How to Care for a Turtle
Turtles are gentle creatures that won’t run off to the freeway when you let it off its leash! However, they do have specific needs. Here’s how to care for a pet turtle properly.
Materials
Terrapin food
Turtle or terrapin aquariums
Terrapin food
Turtle food
Ultraviolet lights
Aquarium filters
Procedure
Before purchasing a pet turtle for yourself, check if you have a veterinarian who knows how to handle turtles in your area. No matter how good an owner you are, knowing that there is a vet for turtles in the area is something you have to know before owning a turtle.
turtle care
Choose a terrapin aquarium for your turtle. Depending on their species, turtles can grow to half their size or retain the same size all their life. Your turtle’s home must be at least five times its size, with added considerations for its environment, growth and food.
Your turtle’s aquarium must be 1/3 for basking and 2/3 for swimming.
Don’t put chlorinated tap water into the aquarium just yet. Let it stand overnight to dissolved the chlorine before putting it in the aquarium.
Use a filtration system to make sure that the water is clean.
Fish out the turtle’s fecal water immediately to prevent disease and grime.
Use an full-spectrum ultraviolet light for your turtle’s home. Your turtle needs it for drying and preventing shell problems.
Maintain a temperature of 77 to 95 F inside the aquarium. You can use a heater if the natural temperature cannot reach this required heat.
Clean the entire terrarium at least once a month, including the filter.
Each turtle species require a particular diet, so research in advance your turtle’s dietary needs. Commercial turtle feed are widely available in most pet stores.
Feed your turtle two to three times a week in an area separate from the tank to avoid grime and disease.
Acceptable turtle snacks include: Small fish, mouse pups, leafy green vegetation, fruit, earthworms and crustaceans.
After eating, rinse your turtle with slightly warm water before returning it back in the aquarium.