Want to get a turtle as a pet? Turtles require much care, not just in the first few years of their lives.
Especially when you’re a kid, an adorable baby turtle is a near-irresistible object! They’re so cuddly and move around so slowly that they’re pretty much idyllic candidates for getting a pet. On top of that, they’ve been a household staple for literal generations.
If you are keen on getting a pet turtle as a new family member, you must learn how to care for them properly. Below is our pet turtles for beginners guide. Read on!
Species Selection
There are various types of turtles, each with unique characteristics that can help you decide which species is best for you. Some species can grow quite large and require larger tanks and more food than smaller varieties.
Common pet turtle species include red-eared sliders, painted turtles, box turtles, and musk turtles. Find out the rules in your area about keeping turtles as pets. If a species is considered rare or invasive in your area, you may not be able to keep it or need a permit.
Habitat Setup
Turtles require a large tank with an appropriate substrate to burrow and nest in. The substrate should also absorb water and provide a humid environment for the turtle.
Additionally, your tank should have an appropriate basking area with illumination from a UVB lamp. The tank should be able to maintain a temperature of 78-88°F.
There should also be a water filtration system to help filter out debris, toxins, and harmful bacteria. Lastly, it’s essential to maintain a few hiding spots within the tank, as it is a natural behavior for turtles to seek out darker areas to hide.
Diet and Feeding
Juvenile turtles are primarily carnivores, but their diet may change to an herbivore or omnivore as they mature. A commercial turtle food diet is available for carnivorous and omnivorous turtles. However, a well-rounded diet can be achieved by preparing fresh vegetables, mixing small fish and insects, and feeding-silkworms to your pets.
Turtles are slow eaters, and it is vital to feed them small amounts frequently to ensure they consume enough nutrition. Understanding your turtle’s natural habitat and eating habits is essential to avoid disturbing their eating cycles or nutrition.
Health and Veterinary Care
Before bringing a turtle into your home, you must ensure that you understand what it takes to stay healthy and will be willing to provide it with the proper environment and turtle care.
A pet turtle’s lifespan can reach decades. It would be best if you were committed to taking it to an exotic pet veterinarian for routine checkups.
Additionally, turtles require regular deworming, which your veterinarian can also do. Understanding the potential diseases that turtles can transmit to humans, such as salmonella, is also essential. Finally, keeping the turtle’s habitat clean would be best to reduce the spread of germs and possible diseases.
Get a Pet Turtle Today!
Getting a pet turtle is an exciting and rewarding experience that requires dedication and research. Read all special care and feeding requirements and purchase supplies and habitat components.
With proper care and the right environment, owning a turtle can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Take the plunge and enjoy the bonding experience! You can find plenty of tips on our site. Go and browse some more!
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