Turtles are extraordinary animals that make excellent companions. They may be slow but they are adorable and charming. Before buying a turtle, it's important to know as much as possible about caring for a turtle from infancy to old age, and be prepared for a long-term commitment. Having a turtle is a lifetime relationship and knowing what awaits you will help you make the right decision. The care of turtles requires special attention for the den, nutrition, health and good hygiene.
Steps
Part 1 of 7: What is a Turtle?
Step 1. Find out about the characteristics of a turtle before buying one
What are turtles, tortoises and freshwater turtles? It all depends where you come from!
- Turtles: In America, most chelones are called turtles, whether land or water. In Great Britain or Australia, the term turtle refers only to marine ones.
- Tortoises: In America and Great Britain, this term refers to terrestrial turtles, while in Australia (where there are no terrestrial turtles), it refers to freshwater species.
- Freshwater Turtles ("Terrapins"): In Britain, it refers to freshwater species, while in America it refers to the diamond-backed turtles, Malaclemys terrapin.
- The article follows the American convention of the term turtle.
Part 2 of 7: Choosing a Turtle
Step 1. Find a good turtle seller
Quality pet stores are usually able to provide you with everything you need, but they may not have the breed you are looking for, so call before you go. Breeders can also be found online or through local reptile associations.
Step 2. Make sure you have enough money
Turtles aren't cheap and will cost you quite a bit. First of all, realize how much it will take you to get a turtle and to provide for its needs (habitat, food, etc.).
Part 3 of 7: Hosting a Turtle
Step 1. Choose a den according to the turtle's species
For instance:
- Hardy land tortoises: They need soil and a small amount of water. These turtles can live in both temperate and sub-tropical climates and need a period of hibernation. Many manage to get used to outdoor fences that are properly closed by a gate, with adequate shelter. Lawn and grassy areas are a useful addition to the "den". Since they can dig, the fence will need to be fixed deep. They will need something to get wet in, which is very important especially in warmer environments and during the hot season.
- Tropical land tortoises: They need a warmer environment, can be kept outdoors in mild weather, but should be kept indoors for most of the year. You will need to consider additional heating and ways of giving the turtle adequate humidity (heated aquariums / cushions, etc.). A terrarium is a viable option for this type of tortoise.
- Aquatic turtles: they need an adequate amount of water. The amount of land you have to offer them varies by species, some are almost totally aquatic and will do great in an aquarium, unless you want them to breed too, in which case they'll need some soil as well.
Step 2. Choose the right items to fill the lair with
The precise details of what your turtle needs will vary depending on the species and its particular needs. Below you will find general comments on what might be useful.
- Indoor turtle. If you have an indoor turtle, you will need a terrarium, a source of light and heat (usually powerful heating lamps are used, ask the pet shop clerk how many watts they should be), some sort of rock, and if needed, water in which the turtle can swim (in a kind of angle so that there are more and less deep parts). You will also need pebbles and small rocks for the base bottom. Ask the pet store for more tips on what to put in the terrarium.
- Outdoor turtle. An outdoor turtle enclosure should be located in a sunny spot with lots of safe greenery. You will need a pond (it doesn't need to be large) or a tub, because sometimes they will want to swim even though they usually stay out of the water. Place seedlings in the pond and rocks around it. Also, for an outdoor turtle, you will need a more enclosed space to crouch at night. Green plants are great for your turtle to roam around. You'll need a good enclosure, as turtles are excellent escape artists. Also make sure that the fence reaches about half a meter below the ground, so that the turtle cannot burrow under it.
Part 4 of 7: Feeding the Turtle
Step 1. Find the right kind of food
You will hear that turtles have different preferences. The best advice is to try them all, making sure the turtle can eat what you give it. Turtles can be very spoiled when it comes to food.
- Outdoor Turtles: Land turtles are mostly herbivores and will happily eat most of the green leaves. Grass and plants are welcome, along with lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, tomatoes. The fruits they eat include strawberries, raspberries, dandelions, bananas, pears, apples, peaches, and even canned fruit.
- Indoor turtles: aquatic and semi-aquatic turtles prefer meat to vegetables; they will appreciate prawns, freshwater shrimps, grasshoppers, slugs, snails etc. Worms are a delicacy to them, as are insects (isopod insects and crickets). Additionally, some vegetables, fruits and vegetables should be added to their diet to ensure proper nutrition.
- Cut all food into small pieces, because turtles are used to tearing food from plants with their roots and need small pieces to come into their mouths. If you're giving your turtle dog or cat food, or leftover meat, make sure it's all cut into small pieces.
- In some cases, the turtle may eat frozen fish food as well, 1 or 2 cubes at a time. Ask a turtle expert for more advice.
- Learn your turtle's preferences for food; first get an idea by reading, as needs vary by species. It is also important to know what not to give to the turtle, communicating it to all inhabitants and guests in the house, to preserve the health of the turtle.
Step 2. Remember that turtles don't eat every day
You can feed yours every 3 to 4 days, unless some particular species is an exception.
Step 3. Keep your hands away from the turtle's mouth when feeding it
A bite can really hurt, even if it's accidental.
Part 5 of 7: Take care of the hygiene
Step 1. Clean your turtle's terrarium every two weeks
This includes changing the pebbles / gravel / soil (replacing it with new) and water. Disinfect anything that has become soiled and rinse it off with a watering hose. Scrub the inside with warm soapy water and a mild disinfectant like bleach.
- Rinse off all of the wash water thoroughly and make sure the terrarium (or cage) is completely dry before putting the cleaned materials back in place.
- Clean all the glass so that you can clearly see through it.
- Place the turtle in a temporary den while you clean.
Step 2. Change the terrarium water every 2 to 3 days unless it is filtered
If it is filtered, follow the recommended water change guidelines and change the gravel at least every 2 to 3 months. When cleaning the aquarium, use a mild disinfectant to remove algae and sludge.
Clean the filters regularly
Step 3. Change your drinking water daily
Use rotating water containers to make sure it's always clean, every day.
Step 4. Remove as many leftovers as possible after 2 days of placing them in the terrarium
Otherwise they could go bad and become a source of bacterial infections. Plus they will become smelly.
Step 5. Remove the droppings with a scoop
It is especially important for dry earth terrariums and cages. Thoroughly clean any stained area.
Step 6. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the turtle
All animals can transmit infections, diseases and parasites and it is good to get used to washing your hands after touching them. Also, you can infect your pet too, so be sure to wash your hands even before touching them.
Part 6 of 7: Spending Time with the Turtle
Step 1. Hold your turtle
When you first catch the turtle, try not to hold it in your hand for at least three weeks. Turtles are very shy animals and will need time to get used to their new environment. But over time, your turtle will start to trust you and if that happens it will be a great thing. Ask your pet dealer if your turtle tends to bite easily. Keep your hands away from the turtle's mouth if this is likely to be a problem.
If your turtle bites you, leave it alone for a week or two, disinfect the skin, and if any blood has leaked, contact your doctor right away to check and treat the wound properly
Step 2. Enjoy the company of your turtle
Turtles live as long as humans do (sometimes even longer!), So you need to be able to care for and love your turtle for life. If it's not something you're prepared to do, or you're unable to take action, it's not the animal for you.
Part 7 of 7: Individual Species Care Guides
The information listed in this guide is general in nature. To find relevant details about a particular species of turtle, deepen your search with special guides.
Advice
- Read everything you can about the types of diseases and ailments a turtle can deal with. This will help you to quickly recognize the symptoms, if the turtle is sick, and to intervene quickly.
- Find a veterinarian who specializes in turtle care. He or she will be able to help you quickly if the turtle gets sick.
- Use organic food for your turtle if possible, it's healthier and safer.
- Always call the pet shop if you are unsure about anything. It is better to rely on experts rather than search the internet, they will give you exact information and can help you materially.
- If your turtle hibernates, you will need to provide it with an appropriate environment for it to happen. Use straw or hay for an outdoor turtle to provide it with enough space to retreat to. Provide suitable shelter for indoor turtles, such as a wooden crate or similar.
Warnings
- Keep the turtle's water clean. He can get sick from dirty water.
- Make sure your outdoor turtle has a good enclosure. When they run away it's a real tragedy (they don't literally run). And yes, they will try again and again.
- The turtle is not a suitable pet for the little ones, unless an adult is willing to take care of all the care that the animal will need.
