The docility and gentleness of water turtles oft endears people to keep them as pets. However, little do people realize how much of effort and hard work is required behind keeping water turtles as pets. But, if one is ready to take up the responsibility and challenge, then getting water
turtles as pets is an awesome idea. It's great to take care of a shelled reptile and observe it live its life on a daily basis. Read more on
types of pet turtles.
Water Turtle CareSelecting the Type of Water TurtleThere are several water turtle species such as the red-eared sliders, soft-shelled turtle, painted turtles, cooters, mud and musk turtles of which one has to select a turtle of one's choice. Preferably, choose a local turtle species which has been bred in captivity, because this will make things easier for you. Turtles bred in captivity are used to be confined to a particular space and will not rebel or provide any resistance later. Another reason for not taking turtles from the wild is because their numbers from the wild are diminishing and we do not want them to disappear. Just stick to the ones bred in captivity. Read more on
aquatic turtle species.
EnclosureWater turtles will grow to attain a size of about 12 inches or more, thus, while purchasing a suitable enclosure for your pet, think of the long run. Get a 20 gallon tank for your turtle. The amount of water to be filled in the tank will depend on the kind of turtle species selected. Red-eared sliders and painted turtles prefer swimming, thus, would require quite a bit of depth, while musks and snapping turtles like to dwell at the bottom and need only shallow water. The tank should contain small rocks and flat floating objects that will act as hiding places for the turtle. Read more on
sea turtles habitat.
Lighting and HeatingWhile breeding any animal in captivity, we need to simulate its natural habitat. Thus, here as well we need to simulate the water turtle habitat. The temperature of the water should be between 68-80 degrees F, which can be determined and controlled by getting a submersible water heater. The turtle also needs to absorb vitamins and calcium for which one should have UVA and UVB lighting. Since the turtle needs to bask, provide a basking area that is warmer than the rest of the tank. This can be achieved by placing a clamp-on 60 or 75 Watt incandescent light fixture with a reflector. Read more on
aquatic turtles as pets.
Feeding and FilteringTurtles need to have their food in the water directly, as they cannot swallow their meals otherwise. Thus, one needs to throw in some worms, cooked fish, turkey, chicken, fruits and vegetables. Once in a while you could also treat them with snails, salamanders and crayfish. Fruits and vegetables are good sources of vitamins and minerals and thus are good for your pet. Turtles being messy creatures make the tank very messy. One can get canister filters to filter out all the waste from the tank water. Moreover, regular cleaning is crucial for the well being of the turtle.
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Water turtles as pets are a lot of fun to watch and oft we see children quite enthusiastic about having them as their pets. However, turtles are aquatic animals that demand a high level of hygiene requirements. Unhygienic conditions in the tank can trigger salmonella bacteria growth, which when enters young children can even conduce to death. Always wash your hands before and after handling turtles and if your children are dealing with them explain to them the necessary precautions they need to take. Thus, taking care of water turtles needs to be done by people old enough to understand the different risk factors and ways of avoiding it.
