A turtle is a terrestrial reptile that belongs to the Chelonia order. It generally has a bony slider shell that acts as their shield and can be withdrawn in most turtle species.
The turtle’s unique appearance makes it favorable and ornate to have as a pet especially for people with allergies to common house pets and to animals with fur. Pet stores offer different animal pets including turtles for sale.
Like any other pets, keeping a turtle gives you the same responsibility as the owner. Here are some guidelines on how to take care of a turtle:
- You will need a large heated aquarium that can contains up to 40 gallons, lights for the aquarium, rocks or logs that can fit in to the aquarium or the wading pool, a wading pool, turtle food, table salt and a brush for scrubbing.
- Make an artificial habitat to resemble an aquatic environment for your turtle. Get the heated aquarium and fill it with about 40 gallons of water. The heated aquarium can be the turtle’s house in cooler climates. On the other hand, the wading pool can serve as the turtle’s home during warm weather.
- Imitate the turtle’s natural habitat in a wading pool. Decorate it with logs and rocks and make sure to leave an area wherein the turtle can climb completely out of water. Use strong and moderate-sized woods and avoid using small wood chips to avoid the pet from eating them.
- Make sure to maintain a temperature between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Heaters can be placed in aquariums to maintain the warmth your pets need. You can also put heated lights in place of heaters.
- Make sure to feed your turtle pet at least three times a week. If your pet happens to be a baby turtle, feed it everyday. Turtles can tolerate raw foods like meats, green veggies, or fruits and long necked worms. Ready-made foods are also available in pet stores. Put the foods directly in the water, because it is the only way turtles eat.
- Make sure to clean the pet’s tank regularly. Put the turtle in a smaller container while cleaning the aquarium. Scrub the aquarium with the use of a brush, paying close attention to the slimy areas. Put a quarter cup of table salt in every 5 gallons of water to minimize the chances of fungus growth inside the tank. Take out the remaining food if your pet is no longer eating it to minimize the chances of bacterial growth.
- Monitor the health of your pet turtle. Check for signs of fungal infection that is manifested by white spots on its shell or limbs. Malnutrition is manifested by a swollen eye or a soft shell. Separate the sick turtle from the others if you have more than one pet turtle.
- Visit a veterinarian regularly to check and ensure the wellness of your pet.
Having a pet can be a lot of fun, especially for creatures like turtles. Like any other pet, turtles require attention and care. By following the guidelines above, you can help your turtle pet thrive for years.