Growing up, most people may believe raising turtles at home is a piece of cake. We think they can live happily in water with only a consistent food supply. However, that is how it is now. Choosing turtles as a pet necessitates careful consideration, as well as efforts such as frequent cleaning and special care.
They are, however, entertaining and relaxing pets to watch. If you own a pet turtle or plan to get one soon, we’ll go over the tips you have to know to ensure a healthy and happy experience for you and your reptile companion.
Ways for Keeping Your Pet Turtle Healthy
Turtles make excellent pets while not as friendly and cuddly as cats and dogs. Furthermore, they can live for many years, if not decades, so you should be prepared to provide long-term care and commitment before purchasing a turtle. The five valuable tips listed below should help you keep them in the best possible health.
1. Avoid touching them too much
Turtles aren’t the friendliest of playmates. They respond better to being watched or looked at rather than touched, as they become easily stressed when handled. Avoid touching them unless absolutely necessary, regardless of their size or age. Also, avoid dropping or throwing them because they can still get hurt even with their hard shell covering them.
2. Replace the water and clean the tank regularly
Even if you have the best filtration system or regular maintenance devices, ensure your turtle’s aquarium or enclosure is cleaned regularly. If the tank begins to smell, it simply indicates that the water needs to be changed. Even when not hibernating, turtles require fresh water and food daily.
3. Maintain proper tank and room temperatures
This will keep your turtle comfortable and help avoid health problems or hibernation due to extreme heat or cold. When deciding the size of your turtle’s enclosure, keep the area’s temperature in mind. When your turtle enters hibernation mode, the proper temperature will ensure they get the most out of it.
4. Provide them with the largest enclosure possible
Keeping the turtle in a large aquarium is an important consideration when purchasing one. Investigate the turtle breed you want to buy to determine the exact space or enclosure you’ll place them in. If it’s a juvenile turtle, figure out how big it’ll be when it reaches the adult stage.
When you buy an aquarium, don’t just buy enough to fit it in its current state. Otherwise, the tank will be very small, and you will have to spend more money to get a larger one.
5. Feed them nutritious foods
All turtle breeds have special diets that you should be aware of. Some are vegetarians who only eat vegetables and greens, while others are carnivores who need live meals and proteins. Turtle-friendly foods include trout chow, turtle pellets, boiled eggs, drained sardines, cooked turkey, chicken, and beef. If you are not sure of what to feed your turtle, consult your veterinarian for the best and safest options.
Read more about 6 Reasons to Get Yourself a Cat
Joseph Wray