MyAquaticPet’s Guide to Pet Turtle Care

So, you want to own a turtle. Turtles can be awesome pets, but they require a lot of maintenance. They do not require constant grooming or walks in the park or even a litter box like our furry friends. Our   shelled, aquatic pets do require a level of vigilance. And unlike our dog and cat friends they live a long time.  The average turtle can live up to forty years. In this article we will go into the basics of turtle ownership. We will talk about the optimal habitat, optimal temperature for your turtle habitat, feeding your turtle, cleaning your turtle and general health issues to look out for when owning your turtle.

There are several factors that go into creating optimal habitat for a turtle:  a good tank size; a filter; a clean tank; lighting; and temperature. A good tank for your pet turtle is a tank or large aquarium. The tank should be relative to the size of   your turtle will grow to. Experts suggests 10 gallons per inch of their shell. Experts also recommend adding a few more inches to the tank.  A turtle’s environment needs to be clean. Our little green friends produce a lot of waste, so you need a filter with chemical as well as biological filtration. While experts do not typically suggest a specific type of filter, they say a submersive filter would be only for a beginner’s tank. The next factor in tank maintenance is lighting. Lighting helps to your turtle keep a good circadian rhythm and shell health. Turtles need an iridescent heating lamp and UV Lamp. The iridescent lamp is to Turtles need light just as if they were in their natural habitat and simulates sunlight.  The light helps your turtle to synthesize Vitamin D and used when they surface to basking. A basking area is a dry area at the top of the tank so a turtle can bask. Experts also warn that a turtle does not need a lot of decorations. The decorations obstruct the turtle’s swimming.

Temperature of the tank is especially important to your turtle’s health. The temperature of the basking area is usually between 85- and 90-degrees Fahrenheit. Water temperature for the tank should be around 75 to 85 degrees. The temperature should never be below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.  An external or internal aquarium heater is an essential tool in regulating the tank’s temperature. Experts recommend a submersible water heater.

Food is essential to your pet turtle’s health. Your pet turtle has awfully specific dietary needs.  No leftover slices of pizza or hamburger. Please follow the care sheet when feeding your pet turtle.  Non adult turtles can be fed daily and adult turtles can be fed a few times a week. A typical pet turtle diet consists of food pellets. Leafy green and calcium powder can also be a part of your pet turtle’s diet. Mealworms, crickets, and other insects are also recommended for turtles.

Bathing is also important for a turtle. Turtles often develop algae on their shells and regularly shed dead skin cells.  An occasional bath is good for your turtle. It is recommended that before you bathe your turtle that you wash your hands. Turtles can carry salmonella. Next, use a washtub specifically for your turtle. You can use a toothbrush to scrub your turtle. Do not use any chemicals or soaps in bathing your turtle unless directed by your turtle care sheet. Rinse your turtle and make sure you flush any residue from your turtle bath into the toilet.

, parasites, and eye and respiratory infections. Maintaining a good habitat as mentioned earlier and proper feeding and bathing can help prevent most turtle health issues. As always follow your turtle care sheet. Also take your pet turtle to a veterinarian for a regular annual checkup r and be observant of your turtle’s daily habits.

In closing owning a pet turtle require a certain level of vigilance and care. Our shell-bodied friends are not as low maintenance as fish but not quite as high maintenance as cats and dogs.  By following the above guide, you will have a good start on caring for your pet turtle.