CARING FOR PET TURTLES

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What Makes Caring For Pet Turtles So Important...

Turtles are cute little hard-shelled animals that are quite bright and a joy to keep as a pet! Although turtles aren't as fluffy and cuddly as a dog or cat, people still find themselves attracted to these cute creatures.

Caring for pet turtles is important because many turtles can live between 20-30 years or longer, it's important that you know how to care for your pet turtle. Often times turtles will die because their owner was not up to speed on exactly how to take care of their new friend. This is why it's critical that you learn all you can about how to care for your turtle so that you can enjoy many years to come with your new pet!

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR PET TURTLE

Is a pet turtle right for you?

caring for pet turtlesBefore you purchase your new pet turtle it is important that you take the time to think about whether or not a turtle is a good fit in your lifestyle. Here are some things to consider before buying your pet turtle:

Remember, turtles live a very LONG time and you want to make sure that you are ready for the commitment involved.

  • Turtles live a LONG time - are you prepared to have your friend for 20-30 years?
  • Turtles will require regular vet visits - are you ready for the expense?
  • Turtles require daily water changes and feedings.
  • Turtles require specific lighting and heat requirements.
  • Turtles are not like dogs and cats - they won't wag their tails when you walk through the door.

Still feel that a pet turtle is right for you? Great! Let's go over a few of the most important things when caring for pet turtles.

READ ALL ABOUT CARING FOR PET TURTLES

caring for pet turtlesBecause your turtle will be with you for a long time, it's best to learn all you can about how to care for them.

The most complete book I have found about caring for pet turtles is The Turtle Guide Book. This comprehensive guide not only will walk you through picking the type of pet turtle to get, but it will give you specific instructions for each individual turtle type. You can learn exactly how to set up your pet turtle's home including what things you really do and do not need.

But what I really liked about this guide is it helps you understand how to determine the health of your turtle and how to cure common pet turtle ailments including a guide on emergency first aid for your turtle. Keeping your turtle healthy is KEY to keeping them around for a long time.

I would invite you to pick up a copy and use this to help assure you give your pet turtle the absolute best care possible.

PICKING THE TURTLE TANK

What is the BEST home for my Pet Turtle?

caring for pet turtlesYour new pet turtle is going to need plenty of space to move around in their new home. Make sure that you purchase an aquarium that is at least 40 gallons or more. Your new turtle is going to need both water to swim in and land to rest on. Make sure your tank is large enough to accommodate both.

Purchase a heat lamp to use over the land portion of your tank. This will assure that your new pet turtle can come on dry land to sun himself and keep warm. This is very important and one of the most common mistakes made when caring for pet turtles.

Each breed of turtle likes a specific temperature. It's best to do your research BEFORE buying your pet turtle so you know what their particular heat requirements are.

HOW TO PICK A PET TURTLE

What are some things to look for?

caring for pet turtlesConsidering you are going to be spending the next 20-30 years with your new friend, it is important that you start with a healthy turtle right from the start. Making sure your turtle is healthy from the start will mean less vet bills for you and will save you money in the long run. Here are a few things to look for when picking your new pet turtle:


  • Make sure your turtle has a firm, hard shell.
  • Make sure your turtle's skin is healthy; moist with no cracks.
  • Make sure your turtle's eyes are bright, clear and widely opened.
  • Make sure your turtle's nose is not dry, does not bubble or make sounds when breathing.

There are many more things you should be looking for and you can find them in this guild about Caring For Pet Turtles.

GREAT STUFF FOR YOUR TURTLE!

Oasis Turtle Ramp Med 12 x 6.5 x 3.25h

Oasis Turtle Ramp Med 12 x 6.5 x 3.25h

Turtle Ramp Medium 12"L X 6 1/2"W X 3 1/ more...0 points

Zoo Med Turtle Dock 10 Gallon

Zoo Med Turtle Dock 10 Gallon

Unique floating dock for aquatic turtles to bask o more...0 points

Zoo Med Floating Turtle Log

Zoo Med Floating Turtle Log

The new natural looking Floating Turtle Log provid more...0 points

Fluker's 8 oz Aquatic Turtle Diet

Fluker's 8 oz Aquatic Turtle Diet

Provides a complete diet for freshwater turtles.0 points

Hagen Bio Care Turtle Clean 8 oz

Hagen Bio Care Turtle Clean 8 oz

8 oz. (236 ml)- Eliminates turtle waste- Reduces a more...0 points

Zoo Med TC-30 501 Turtle Canister Filter (80 GPH)

Zoo Med TC-30 501 Turtle Canister Filter (80 GPH)

Keep your turtles habitat sparkling with Zoo Meds Turtle more...0 points

Tetra ReptoFilter For Frogs, Newts, and Turtles

Tetra ReptoFilter For Frogs, Newts, and Turtles

This product is the only terrarium filter you'll n more...0 points

Zoo Med Box Turtle Food Can 6oz

Zoo Med Box Turtle Food Can 6oz

Box Turtle Food is loaded with whole corn and appl more...0 points

Zoo Med Turtle Hut Resin Small For Reptiles

Zoo Med Turtle Hut Resin Small For Reptiles

Natural looking half log shelter for aquatic turtles, more...0 points

NutraFin Turtle Clean Habitat Cleaner 8.4 fl.oz.

NutraFin Turtle Clean Habitat Cleaner 8.4 fl.oz.

8.4 fl.oz., treats 500 gallons. Biological turtle more...0 points

Zoo Med Turtle tuff Splashproof Halogen Lamp 75Watt

Zoo Med Turtle tuff Splashproof Halogen Lamp 75Watt

Heavy duty splash proof halogen lamp bulb. For use more...0 points

Zoo Med TT-40K Turtle Tub Aquatic Turtle Habitat with Kit

Zoo Med TT-40K Turtle Tub Aquatic Turtle Habitat with Kit

Zoo Med's Aquatic Turtle Tub replicates the natural more...0 points

NEED MORE PET TURTLE HELP?

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Have Questions About Caring For Pet Turtles?

Do you have a pet turtle?

I'd love to hear your experiences with pet turtles! If you've ever had one, or considered buying one, feel free to leave your comments here!

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  • Reply
    shannu Jan 11, 2012 @ 8:30 am | delete
    i have a male turtle it is not taking any food or else from past 30 days
    that is getting very weak and dull
    please get me valuable answer soon
  • Reply
    michellegeaney Sep 25, 2011 @ 7:08 am | delete
    very well done lens- thanks for the stuff from Amazon its impossible to get anything proper in Ireland for turtles. I 'saved' mine from a crappy petshop and im still leaning five years later.
  • Reply
    ria Sep 14, 2011 @ 7:32 am | delete
    I have a female turtle and she isnt moving at all.. when i pick her up, take her out of the water.. anything. I can't tell if she's dead or not. Is this behavior normal for turtles
  • Reply
    pawpaw911 May 1, 2011 @ 1:59 pm | delete
    Just did a lens on the Fly River Turtle, and thought I would check out some other turtle lenses, since I am a newbie. Nice Lens.
  • Reply
    XYZ Mar 21, 2011 @ 7:13 am | delete
    I have a female land turtle since 8 years. It has not eaten properly since a few days. We have tried giving her different food all the time. This was not the case earlier. This has happened for the first time. Please advise what I should do.
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by

Floorance

Owning a turtle is a fun responsibility! I would encourage your to learn all you can by ordering The Turtle Guide Book. more »

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