turtle care tips

We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Out of all of the reptiles you can purchase the turtle may be one of the most fascinating. Box turtles, along with aquatic turtles, have specific depths of water that they prefer over others. How do I know if a turtle is male or female? wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. A female turtle has a short and stubby tail but males have a long, sort of skinny tail. June 20, 2014. With over 15 years of experience, Audra specializes in reptiles and exotic animals, environmental education, marine biology, conservation issues, and animal husbandry. Terrapins are also turtles, but generally split their time evenly between land and fresh water. Purchasing Salmonella Free turtlesdoes not mean that you and your family are not at risk of contracting the infection. Observe it when you first feed it to gauge the right amount. Providing good, consistent care for your turtle or tortoise will keep it healthy and happy. Audra Barrios is a Marine Biologist and the owner of Lick Your Eyeballs, a business offering reptiles, supplies and plants. As a rule of thumb, give your turtle the amount of food that it can eat in 5 minutes. The bigger the enclosure, the better,” said Brian Ogle, a science instructor who specializes in animal behavior and pet ownership at Beacon College in Leesburg, Florida. Last Updated: October 24, 2020 Remember that turtles carry germs that can make people sick. To prevent choking, cut up veggies into bite-size pieces smaller than your turtle's beak. ", teaching me how to take care of my turtle but also make him happy. Get a hiding box at the pet supply store and place it in the basking area. After reading this now, I, "I just got my turtle a few days ago, and it isn't eating. If your reptile lamp uses an incandescent bulb, you'll also need to buy a UVA/UVB fluorescent lamp. They may bec… Feed your baby turtle every day up to two times per day. Read on for another quiz question. ", "I want a pet turtle, so my mom told me I need to see how to care for one. You need not be a specialist on turtle care for this purpose. Then, add enough water for your turtle to swim in, which will vary depending on the species. Male turtles are smaller in size. Hang a heat bulb over the dry side of the habitat if tank temperature dips below 70 F … However, keeping box turtles as pets requires a lot of effort and … Generally, health problems in these animals arise when owners don’t feed them properly, or if they don’t clean the terrarium regularly or maintain clean water, or if they aren't offering their pet the right temperature, Colby said. Taking care of a newly born baby yellow turtle is convenient. I read some things here and was so relieved that it's, "Seems like pretty good information, a bit generic, but it is a broad category and not species specific. However, aquatic turtles need an amount of water that is twice as deep as the length of their body. Here are a few tips for keeping the Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) alive and well in captivity, including care of the hatchlings. If your tap water's chlorine level is above 0, fill the tank with bottled water or purchase a. We’re driven to innovate and create amazing new products with … This should be taken care of before you even bring your new friend home. In this post, I am going to give you the best tips on how to take care of a … Turtles might not be as cuddly as cats or dogs, but they make great pets. String of Turtles Care . Housing: a turtle terrarium of at least 60cm in length Heating: basking temperature of 100 o F and intense UVB Water Maintenance:temperature of 80 o F and a strong filter … Tortoises, on the other hand, are herbivores and will require a mix of fresh vegetables (about 80 percent of the diet) and fruit (20 percent). There are many other symptoms, If you think he/she is sick, take it to the vet to be sure. You can also buy your pet canned or pelleted turtle food and freeze-dried mealworms. A very strong filtration system needs to be used and water changed regularly,” Colby said. If the pH is off, amend the water with a store-bought agent, which you can find at the pet supply store. Luckily this plant looks fab hanging from the ceiling in a planter, so that should keep it out of reach of most plants. Not quite! When getting a new turtle, handle it slowly and let it get used to you so that you don't stress it out. While there’s no question that turtles make for interesting (and adorable) pets, caring for them isn’t as straightforward as looking after other pets. Just like any other pet, turtles require a clean and spacious living environment, a heat source, a good diet, and fresh water. “Vitamin A and calcium deficiencies are very common in captive reptiles,” Ogle said. Box turtles do not prefer this much water. Turtles are my, "I definitely found this very helpful. Author: Florence Esther. Pet turtle care requires the right environment, and all baby turtles need climate control. If you have a juvenile turtle, be sure to find out how large it'll be when it's an adult. Everything You Need To Know About Raising Pet Turtles. “The main problem one has with turtles is keeping the water clean. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Since yellow turtles … Add Comment. To keep your pet happy and healthy, provide proper housing, nutrition, and good hygiene. Different species of turtles have different needs, so I recommend you check with the pet store before purchasing a turtle. Here are five tips that can, regardless of its type, help you provide your pet with the best care … wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. There’s a better option out there! Turtles are generally healthy, but they are prone to infections, malnutrition, and eye problems. Great reading, thanks. Pick another answer! Make sure that the turtle can lift its chin out of the water while its body is submerged. What temperature should a turtle tank be? It depends on turtle species. “Clean water is the success to keeping your turtle healthy and happy,” he said. You can also take your turtle to the vet to see what's wrong with it. Although turtle-care isn’t too difficult, it’s essential that their environment be well maintained, said Dr. Stewart Colby, DVM and founder of Windward Animal Hospital in Johns Creek, Georgia. Proper Housing. Box turtles prefer a more shallow water environment than other types of turtles. Take him to the vet immediately! This article was co-authored by Audra Barrios. Taking care of baby turtles is different from taking care of adult turtles, because they are more vulnerable to changes and environmental stress than adult ones. Also, regular cleaning of your pet’s shelter as well as proper disposal of waste reduces the risk of getting the bacterial infection. Read on for another quiz question. Some turtles walk up to your hand to show they trust you; others swim around your hand as a sign of affection and trust. Read this guideline to help ensure that your turtle … For turtle lovers, the good news is that salmonella can be prevented. How to Take Care of a Turtle: Tips for New Owners . Finally, be sure to look for any physically signs of illness, including swollen eyes, discoloring on the shell and avoiding food. As with all pets, they come with their own set of care needs. turtle wax: dedicated to the drive At Turtle Wax, we’re a dedicated team of auto enthusiasts that live and breathe Turtle Wax® & auto culture. This can be done through good hygiene practices such as regular hand-washing and carefully handling it. May 23 is National Turtle Day! Learn how to make DELISH homemade sushi today! Turtle Care Tips! After thoroughly rinsing the tank and accessories, put the habitat back together and refill it with water. This article has been viewed 809,176 times. All claws are equal in length for female turtles. The turtle might not be as cuddly as cats or dogs, but they make great pets! Written by Editorial. Unlike its counterparts in the reptile and amphibian world the turtle comes with a … You’ll want thermometers for both the air and water in order to maintain an environment similar to whatever your turtle or tortoise would find in the wild. As a rule of thumb, the enclosure's volume should be 10 US gal (38 L) per 1 in (2.5 cm) of your turtle's shell length. The sunlight, she says, helps their shells develop property; without it, they can get metabolic bone disease. References Suppose you buy your 4 in (10 cm) juvenile turtle a 40 US gal (150 L) tank. The tank should also have a secure cover to prevent your turtle from escaping. "Thanks for this article, as it helped me to complete my English project on taking care of animals. Maintaining your turtle’s environment is very important to stay on top of. Aquatic turtles cannot eat unless the food is in the water. Here is an insight into their habitat, … They go to the bathroom in the water,” said Jim Nesci, a reptile expert with a conservation educational show called Cold Blooded Creatures. Paul Van Der Schouw, With its striking golden stripes and rich emerald-and-mahogany carapace, the golden thread turtle (Ocadia sinensis), also called the Chinese stripe-necked turtle, is one of eastern Asia’s most beautiful aquatic turtle … If it weren't for this, my turtle would be dead. After all, turtles … The red-eared slider is the most popular pet turtle in the world. You can get a calcium supplement and “dust” their food with it twice a year. Here are some tips and guidelines on how to take care of a baby turtle … If you purchase your turtle as a baby, expect to offer it plenty of TLC and keep the following tips in mind: Make sure your terrarium’s water and air temperature is about 86 degrees Fahrenheit and that your baby turtle has access to both land and water. Avoid directly kissing your pet’s shell or any hand to mouth contact. Since it's only for temporary use, the backup tank doesn't have to be big. Keep in mind your pet's exact space requirements depend on its species. Audra Barrios. Rinse the tank and accessories thoroughly, and be sure to wash away all traces of the bleach solution. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 809,176 times. After initial care is provided at room temperature, maintain the snapping turtle at 23-25°C (73-77°F) with a basking spot of approximately 29.4°C (mid-80’s °F). By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. "If you keep a turtle, you'll want to make a few water changes every week, and the reason, I always tell people, is that turtles are living in their bathroom. Unlike other pets you might have, turtles don’t need to be fed every day. “It is work, and you've got to pay attention to your turtle,” Nesci said. These care sheets include some guidelines to help ensure that your turtle lives a long healthy happy life. Turtle Care Tips. ", "This is a very informative article! You'll need to turn the lamp off at night, but the tank cannot cool to less than 60 °F (16 °C). Your baby turtle is learning to swim, after all. Swap up what you feed your turtle to keep its meals interesting. Aquatic turtles can't swallow food unless it's in the water. This article has been viewed 809,176 times. Your baby turtle … When properly cared for, string of turtles can be the pride of a tropical plant collection, but it will take a little effort and some adapting from the typical methods used … Wash your hands after every time you touch or handle your turtle or anything in its tank. For tips on keeping your turtle healthy and happy, keep reading! Some turtles are picky eaters. 18 August 2020. The following tips will help you keep your red-eared slider safe and healthy. % of people told us that this article helped them. Urgent care tips Baby Yellow Belly Turtle Care Tips. She is the founder and Executive Director of Things That Creep, a non-profit dedicated to herptile conservation through education. Since they can live for decades, be sure you're ready to make a long-term commitment before purchasing a turtle. If ammonia, nitrate, or nitrate levels are high, change the water and consider upgrading your filter. “The tortoises are easier.”. What should I do if my turtle isn't eating? As a general rule of thumb, feeding your turtle four to five times a week will be fine, unless you have a young water turtle, in which case they should be fed every day. With over 15 years of experience, Audra specializes in reptiles and exotic animals, environmental education, marine biology, conservation issues, and animal husbandry. UV light provides your turtle with vitamin D, which helps it absorb calcium. To care for a turtle, make sure its tank is at least 10 gallons of space for every 1 inch of shell length. Try experimenting with different veggies to see what he/she likes. This article was co-authored by Audra Barrios. If you’re thinking you don’t have time to maintain a turtle's environment, you may want to consider a primarily land-dwelling tortoise. If something is going to go wrong after you get a turtle or tortoise, it’ll be here. Choosing A Turtle. Turtles are interesting and just wonderful pets to have around the house. Your turtle will appreciate having a cozy spot to hide. Place only the food your turtle can eat within 5 minutes into the water a few times a week. “Frequent water changes will ensure the water is clean and free of particles that can lead to infections.”. Yes! If your turtle is constantly in air that’s the wrong temperature, they may stop eating or get a respiratory infection. It can cause nausea and diarrhea if they ingest it. In the article I’ll tell you about Turtle Care Tips. He might have a disease. Try again! “In the wild food would be limited, so mimic nature when you care for your animal,” Tellem said. “[Buy a turtle] because you absolutely love turtles. I was planning on getting a turtle, but I didn't know how to care for it. Do your research to determine exactly what temperature your type of turtle will need, as just guessing at what seems like a good temperature can create health problems. Florence has a great admiration for pets and animals in general. Gently slope the peat moss or soil and river rocks so the incline won't be too steep for your turtle to climb. The Common Musk Turtle, also known as the Eastern Musk Turtle or the Stinkpot, is a popular choice as a pet because of their size and relative ease of care. Turtles spend most of the time in the water, while tortoises live on the land. May 15, 2020. If you purchase your turtle as a baby, expect to offer it plenty of TLC and keep the following tips in mind: Many pet turtles can easily live about 20 years, which can be another reason not to rush into the buying process. by Janine DeVault - 10/07/19. When you're at the pet supply store, ask an employee for advice about purchasing a filter. She has spent the last six years working as a biologist at the California Academy of Sciences. ", will have to do to look after it. Turtles are opportunistic eaters, and they're prone to overeating if they have an unlimited supply of food. Audra earned a BASc in Marine Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and studied Natural Sciences at the College of Marin. Thanks. ", https://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/pet_health_library/other/general_health/box_turtle_care.aspx, https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/other/terrapin, http://www.redearslider.com/filtration.html, https://tortoise.org/general/boxcare.html, https://www.rspcaqld.org.au/blog/pet-care/turtle-care, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/turtles-aquatic-feeding, https://tortoise.org/general/watcare.html, http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/spring-cleaning-tips-for-exotic-pets, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. If the turtle still refuses to eat, seek a veterinarian's help. Feed your red-eared turtle the right food. Though there are approximately 270 types of turtles, the following types are considered ideal for beginning turtle pet parents: You’ll likely want a terrarium for your turtle, and it’s better not to skimp on size. Feed your turtle lots of fruits, vegetables, and some live insects and worms. Thank you for not only, "My daughter dumped her pet turtle at my house, I didn't have a clue what to do, but after reading and following, "This has helped me a great deal, because I am interested in getting a pet turtle, and I have been wondering what I, "I got a turtle as a gift and had no idea about turtles, like how to keep or feed them. I’ve also included a section on turtle … Turtles carry salmonella, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Warning! A Las Vegas, NV vet offers some basic tips on caring for a turtle below. You should set the UV lamp approximately 12 inches away from where your turtle will be. Common indications of illness include red skin, soft skin/shell, flaky skin/shell, or white spots on the skin or shell. Even though you're using a water filter, you'll still need to remove feces and other debris from the tank with a net every day. Red Eared slider Turtle Habitat, Diet and Care Tips. Turtles are opportunistic eaters and will over-eat if you provide too much food. For tips on keeping your turtle healthy and happy, keep reading! House your turtle in the largest possible enclosure. This is due to their complex care requirements, as well as their susceptibility to stress, which can greatly affect a turtle's … What should I do if my turtle is vomiting foam? All of these conditions require veterinary care.”. The essential tips to take care of the yellow-bellied slider are the following ones. Keep your turtle in a large glass aquarium. 18 August 2020. "Now I know the turtle needs to climb out sometimes to bask and dry up. If you have an aquatic turtle, put its food directly in the water. The water contains beneficial bacteria; whenever possible, avoid changing it entirely. Be sure to wash your hands and sanitize the sink or tub with bleach after washing the tank. Pin my string of turtles care tips! However, they require proper turtle care and attention to live a long, happy life, so you’ll need to have a good pet turtle … By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. ", "It was very helpful. If have an aquatic turtle, you can also keep a block of calcium carbonate in the water for it to chew. Try another answer... Nope! by Editorial. The 3 middle claws of a male turtle are usually longer than the others. How to Take Care for Turtles. While turtles aren’t the most popular pets around, they are pretty cute, and may be more entertaining than you think. Nope! Make sure the water isn't too deep. A heat lamp should be next on your list of things to purchase for caring for a turtle. Your turtle’s habitat should have two thermometers (one for water temperature and another for the dry side of the tank). By using our site, you agree to our. The most common disease turtles carry is salmonella, which is significant as it can be transmitted to humans and cause serious disease, especially in the immunocompromised. It’s also best if your turtle can get some sunlight, too, said Susan Tellem, of American Tortoise Rescue in Malibu, California. You’ll still have to make sure the terrarium stays clean, of course, and change or refresh the water, but there's less water to change. Turtles may not be cuddly, but they are awfully cute and generally easy to care for if you’re well researched and prepared. The eggs will then hatch and the small turtles will begin a journey of their own. Thanks. Turtles need lots of calcium to keep their bony shells strong. Breeders often keep turtles that can lay eggs to ensure that people get pets that are cute and easy to care for. However, box turtles should have a bowl specifically for their food in the tank. UV lamps need to be replaced every 6 months to a year. Yup! To keep the water cleaner, feed your turtle in a separate tank. #1: … Live fish and insects can provide mental stimulation. They are an aquatic turtle that comes from … Turtles … “Water temperature is not as important if they are kept inside and have an area to bask under a heat lamp.”, Ogle agrees about maintaining the water. ", "I want a turtle, and I learned to take care of one in this good article. If you have an aquatic species, such as a pond terrapin, remember that the water should be at least twice as deep as the turtle's length. Specific care instructions depend on your turtle's species, so check with the breeder or pet store for your pet's exact requirements. Aquatic turtles do not prefer eating out of a food dish. Some good advice on feeding is detailed in this article under Part 4. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. The first thing you should worry about is building an enclosure for your turtle. A musk turtle can lay around one to nine eggs at once, which takes 60 to 80 days to hatch. ", Turtle Care 101: How to Take Care of Pet Turtles. “In addition, turtles may also get respiratory disease, shell infections, shell fractures, parasites, and abscesses. Thanks much!". Specific requirements vary by species, so ask the breeder or pet store about exact care instructions for your turtle. Make the basking area's height more than twice the turtle's length to ensure it'll be above water. Expert Interview. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. ", "This article is very informational, and will really benefit me on my turtle purchase! Are you considering having the red-eared slider turtle? The majority of these turtles are not fully ambulatory and cannot move adequately from a heat source, so they are prone to overheating. If you notice any of these, call your veterinarian specializing in reptile care. Always wash your hands after interacting with your turtle. Your turtle could eat the small rocks and choke. How to Take Care of a Turtle. Audra Barrios is a Marine Biologist and the owner of Lick Your Eyeballs, a business offering reptiles, supplies and plants. To help you care for your turtle I have put together some turtle care sheets (water turtle or land turtle). You should provide your turtle with only the amount of food it can eat within 5 minutes. “These animals require water and land with ample room to explore. Thanks, God bless you! It is a beautiful experience too. If you just bought the turtle, it might not eat due to the stress of getting used to its new home. Avoid lining the bottom of the tank with gravel. Keeping a clean terrarium, enforcing good hygiene with pet owners and buying an inexpensive conditioner to add to the water – Reptoguard makes some – helps keep organisms like salmonella at bay and hopefully prevent turtle diseases from ever happening. Be sure to line the bottom of the tank with peat moss or soil, and include a basking rock so your turtle can sun itself. She is the founder and Executive Director of Things That Creep, a non-profit dedicated to herptile conservation through education. It depends on the type of turtle you have, of course, but turtles will generally eat insects, fish (like comet goldfish, which are smaller than the common goldfish) and dark, leafy greens. If you spot concerning signs, such as a soft, leathery shell, cloudy eyes, or skin blisters, bring it to an exotic pet vet who's experienced with treating turtles. Your turtle will drink the water, so it's important to test it and keep it clean. You could feed it store-bought food 1 to 2 times a week and homemade meals another 1 to 2 times per week. A proper diet for red-eared turtles (and similar aquatic turtle species) should have the following proportions: vegetables and water plants 50 percent, … When you bring home a turtle to have as a pet, you need to have some knowledge of turtles and how to care for them properly. Your first choice is whether to build it inside or outside. After 5 minutes, scoop out any extra food with a net to help keep the water clean. [1] X Expert Source Audra Barrios Marine Biologist & Reptile Specialist Expert Interview. Make sure your terrarium’s water and air temperature is about 86 degrees Fahrenheit and that your baby turtle has access to both land and water. Find a chlorine test kit online, at a pet supply store, or at a home improvement store. She has spent the last six years working as a biologist at the California Academy of Sciences. String of turtles isn’t a pet-friendly plant. Golden Thread Turtle Care Tips. To keep your turtle warm, transfer the heat lamp to the backup tank when it's in use. If the turtle eventually grows to 12 in (30 cm), that tank will be way too small. ", "This is awesome and this helped me so much with buying a turtle. Just make sure your turtle has some room to crawl around. I will find something for it to climb onto. The breeders take care … It's wise to set up the tank at least 2 weeks before getting your turtle so you can perfect the temperature and other environmental conditions. You need to have the desire and a love for animals. If the tank's air and water temperatures get too cool at night, place the the tank on a heating pad and purchase a water heater at the pet store. Approved. Marine Biologist & Reptile Specialist. Try another answer... Nice! In the beginning, handle it only for short amounts of time while it grows used to you. This article received 19 testimonials and 86% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Keep in mind the water in the tank will need to be deeper if you have an aquatic turtle. I changed the water because now I know that the water has good bacteria so it is best to change only 25% of it every 7 days. ", this article's advice, I'm convinced it is very happy now. 2 years ago. Even the smallest turtles should have a terrarium or aquarium no smaller than 29 gallons, no shorter than 4 feet long, 18 inches wide and 18 inches tall. Top 5 turtle care tips. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Care-for-Turtles-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Care-for-Turtles-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Care-for-Turtles-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid1334263-v4-728px-Care-for-Turtles-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"