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Turtles are interesting pets to have. They are prehistoric looking with the most obvious characteristic being the house they carry on their back, the shell. They are long-lived creatures, their have been many records set on how long turtles can live. Some can live up to 80 to 100 years. So you may be embarking on a long commitment.
Turtles can be divided into three large groups: sea turtles, tortoises, and just plain turtles. You can usually tell the difference by looking at the animal’s feet. Aquatic turtles have feet that are suited for swimming and have webbing between the toes. Others lack webbing and are strictly land turtles. In most turtles, you can tell the difference between a male and female because their tail length differs. Males have a longer pointed tail than the females. This is, of course, just a guideline. The shell has evolved for protection from predators. It has a bony structure and is actually made of ribs fused in such a way that they form a capsule around the animal. When a predator comes along, the turtle can retreat into its shell. Turtles adjust easily to confinement and we know that they have an acute sense of smell, and they can distinguish certain colors. They also have lungs much like humans. You can’t see them breathing because the ribs are fused within the shell.
Be sure to know the needs of the animal before you buy. If you buy a tortoise, which is less common than turtles, you need to know that they prefer dry land and are never in wet areas. Turtles can be illegal in some states. They are often sold illegally at reptile shows and flea markets. Pet stores in general can only sell you a legal turtle because many are bound by the laws of the USDA. You should never take one from the wild. It is important not to do so because not only can the turtle be aggressive since it has never been tamed, but they can also carry diseases.
The most common turtles are amphibious. They live on land and also in water. This is important when you are setting up your enclosure. An aquarium works well as long as it is large enough. It is recommended to get a 29 gallon tank or larger. Turtles can be lively and need to have as much room for swimming as possible.
The hardest part about keeping turtles is keeping them clean. The water in the tank will become unbearable every few days. When caring for these creatures, you have to be ready to make a commitment to cleaning their cage every few days. You can purchase a small filter at a pet store, one that is suited for turtles or small animals such as newts.
When setting up the tank you will need to divide one portion for land and one portion for water. This can be done by using large rocks to create a pool of water on one side. The water level should be low enough that their nostrils can reach it while standing on their hind legs. For turtles that are strong swimmers, the water level can be even higher. The depth of the water should never be lower than the top of its shell. If the water level were lower, the turtle may have a tough time getting around.
Turtles seem to enjoy a basking area. You can construct an island out of plain aquarium gravel, but keep in mind it should be easy to clean.
You will also need a heater for the water. The best kind to buy is a submersible heater. Heaters that hang on the side are not recommended because turtles can chew them and they are not safe. It is also recommended that your enclosure have a hood or screen cover so they can’t climb out, but also so that you can mount a basking light. The basking light does not have to be of high wattage. A 25 to 40 watt reptile basking light is fine. It is important not to leave this on all day. Some owners prefer only to leave it on at night when the temperatures drop.
Feeding is very important. You have to be careful not to feed too little or too much. Turtles have enormous appetites and you may find yourself spoiling him. You should feed very young turtles small amounts of food a couple of times a day. The diet of tortoises is mainly fruit. Tortoises have a sweet tooth and love tomatoes, bannanas, apples, and baby cereal. Protein should only be a minor portion of the diet. You can add protein to the diet by using canned dog food or crickets. Turtles on the other hand tend to be carnivorous. You need to offer them some herbivorous delicacies such as lettuce leaves. The main portion of their meal will however be protein based, such as s live crickets, fish, and earthworms. If you are unsure what to feed your turtle ask the individual from whom you purchased the turtle. You do not want to drastically change their diet.
Calcium is a need that must be met in the turtle’s diet. It is needed for their growing shell. In order to obtain calcium in their diet, you must feed them food such as snails or small fish. Some individuals prefer to add calcium to their diet by sprinkling it on as an additive. There are many commercial reptile calcium supplements that you can add to any diet.
Calcium is not enough, vitamin D is also needed in the diet. Vitamin D prevents the softening of the shell. Some individuals avoid adding an additional supplement of vitamin D, because too many vitamins can cause serious health problems. It is wise to discuss the supplements with your veterinarian.
Turtles also need sunlight. During the colder months, you can supplement this need with artificial radiation in the form of ultraviolet light. You should limit these treatments to two a week, fifteen minutes of exposure each.
The most common tortoise kept as a pet is the box turtle. The box turtle falls in the tortoise category because they are terrestrial. They feed on fruits and insects. The most common turtles to keep are the painted turtles and slider turtles. Due to health laws, baby sliders can no longer be sold legally in many states. So it is important to know the state laws before purchasing.
Turtles can be an interesting pet to keep. With the proper attention to their needs they can be a pet that is part of your family for a long time.
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