T urtles are low-maintenance pets ideal for working professionals and students with busy lifestyles. If you’ve recently gotten a new turtle, you're probably wondering how to take care of your pet turtle. For this, the first crucial step is to know that while turtles may not require as much time and money as an ordinary fuzzy four-legged pet, they do require consistent maintenance.
As a new pet turtle owner, are you confused about your next step forward? Don't worry. We've got you covered.
1. Pump Up The Tanks Temperature
It is vital to know turtles are cold-blooded species that require a specific temperature to maintain their well-being. Most turtles are unable to cope with temperatures below 50 degrees. Lower temperatures cause turtles to hibernate, which may last from 10-20 weeks to 9 months a year. Other turtles may even get sick.
Always include a basking light to provide warmth to the air in the tank. If you own an Aquatic turtle, make sure you heat water for them.
2. Set Up The Right Tank
It is integral you set up the right tank for the right turtle. Always do your due research on the type of turtle you plan to purchase as your pet. Your pet turtle should always be in a tank of at least 40 gallons. This allows total size growth. This tank must also consist of a land area and a swimming area.
Do keep in mind every turtle has its own environmental needs and requirements. Remember to read up on turtles before getting one.
3. Do Not Play With Your Turtles Often
Please understand that turtles are not playmates. They are often bought and kept as pets for not being demanding and do not need their owner's attention. Most pet owners who breed and keep turtles as pets often treat turtles as something to look at rather than something to touch. Do not feel bad for not spending time with your pet turtle! Not every pet requires excessive playtime or handling.
4. Be Proper With Your Turtles Diet
Turtle foods vary in flavors and branding. To obtain a healthy diet, one must include fresh food such as live bugs and vitamin A to help them thrive. A suitable diet for turtles can be found at most pet stores considering the rise in the demand for pet turtles that has surged recently. These foods, varying from country to country, may be available at local food stores as well. Have a good look around.
Turtles may also be fed fruits and vegetables. Shredded carrots, zucchinis, and squash have proven to be predominantly a healthy makeup of a turtle's diet.
5. Always Clean Tanks
Never neglect the cleaning of your pet turtles' tanks. When a turtle is not in its hibernating phase, it is imperative to clean the tanks daily. The provision of fresh food is also integral to its hygiene. Filtration in a water aquarium is an absolute necessity.
Even despite most filters, a manual cleanup of the tanks must be observed regularly. Do not avoid this! Sanitization could not be put enough emphasis on.
Do not forget to wash your hands every time you touch the tank. Failure to do so might risk you getting salmonella.
6. Safety Check-Ups
Low need for attention does not equal inconsistent care. Be sure to check your turtle occasionally for parasites, abscesses, shell fractures, and infections. Other health concerns may include respiratory issues and vitamin deficiencies.
These may be avoided through good hygiene practices as measured above, but to keep check of such matters, always check for signs of illness. Is your turtle avoiding food, developed swollen eyes, or discoloration in its shell? If so, you'll have to get them checked as quickly as possible.
It is important to make sure your baby turtle is eating twice a day. Watch your kids closely around turtles, and never lift your turtle from its legs. Always lift it from the midsection.
Keeping a pet turtle may sound tempting. Predominantly for its exoticness and aesthetics. While that may be so, first-time turtle owners may have many ambiguities about having a pet that chooses to sleep in its shell for up to 9 months a year. To sum it up, with sound research, the right tank, and apt safety precautions, you can understand how to take care of your pet turtle.
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This post is tagged in:
- How To Take Care Of Your Pet Turtle
- Pet care for turtles
- pet turtles
- pet
