Pet turtles may seem like a simple pet to care for. Smaller turtles are sold at low prices and can even be won as prizes at carnivals. They are a favorite pet among children. Turtles do require a lot of attention and special care. There is more to caring for a turtle than feeding it pellets and leaving it in a tank. Things such as the temperature of the water, a varied diet, and how much sunlight the turtle is getting are important. Knowing the basics of turtle care will result in a happy turtle and a turtle that lives for a long time.

When first acquired, most turtles come in a small tank that is barely bigger than the turtle itself. It may seem unnecessary to put money into a bigger tank, especially if the turtle was one as a prize and no money is expected to be spent on the creature. But it is crucial to get the appropriate sized tank for the turtle. Turtles need room swim around and bask in the sun. Also, the water in a smaller tank will get dirtier much quicker than water in a bigger tank. If the turtle is left confined in a small tank, it will not have room to swim around and get the physical exercise it needs. How big a tank is needed will depend on the size of the turtle. The smallest turtles will usually need only a 20 gallon tank.

Once the turtle gets larger, a larger tank will be needed. Within the tank should be an “island”, or a surface the turtle can climb onto to get out of the water. Turtles enjoy basking outside of the water. The tank should also have a heat lamp and a water filter. Having a water filter will keep the water clean for longer periods of time and prevent frequent water changes. The heat lamp is a good replacement for sunlight if direct sunlight does not reach the tank. It will also control the temperature of the water.

Turtles also need a varied diet. Simply giving them pellets is not enough. Pellets should make up only a small portion of the diet. A turtle’s diet should be largely plant based and contain moderate amounts of protein. Good things to feed a turtle are leafy greens, such as romaine lettuce and spinach, bananas, and tomatoes. Turtles can also eat small meal worms, but these should not be fed to the turtle on a daily basis. Turtles can also be given calcium supplements that come in different forms. Calcium promotes a stronger shell in a turtle. A variety of calcium supplements should be available at any pet store, so check to see which one is best.

Turtles should be fed a varied diet on a daily basis. Even with a water filter, their water should be changed regularly too. Sometimes, even turtles can contract minor illnesses. If the water is kept too cold, the turtle may get respiratory congestion or a cold. If the turtle begins to make odd noises, check the water’s temperature to make sure it is warm enough. If necessary, take it to a veterinarian.

If well taken care off, turtles are able to live for years and be a part of a household like any other pet.

Types Of Freshwater Turtles

Freshwater turtles come in all sizes. The largest living turtle is the leatherback sea turtle, whose shell can reach a length of 6.6 feet and weigh as much as 2,000 pounds. The freshwater turtle is generally smaller, but several individuals of the Asian Softshell species have reached the 6.6 foot mark. The largest North American freshwater turtle, the Alligator Snapping turtle, can attain a shell length of 2.6 feet, whereas the Chicken turtle can reach a maximum length of 9.8 inches but usually averages between 3.9 and 5.9. There are several different types of freshwater turtle, many different species of which can be found in the southeastern United States. One of the most well-known of the species is the common snapping turtle.

Turtles, especially the smaller terrestrial and freshwater varieties, are very popular pets. Human exploitation has caused damaging declines in these populations, some so far as extinction. The state of Florida has enacted many laws protecting these animals from the over harvesting that threatens them due to their increasing popularity. For instance, only one turtle can be taken per person per day, and only for non-commercial purposes. Some species are considered imperiled, and it is prohibited to hunt these species or any that closely resemble them. Furthermore, due to being carriers of salmellonosis, the FDA imposed regulations in 1975 against the sale of turtles under 4 inches long; it is illegal in every state to sell them.

Despite all these laws governing the capture and sale of freshwater turtles, they remain very popular indoor pets. The biggest problem in keeping a turtle is the maintenance of a healthy water quality. In the wild, the ponds these reptiles live in are infinitely larger than pet aquariums, and are much more naturally equipped for dealing with the natural waste turtles produce. It is always better to feed freshwater turtles in smaller, separate tub wherein they can eat and waste without polluting their home, and which can be cleaned after each use.

Red Eared Slider Turtles

The first thing you may not have known about Red Eared Slider Turtles is how easy it is to tell the difference between a male and a female. Some of you are probably thinking that there is no way to tell when in fact there is. If your turtle is a male he will have a longer and fatter tail. If your turtle is a female the tail of course will be short and thin. The other way you can tell the difference between a male and a female is by their claws. The male turtle will have longer claws and a female will have shorter claws.

There is another interesting fact about the male species of Red Eared Slider Turtles and that typically will happen when it’s time to mate. The male turtle will try to attract the attention of a female turtle by swimming towards her and gently brushing against her face with his claws. He will then proceed to swim in circles around the female to draw her attention. If she is attracted to him she will begin to follow and if she is not, she will begin to fight with him. This practice has been done for years and is actually quite fun to watch.

Red eared slider Turtles are actually quite unique and interesting little creatures. If you’ve ever seen one feed you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. Many times you’ll see them swimming through the water with their lower jaws extended in an almost awkward looking gesture. But this is actually the way they catch whatever food may be floating in the water. Once the food has been captured in the pharynx they will then close their mouths and the water will then be pushed through their nostrils.

There is also something that is more interesting about the Red Eared Slider Turtles and that is their ability to carry a certain bacteria that is harmful to human beings but it does not harm the turtle in any way. This particular bacterium can be carried in their digestive system without affecting these little creatures. For this reason it is very important for you to make sure you use proper sanitary procedures such as washing your hands after handling your pets to make sure you are not infected with something that could have been avoided.

Red Eared Slider Turtles are fun and exciting and there are many people around the world that simply love these little pets. If you’re thinking about having one of these pets in your home, make sure you’re taking the normal precautions when handling your pet for your benefit as well as theirs.

Top 5 Ways to Care for a Turtle

Once you get a turtle as your pet , you should start learning how you can properly take care of it. Since there are different kinds of turtles, you must know the specific needs of the one that you bought. Below are the best 5 tips in caring for any kind of turtle so that they will get the proper turtle care and live a longer life:

Make them feel at home

The right environment is essential for your turtles. But before doing so, you might want to know first more about turtles and what their needs are in an environment. There are some turtles that require either dry or wet environment but here are also others that need both.

Give the suitable turtle diet

Do not forget to give ample amount of food to your turtle. This would help your turtle have a healthier as well as longer life. More often than not, turtle diet is more on fresh vegetables particularly the lettuce. However, it is recommended that you try to make a research about turtles to know which turtle diet would suit your pet.

Group them accordingly

Knowing the living condition of your turtles is vital. Grouping them is one of the most important ways on how to take care of a turtle. Some want to live with other turtles while others want to be left alone. If by chance that your turtles’ breed lives with a group make sure that you group them according to their size as well as their similar proportion.

Proper turtle care and good maintenance

Turtles are just like any other pets. As the owner, you have the responsibility to attend to them on a daily basis. Although maintaining a turtle is actually not that hard, proper turtle care is still important. You should be aware if there changes in the behavior of your turtle which might be because of environmental or health problems on your pet. Spending a few minutes of your time is one of the turtle cares that all owners must do. This is to know easily if there are changes happening in the turtle.

Make sure that you are dedicated

If you would read about turtles you would know that they have long lifespan. Usually, they love from 30 up to 50 years. There are even some who can reach their hundredth birthday. Therefore, you must have a committed turtle careso that you may nurture and cherish your pet as both of you grow old.

Learn more about Turtles and Turtle Health Care .

Your Guide To Pet Turtles – Are Pet Turtles the Right Choice for You?

Turtles live very long, however, you need to know how to look after turtles the right way so they can live a happy life. So are pet turtles the right choice for you? Let’s find out.

You may have heard about pet terrapins, tortoises and turtles .

So what’s the difference?

Terrapins generally thrive on land but require water to occasionally dip in. They are both carnivorous and vegetarian, which means they may either consume small fish or weeds/algae. On the other hand, tortoises are entirely vegetarian . They tend to hibernate all throughout winter and live well as garden pets and are well suited to houses rather than smaller living spaces such as apartments.

Turtles are predominantly found in the sea. They consume both fish and vegetables. The only time they go on land is when they are laying eggs. Turtles are not suited to being pets, however, the term “turtle” is commonly used to generally describe both terrapins and tortoises.

Turtle Care:

Now let’s talk about caring for a pet turtle in general. A turtle guide will give you an idea whether having one is the right choice for you. As opposed to common belief, pet turtles require lots of care and commitment. The way you care for a pet turtle will depend on its specific needs—find out what kind of environment and diet it is well suited to (refer above). Additionally, you need to know if you can actually have a pet turtle: it is illegal in some states.

An aquarium is usually recommended as long as it is big enough. It is advised to get a 29 gallon tank or bigger. If you’re going to get a pet turtle that needs both dry land and water to swim in, you need to make sure it has enough room. Large rocks can be used as dry land for your turtle. The water should not be lower than the turtle’s shell. For pet turtles that swim a lot, you can raise the water level a bit. You may provide a submersible heater to maintain temperature. It is recommended that you clean the turtle’s tank every few days. A filter can help.

Many turtles like to bask, so provide a source of lighting over the aquarium. A 25-40 watt reptile basking light is permissible. It is recommended to leave the light on only at night when temperatures drop.

When feeding , you are not to do so too little or too much. Feed young pet turtles only about twice a day. Vegetarian turtles usually enjoy bananas, tomatoes, apples and lettuce leaves. If the turtle is carnivorous, you may feed it fish, crickets and earthworms. Always ask about the turtle’s recommended diet before buying one. Most turtles require a good source of calcium and vitamin D for a healthy shell.

Aside from knowing how to look after turtles, you need to know hot to prevent Salmonella infections. If you have kids, it is important to teach them how to handle turtles properly so they don’t contract Salmonella. Either prevent them from handling a turtle or make sure they wash their hands immediately after handling.

Refer to a pet turtle guide to learn more about turtle care . Now that you know a bit about pet turtles and how to look after turtles, you can now decide whether to buy one or not.

A Guide to Your Turtle Eating Habits

The food that you will give to your pet turtle will determine if your pet would survive with you. That is why knowing the type of your pet turtle is very important so that you could properly give a healthy and balanced diet to it. Also, knowing when and what to give them is really necessary in order to have a healthy turtle pet .

Is there really such a guide on feeding your pet turtle? This does not entail a long and arduous task of feeding your pet; this is actually simple and just reminds every pet owner to observe their pet’s eating habit. It would help them a lot in taking good care of their turtle less the hassle on every pet owner.

• Right food is the key. Most of the turtles eat both meat and vegetables (omnivorous). So a balanced diet will include a healthy combination of both. However, some species like the tortoise are actually vegetable loving and feed only on plants and grasses. Some are scavengers feeding on insects and even other sea creatures. Know which food group your pet belongs. You don’t actually need to buy commercialized foods. Your common food such as meat and vegetables can be eaten by them if properly apportioned and chopped.

• Timing is everything. Some turtles have a time when they take their food. You could observe these on their first few days of stay with you. The reason why you should know this is of course to avoid supplying food which they will not eat. Foods that they do not eat actually cause contamination of their tanks. It makes their environment dirty. Hence, knowing when to feed them will actually lessen this contamination. Further, it is necessary that they have a clean drinking water by providing a separate container for their drinking water.

• Turtle food facts are helpful but variations are welcomed. Yes, you know your pet’s eating habits. They eat vegetables and they seem contented with it. However, researchers have shown that exposing your pet turtle to small fish which they could catch is actually an exercise and a new avenue to discover what they want. The point here is an omnivorous turtle may want more vegetables when they grow older or vice versa. You will really never know unless you try to expose them to other food varieties. But of course, this must be taken with precaution.

They say that when you like to experience how to have kids, get your own pet. If you survive, then maybe, you are ready to have your own baby. Turtles are like kids that need to be taken care of. They need attention, constant care and love from their caretakers. They also get sick. Unlike kids who can easily cry when something is hurting, these slow-moving pets obviously do not have the capacity to say what they feel. But a keen observer would know that something is wrong by merely looking at the turtle . A slight change in behavior and even change in shell color or even a change on their swimming pattern would indicate that something is wrong with your pet. Turtle care includes knowledge about these signs.

The easiest indicator of an ailing turtle is its physical appearance. Their shells say a lot about it. A slight change in color or deformity will actually reveal that there is deficiency on its vitamin or calcium intake. Rashes or even scratch is a sign of an injury. Skin shedding for some animals may be normal but for a pet turtle it may be a sign of a fungal infection.

Sick turtles also get runny nose and swollen eyes. Sneezing, coughing and gasping are not confined to humans because sick turtles get them as well. If you see these signs coupled with your turtles sluggishness, it may mean that your pet is suffering from bacterial or respiratory infection. This usually occurs if their habitats is contaminated so better check their turtle tank and keep it clean always. It may also be due to a wrong and imbalanced diet.

If your pet turtle stops eating or swims in an erratic manner coupled with the other symptoms mentioned above, then it may be suffering from the deficiencies and /or injuries already mentioned. Bringing them to an ordinary animal doctor would really help a lot in determining their sickness. Also take into consideration their tank or aquariums if it is clean. Their diet may also be a big factor, hence, knowing their eating habits before acquiring them is really important.

Now that you know the signs that your pet turtle may be ailing and the possible reason why they are experiencing such symptoms, you may easily identify what causes these ailments. Protecting your turtle’s health is easy if you can easily recognize these signs. If all else fails, you always have your animal doctor that will help in taking care of your sick turtle.

Turtles are not as resilient as many believe. Although generally they are not the most difficult pets to take care of, you need to provide adequate turtle care . Many pet turtles unfortunately die early because their owners think they will be fine as long as they put them in a fish bowl and feed them any type of food.

The fact is, there are so many kinds of turtles and each of them have specific requirements for their food and environment. Most turtles do not really stay the same small size forever, and so aren’t suitable living in a fish bowl. Furthermore, a turtle may need to bask many times and so will require a heat or light source. There are many more things that are required to keep a turtle healthy and living long.

Use this turtle care guide to find out more.

When you look for a turtles guide focusing on hatchlings , you won’t find many results. So let’s talk about taking care of baby turtles! First of all, hatchlings are very cute and so kids will want to pick them up and play with them. Be warned though that many turtle hatchlings carry Salmonella bacteria, and these can be passed on to people. The symptoms aren’t pretty, and will need to be treated. These little creatures in general don’t want to be handled too often anyway. So make sure you avoid carrying hatchlings or only handle them occasionally. If your child handles a hatchling, make sure he/she washes his/her hands right away after handling. Because hatchlings tend to be really small, start with an aquarium that has very shallow water. The water should not be deeper than the length of the turtle’s shell. Young pet turtles will need to be fed about twice a day. It’s always a good idea to find a reptile veterinarian for recommendations and advice if you own hatchlings.

Just like humans, turtles can get sick . Turtle care can be challenging because turtles can have a number of symptoms like bulging eyes, shell sores, sneezing and coughing . If your pet has swollen eyes, apply Gentocin drops recommended by your veterinarian into its eyes. Treat skin wounds by using Betadine solution as prescribed by the vet. Betadine solution may also be applied to shell sores if allowed by the vet. If your pet is sneezing, coughing or not eating at all, ask for advise from your veterinarian right away .

When your turtle is old , it will require even more care and attention . You’d want to be able to keep your pet as long as possible, as these creatures can live for decades! All you really need to do is to provide the basic requirements and regularly maintain your pet turtle’s diet and environment. Simply keep the tank clean by using filters and doing a complete spring cleaning routine every 45 days. Ideally, water in the tank is to be changed every few days. A funny odor and/or color in the water is a signal to change it. You may place a sucker fish (ask advice from the vet first) in the tank as this type of fish eats up algae. Regulate the water temperature by using a water heater.

When finding turtles for sale , you need to know where to go as well as be familiar with the type of turtle you want. The common turtle comes in different colors and sizes. It may also be aquatic, land based or both. It may eat only vegetables, are carnivorous or are omnivorous. Having that said, the common turtle requires proper and very specific turtle care and cannot be just left in a container or fed any kind of food. Turtle health is just as fragile as human health, so make sure you are committed if you’re planning on buying turtles .

Most pet turtles are obtain through the pet trade. If you purchase a turtle from a pet store , investigate well. There is a probability that it may be stressed and exhausted after being transported to and living in the pet store. Good pet stores are now implementing proper turtle care where the environment is much more appropriate for their animals. In some states it is not legal to obtain a turtle from the wild and have it as a pet. However, it is legal in other sites. Despite this fact it is still discouraged to pick up a turtle from the wild because some species are already being depleted and many animals in the wild carry diseases and parasites.

Aside from pet stores, there are usually good turtles for sale in animal shelters . Some people find that they are no longer able to care for their turtles and therefore send them to the animal shelter. Some animal shelters ask for a small fee if you want to pick up an animal from them so they can run their organization. When choosing a turtle from a shelter, you still have to make sure it is in top condition.

Another source when finding turtles for sale is the oriental food market . However, it’s not the best source if you want to discourage the killing of turtles for food. Realize that most turtles found in oriental food markets are shipped under horrible conditions. Street vendors or flea markets are also not a good source for buying turtles.

Probably one of the best sources for buying turtles is a person who breeds turtles. There are a few breeders and you can find them by joining a turtle club. You can ask members if they are breeding and selling any turtles.

Once you’ve found a good place for buying turtles , you may now choose your turtle. Know which common turtle is best for you. Ask yourself, do you want a pet that doesn’t require too much space? Do you have adequate space to build an outdoor home for a larger turtle? What are foods you can easily give to your new pet turtle? These questions can help you find the most suitable type of turtle for you. You can always ask the pet shop clerk or a reptile veterinarian to help you decide.

When you already have a pet turtle, you can now focus on turtle health and general turtle care . Make sure the tank is kept clean and your turtle is fed the appropriate types and amount of food each day.

As you might already know, turtles need a considerable amount of care and attention. Not only do you have to feed them the right kind of foods, but you also need to provide them with the appropriate turtle aquarium. There are some things to consider when choosing a turtle tank .

Turtle Tank

Good turtle care means preparing a good turtle tank . Realize that a turtle aquarium or tank is not the same is the usual fish bowl. First of all, most turtles grow much bigger than you expect. Generally, a 25-50 gallon tank or more is best for a pet turtle. One of the most essential elements of turtle care is getting an appropriately sized turtle aquarium. You can go to a pet store and ask for a “long” or “breeder” turtle tank.

Most turtles require both dry land and an area with water. The depth of the water must be more than the length of the turtle. This is so the turtle will be able to easily get in and out of the water. The basking area can comprise simply of large rocks. You may put plants in the turtle tank, however, it is best to use small, stout ones instead of the more delicate ones as turtles tend to chew up plants quickly. Plastic plants are permissible in most cases. In reality, many turtles do not require plants, sand or gravel. If you prefer to decorate your turtle tank with these, make sure you clean the tank more often. The best way to find out what kind of turtle aquarium your turtle needs is to study the natural habitat of that specific type turtle.

Turtle Tank Accessories

There are some accessories that are very important for any turtle aquarium . The larger the stones or more decorations you put in the aquarium, the bigger it will need to be. Important accessories include water heater, heat/light source and filter . Many turtles require that the water be just the right temperature to live long and healthily. A water heater would be good for this purpose. Next, you’ll need to place a heat or light source over the aquarium. This is primarily for basking. You can use heat, UV or fluorescent lamps. Finally, you need to provide a filter to help keep the aquarium clean. Turtles cannot live long if they are always in a filthy environment. In fact turtles can get sick and their shell can rot especially if the water in the tank is dirty.

Turtle Tank Cleaning Guide

When it’s time to clean the turtle tank , transfer your turtle in another container that is around 75 degrees where it can stay there temporarily. Connect a plastic siphon tube on the water vacuum and lead the other end of the hose towards the tub or sink. As the vacuum gets rid of the water, take away accessories, decorations and other matter from the turtle tank. Clean and brush them well with a toothbrush and white vinegar. Use only water to rinse the filter and brush out any algae. Brush the tank’s surfaces with baking soda and a toothbrush. Utilize white vinegar and a paper towel for the interiors. Once the turtle tank is empty, rinse it all over.