It is very important to make sure that you are not bringing home a sick turtle. Depending on what is wrong with the poor creature, an illness can be spread to you, your friends, family, and other pets in the home. There are four main signs of a healthy turtle that you will want to look for.
1. Bright Eyes
The eyes of the turtle should be bright, alert and clear of any gunk that could be affecting the turtle's vision. If you come across a turtle that does not have bright eyes, it is best to leave it be and to make sure that you wash your hands right away if you touched it.
2. "Clean" Firm Shells
The shell of a turtle should be hard and firm. There are exceptions for soft-shelled turtles, which of course have soft shells. However, if the turtle is supposed to have a hard shell and does not, then the turtle is not in good physical shape. If there are bumps on the shell that should not be there, this is another sign of an unhealthy turtle. Another sign of a health problem is fungus growing on the turtle's shell. The turtle's shell should be "clean" of any such growths.
3. Healthy Appetite
Of course, the turtle does not have to appear to be starving but a healthy turtle is one that should have a healthy appetite. If the turtle goes for several days on end without eating, this is a sign of a turtle in distress. Generally, turtles will eat 3 or 4 times per week.
4. Clean Nasal Passages
Another sign of a healthy turtle is one that does not have a lot of fluid build up in the nose. If the turtle looks like it has a cold, it could very well have a cold or some other kind of infection. Colds are one thing but what appears to be a common cold could very well be something much worse for the turtle.
There are other signs of poor health that you will want to watch for such as the appearance of disorientation. When you stop and closely examine the turtles, you will find that many of the ones being sold are more than likely sick turtles. It is up to you to be an educated consumer and purchase a turtle that you know is in good health.
As you can see, proper care should begin before you get your turtle home.
By taking the time to learn more about turtles, and particularly how to properly care for them, it will feel good when you bring your home knowing that you can give it a comfortable and healthy life. Because your turtle is in good health, you do not have to worry so much about the health of others or vet visits for the turtle. Make sure that you are giving good care by keeping the cage or aquarium clean and make sure that your turtle is getting proper nutrients and your turtle should remain healthy for many years to come.
Learn more about pet turtle care by visiting http://www.squidoo.com/pet-turtle-care.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_Benjamin
