Learn how to care for a turtles needs and habits. Taking into consideration certain factors specific to common turtle species will ensure healthy and contented specimens.
Considerations Before Acquiring a Turtle
In the right environment and with proper care, a turtle can accompany its owner from childhood into a ripe old age. Here are some points to consider before acquiring a turtle:
- Some turtles are protected by national and international laws and require permits to keep in captivity.
- Turtles are best kept outdoors from June to August. Many hibernate in winter.
- Almost all turtles carry salmonella bacteria but contamination can be avoided by simple hygiene techniques.
Housing
In nature, turtles can roam miles, moving from place to place to find food, exercise, and get away from dirty water. If you have the space, it is best to keep turtles in outdoor enclosures. Large plastic containers and wood boxes, called Turtle Tables, are excellent choices.
Without adequate space, turtles will fail to thrive in captivity. Minimum dimensions for a indoor terrarium should be the length of the turtle multiplied by five. For example, if your turtle is 6 inches, then the base of the terrarium should be at least 30 inches by 30 inches (6 inches multiplied by five). Add another 30% for an additional turtle.
Energetic, water-loving turtles will want as much swimming space as possible. Consider depth of water and surface area. Change, heat and filter the water; water that is too cold or dirty can lead to eye and lung inflammations. The glass bottom should be covered with substrate so it will not act as a mirror. Provide hiding spots and a basking surface above-water for enthusiastic swimmers.
Lighting and Temperature
Although turtles are regarded as being “cold-blooded”, all turtles need a warm environment and natural sunlight because they cannot maintain or generate body heat. Turtles adjust their body temperatures directly by an artificial heat source, basking in the sun, climbing on heated rocks or being in contact with the warm ground.
It’s vital to know what your particular turtle requires. Land turtles (North American Box Turtles and Asian Box Turtles) prefer air temperatures between 68-72F with a basking area as warm as 85F. Semi aquatic turtles (Wood Turtles) do best in temps between 80-82F with a warm spot of 97F. Aquatic Turtles (Red-Eared Slider, Painted Turtles) desire an air and water temperature between 72-82F.
Turtles may become chilled and will develop respiratory infections if temperatures drop below 64R for even a short time.
In nature the sun provides both the UVA - heat rays and the UVB light rays that allow for vitamin D production and calcium absorption. Overhead lamps must provide these vital light rays in order for turtles to survive and thrive in captivity.
Feeding
Freshwater turtles are omnivores; they eat both plants and animals. Turtles require a varied diet to prevent disease. Include leafy plants and greens. Pesticide- free romaine lettuce, chopped vegetables, and clover grass are good choices. Most turtles will take earthworms and almost any insect without any hesitation and can initiate their appetites.
Don’t forget to include commercial diet supplements sold as powders for healthy bone growth.
Anyone planning on keeping turtles must supply everything a turtle would get in the wild. Providing the correct housing, temperature and feeding requirements are what allow turtles to thrive in captivity.
Sources
- Alderton, David. Turtles & Tortoises of the World. Facts on File Publications, New York. 1988
- Turtle Puddle.org
- Wilke, Hartmut. Turtles and Tortoises. Barron’s. 1990
