Taking Care of a Pet Turtle
- 1. Taking Care of a Pet Turtle
- 2. Turtles make some of the best pets! Turtles require more attention and care than fish, but less than a more active animal like a dog or cat. Still, before you buy a turtle, you should know how to care for it. This may help you prepare for the required tasks ahead. Follow these steps to have a happy turtle.
- 3. 1. The Tank Set up a tank: A turtle’s indoor habitat should be at least 40 gallons to allow for growth to adult size. It should also include a heat lamp for basking. The tank must include land area or dry area and swimming area or wet area. Make sure you read about the turtle you plan to buy so you can provide the right living environment.
- 4. 2. Temperature Control Set up temperature control: Turtles are cold-blooded critters who need a fairly constant temperature in order to do well. Turtles prefer to live in a temperature between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Some turtles do all right if the temperature drops down to 50 degrees at night, but anything lower than that can cause a turtle to go into hibernation or get sick. It is best to heat water for aquatic turtles, and include a basking light to heat the air in the tank. Wait, not sure if your pet is a turtle or a tortoise? Find out the difference here.
- 5. 3. Know his hibernation patterns Find out how much your turtle should hibernate: Since turtles have varying lengths of hibernation time, you should know how long to expect your turtle to be inactive and how to provide the best environment for it in the meantime. More experienced turtle owners allow their turtles to hibernate in the refrigerator or bury them in their yards.
- 6. 4. The Food Provide food: Turtle foods are varied for a healthy diet, often including fresh and flaked food, live bugs, and vitamin A to help them thrive. Food for turtles can be found at fish food stores and pet stores, or at Pisces Pros. Fresh foods like lettuce, bugs, worms, fish, and other plants and veggies can be good to offer your turtle, too. What Do Turtles Eat? Do you know what and where to buy turtle food? It really depends on the breed of turtle. Saltwater turtle food is different from pet turtle food because they eat different things in the wild. A turtle food list might include fruits and vegetables, protein sources, and turtle food bites. Find more information here. The best turtle food is the kind that mimics or includes ingredients your turtle would find naturally.
- 7. 5. Cleaning It’s important to clean the tank and change your pet’s water frequently: Turtles need fresh food and water every day (when they aren’t hibernating). The cage, aquarium, or enclosure should be cleaned regularly, even if you have filtration systems or other regular maintenance devices. Filtration in a water aquarium is a must, and if the tank starts smelling it is because the water is dirty and needs to be changed.
- 8. 6. Limit Playtime 6. Do not play with your turtle often: Turtles get stressed easily when handled. They aren’t very good playmates and are better treated as something to look at rather than touch. Never drop or throw your turtle as they can get hurt easily, even with their hard shells.
- 9. 7. Wash Your Hands 7. If you do touch your turtle or anything in its cage, you need to wash your hands thoroughly; otherwise you risk getting salmonella.
- 10. The folks at Pisces Pros can help you with the details of caring for your pet turtle. ● Shop for turtle food today at www. piscespros.com or call 385-244-2221 for more information today. ● Pisces Pros has the right turtle food for your turtle, with products that contain no artificial preservatives, colorants, or additives. You can order turtle food wholesale or turtle food in bulk.