Turtles can be really fun pets. They require more care & attention than a pet fish but less than a more active pet like a dog or a cat. Each turtle has a different lifespan of more than 25 years out of which some of which reach a lifespan of 80 years, like the box turtle.
But one needs to ensure they follow all these steps to have a healthy, happy turtle buddy.
- Set up a tank:
The most basic thing required when you get a pet turtle is a tank. Their indoor habitat should be at least 40 gallons to allow for growth to an adult size. The tank should have both a dry area or a land area and a swimming area or a wet area. Your tank should also have a heat lamp for basking. Reading about the turtle you plan on getting beforehand can also come handy.
- Temperature Control:
Turtles are cold-blooded creature who need a fairly even temperature in order to do well. They prefer living in a temperature between 15 to 30 degrees celsius. It is best to heat water for aquatic turtles & include basking light to heat the air in the tanker.
- Provide Food:
Food for turtles can be found at fish food stores or pet stores with variety of range and options. Turtle food often includes fresh and flaked food, live bugs & vitamin A to help them thrive. Fresh food like lettuce, bugs, worms, fish & other veggies can be a great offer for your pet turtle too.
- Cleaning tank & changing water frequently:
Turtle like any other pets require fresh food & water regularly when they aren’t hibernating. Even if you have a filtration systems or other maintenance devices it is necessary to clean the tank on a regular basis. If the tank starts stinking it is because the water is dirty and needs to be cleaned, hence regular cleaning is a must.
- Wash your hands:
If you touch your turtle or anything in their tank you should always wash your hand as you can risk getting salmonella.
- Understand how long your turtle should hibernate:
Since turtles have different lengths of hibernating it is necessary for you to understand how long your turtle will be inactive and provide them with a comfortable environment.
- Do not play with your turtle often:
Turtles get stressed easily when touched or pick. They are much rather happier being looked at and adored than being touched. Make sure to never drop them on the floor as they can get hurt easily even with their hard shells which can cause some serious injuries.
Taking care of a pet turtle isn’t as easy as one things. Multiple things need to be taken under consideration as they require regular care, frequent cleaning and they don’t like being touched. But they still make a really fun pets to watch.