to synthesize vitamin D, a factor that is critical for calcium absorption.
Habitat
As discussed, a healthy turtle means that there always needs to be fresh water to swim in. The water must be replaced at least 1x per week or more if polluted with food, feces or urine. A turtle drinks the same water that they urinate, eat and swim in. In terms of basking or land areas, there are a few materials available such as smooth slate or a plastic platform. Turtle cages can be made out of glass, plastic or habitats contained in outdoor ponds.
Turtles and Salmonella
You may have heard about the danger of salmonella poisoning from turtles. The chance is considered urgent enough that parents are advised not to allow kids un-supervised contact with turtles. Salmonella can also be spread by permitting a turtle to come in contact with a carpet or table. When children touch the area contaminated by turtles they can contract the illness. When getting a turtle be sure to learn the best way to maintain a hygienic family environment.
Deitary Requirements
Turtles consume a mixture of insects and plants like goldfish and crickets. Typically this consists of specially formulated pellets, worms, and green vegetables. As a treat turtles benefit from snacks like a daily organge slice. Dietary supplements are also required such as viatmin D and calcium. Most breeds will not eat unless they're in the water. The difficulty is that they're sloppy eaters, causing a pet owner to either often replace the water or feed the turtles in another enclosure.
Turtles Need to Bask
Eveyr turtle enclosure wants an area for turtles to bask. They allows the turtle to heat the body, which keeps down the levels of bacteria and fungus on the shell. Every basking area should have a UVB light. The lights helps make it easier for the turtle to synthesize vitamin D, a factor that is critical for calcium absorption.
Habitat
As discussed, a healthy turtle means that there always needs to be fresh water to swim in. The water must be replaced at least 1x per week or more if polluted with food, feces or urine. A turtle drinks the same water that they urinate, eat and swim in. In terms of basking or land areas, there are a few materials available such as smooth slate or a plastic platform. Turtle cages can be made out of glass, plastic or habitats contained in outdoor ponds.
Turtles and Salmonella
You may have heard about the danger of salmonella poisoning from turtles. The chance is considered urgent enough that parents are advised not to allow kids un-supervised contact with turtles. Salmonella can also be spread by permitting a turtle to come in contact with a carpet or table. When children touch the area contaminated by turtles they can contract the illness. When getting a turtle be sure to learn the best way to maintain a hygienic family environment.
About the Author:
Cathy Doggins is the publisher of several articles on cool small pets. When not writing about turtles as pets, Cathy can be found caring for her two Jack Russells, 3 birds, hamsters and obviously pet turtles. Cathy is an advocate on pet related issues, and a volunteer at her local pet shelter.
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