Pet Turtle Care Guide

Pet turtles are mysterious, exotic and fun to watch. But if a turtle isn't cared for properly, he can become miserably ill and his life expectancy will significantly diminish. You can help your reptile friend thrive by learning a few basic pet turtle care tips.

Your pet turtle's habitat should be as close to its natural living environment as possible. This means maintaining temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees (depending on the species), and providing your pet turtle with a tank that's large enough to house him comfortably--nothing smaller than 30 gallons.

Divide your turtle tank into two sections. One part of the tank should be for water, and the other part for land (aquarium gravel works). You don't want to upset the turtle's PH by using tap water that contains additives such as chlorine and fluoride. So talk to the pet store associate to see what kind of water is best to use in your pet turtle's tank.

The turtle tank will need to be cleaned at least once a week; otherwise, it will become a filthy mess. Also, a submersible heater will be needed to keep the temperature in your pet turtle's tank warm and consistent. Don't forget to purchase a UV light to recreate the sunlight needed to maintain your turtle's health.

A typical turtle diet is rich in protein, calcium and vitamin D (to keep the shell healthy). Snails, small fish, vegetation, live crickets, earthworms, and floating turtle sticks will do nicely.

Turtles are not puppies. They don't enjoy being cuddled and passed around. Turtles are amphibians (cold-blooded) and their bodies have a difficult time adjusting to constant changes in temperature. So refrain from moving your pet turtle in and out of its tank unnecessarily. Also, to prevent spreading bacteria, wash your hands immediately after handling a turtle or its habitat.

For more detailed information about turtles, you can purchase Turtle Care Guides at your local pet store or online! Taking the time to learn how to look after your pet turtle can ensure your cold-blooded companion will be around to enjoy a long life of basking in the sun.

If a turtle seems like the perfect pet make sure you understand how to look after turtles. There are close to 300 species and when properly cared for turtles live for decades. The turtle is an enjoyable pet for those looking for an alternative to cats and dogs. Like its other reptile cousins, snakes and lizards, turtle care can be more intensive and more expensive. Learn all about turtles and use a turtle guide before making a decision.

To start with, baby turtles kept indoors should have at least a 20-gallon turtle tank. Make the tank as close to the natural environment as possible including gravel and rock to large for your turtle to swallow. Wood, vegetation and areas for shelter help mimic the pet turtles natural environment. Since turtles are aquatic animals fill two thirds of the tank with water for swimming. A UV lamp placed over the dry rocks allows the turtle to bask and create Vitamin D.

Outdoor enclosures are ideal for many turtle types, letting pet turtles respond to the natural environment to hibernate during the winter. Hibernation is also helpful if you plan to breed your pet. Though commercial pet food is available, a turtle diet needs more variety since turtles thrive on fruits, vegetables, small fish and worms.

The more turtles you have the more space you need. Males are more aggressive than females and if housed together they may constantly fight. One male in a group of females is the ideal arrangement.

Turtles put out a lot of waste, change their water bowl weekly and use a filtration system in the tank to prevent health problems.

Most reptiles including turtles carry salmonella bacteria. To prevent human transfer small children should not handle turtles. Use proper hygiene practices at all times during pet turtle care.

A turtle needs enough room, the proper kind of light, as well as access to appropriate food and sufficient water. Before you embark on caring for your turtle, purchase a book on turtle care that addresses the specific needs of the turtle breed you've purchased, or research on the Internet for this basic information.

Some details, such as the size of the tank and the type of food, will vary according to the turtle breed.

In general, to get started with your pet turtle, you will need:

1. A 20-gallon or larger aquarium tank, depending on your turtle's size, with a cover
2. A UV-B light source (usually sold as reptile lights)
3. A basking light and a basking surface that will absorb heat
4. Appropriate food, determined by the breed of turtle--can be packaged turtle food or fresh vegetables, etc.
5. Water for basking, swimming and drinking

Once you've gathered the basics, assemble your turtle's new home. Be sure to place the tank where it will be easy for you to access and clean, as well as watch your pet turtle.

As you become more knowledgeable about your turtle's habits, you will probably modify its habitat to meet its needs. Overall, enjoy your turtle, keep it happy and healthy, and you'll have a pet for a long time to come.

Need more information on turtles?

A Turtle Guide Book can assist you with understanding your turtles nutritional needs. For a pet turtle guide or turtle care guide look to the experts. Check out this detailed information guide about turtles: