Turtles are relatively easy animals to raise, although some special equipment is required. Puppies do not require very different care or treatment from adults, other than a greater attention against external dangers, as they are very small and vulnerable animals. When buying a new turtle, it is essential to recognize its species. All over the world there are different varieties, which have different environmental and food needs.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Habitat
Step 1. Choose an appropriate fence
Your baby turtle needs a habitat, but not just any one. Glass aquariums, which are used by many people, are actually not very suitable for these animals, because the walls are too high and there is often not enough space at the bottom to allow the turtles to walk. A wider and shallower container is certainly more suitable.
- A large plastic container is best for creating a habitat indoors (the lid is not needed).
- You can build the container yourself or purchase a turtle terrarium, which is a large wooden enclosure with long legs.
Step 2. Provide your pet with proper UV exposure
In nature, turtles bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature and absorb vitamin D. If you want to keep your little tortoise healthy, it's important to recreate the same environment even in captivity.
- Leave your new playmate freely in natural sunlight for a few hours a week. If the container is made of glass, however, do not expose it to direct sunlight, as the environment could overheat.
- When it is not possible to provide the turtle with natural light, use a UV lamp to ensure artificial sunlight.
- The exact duration of exposure required by the animal depends on the species, but generally varies between 10 and 12 hours a day.
Step 3. Make sure its habitat has the correct heat and humidity
All turtles need to live in warm environments. It is a good idea to install heating lamps to create a pleasant atmosphere inside the terrarium. One side should have a temperature of around 22 ° C, while the other around 29 ° C. Place a lamp to give off heat to one end of the structure. The appropriate level of humidity depends on the turtle species, so be sure to identify the variety.
- Desert tortoises must live in dry environments, while tropical tortoises prefer humid habitats.
- Some also require a warmer environment, so you need to be fully aware of the needs of the species you have chosen.
- You can increase the humidity by wetting the substrate, especially in the area under the heat lamp. You can decide to tilt the terrarium slightly to keep all the moisture on one side only. This way, the turtle will have several microclimates to choose from.
Step 4. Use an appropriate base material
There are several types of substrates available at pet stores, but not all of them are suitable for these reptiles. The ideal material for them is a mixture of soft soil and sand.
- Many add water to the soil, then mix it well then discard all unwanted objects - this will prolong the freshness of the substrate, which reduces the frequency with which you will have to change it.
- Adding small animals such as earthworms, springtails and small crustaceans can help the substrate last longer through aeration; they will also feed on leftover food.
Step 5. Provide the turtle with a hiding place
Make sure to include several items in the terrarium for the pet to retreat to if he wishes. In this way, you guarantee it shade and protection.
Part 2 of 3: Keeping the Turtle Hydrated and Nourished
Step 1. Secure drinking water
Place a shallow bowl where he can drink and change the water regularly to keep it fresh and clean at all times.
Don't worry too much if he doesn't seem to drink much. Some species, especially those originating in arid climates, drink very little, but you should always leave them with water available
Step 2. Put the turtle in the water every week
Every week or two you should give her a "bath" in a bowl of room temperature water. Leave it to soak for 10-15 minutes to ensure good hydration.
- Make sure the water level does not exceed that of the animal's chin.
- The turtle may decide to drink while soaking, so make sure the water stays clean.
Step 3. Provide her with a varied diet
Turtles need to eat different foods to get all the necessary nutrients. However, each species has different nutritional needs, you must therefore carefully identify the one to which your specimen belongs, in order to be able to set a correct and balanced diet.
- Desert turtles should eat a combination of herbs, green leafy vegetables, cactus flowers, and a small amount of fruit.
- Land herbivorous species, such as the leopard tortoise, should be fed a variety of grass and leafy greens. Do not give them any other vegetables, fruit or meat.
Step 4. Provide Vitamins
It is extremely important for baby tortoises to take vitamin D3 and calcium supplements; they could die in lack of these nutrients, so don't overlook this detail! A multivitamin product is perfect for balancing nutritional needs.
You can purchase powdered supplements at any pet store that sells turtle supplies. Alternatively, crush the ones that are sold as tablets
Part 3 of 3: Keeping the Turtle Safe and Healthy
Step 1. Protect her from predators
Cubs are very vulnerable to predators, due to their small size. Pay particular attention that no animals, such as cats, dogs, raccoons and birds, can harm them.
- If you have decided to keep the turtle indoors, make sure other pets do not have access to its terrarium.
- If you take her outdoors, cover her enclosure with sturdy wire mesh to prevent predators from attacking.
Step 2. Touch it as little as possible
When it is born, the turtle is easily stressed, so it is essential not to handle it too much. You can gently stroke her and offer her food with your hand, but you should wait until she has grown before touching or grabbing her more.
- If you have to touch it, be careful not to stress it by flipping it over or dropping it.
- Do not allow children to pick it up without your supervision or for very long periods.
Step 3. Prevent Pyramidal Growth Syndrome
It is a very common disease among the specimens in captivity; it consists of an abnormal development of the carapace which loses its smooth and uniform profile to become covered with pyramid-like peaks. This pathology usually begins to develop in the first or second year of life.
This syndrome could be caused by a calcium deficiency and / or humidity levels. Try to supplement your specimen's calcium intake by sprinkling her food with a balanced powdered supplement. You can also raise the percentage humidity of the terrarium
Step 4. Prevent respiratory diseases
These diseases are also quite common among captive turtles. The term "runny nose syndrome" or rhinorrhea is used to describe upper respiratory tract infections in turtles. You can prevent your reptile from getting sick by ensuring good hygienic conditions inside the terrarium.
- Never offer your pet junk food, even if you feel like they like it. Always adhere to the recommended diet for the species to which it belongs.
- Be careful not to overdo the humidity. The turtle should always have a dry area available in his enclosure.
- Allow her to expose herself to natural sunlight as much as possible.
- Use a substrate that does not create dust or that can get stuck in the pet's nose.
- You also need to reduce the stress that the turtle is subjected to and not crowd the terrarium with too many specimens.
Advice
- There are dozens of different species of turtles and each has its own specific needs. For this reason, remember to do a lot of research about the breed your little reptile belongs to, in order to get all the information you need.
- Turtles live long and grow very large, so be prepared to care for them for their entire life before purchasing a baby turtles.
- Even if you will eventually want to leave your turtle outside, it is best to keep them indoors during the first few years of life.
