Turtles make amazing pets. Learning how to care for a the right way is certainly worth the time, effort, and money you may spend. Remember, there is no excuse for the premature death of your turtle based on neglect or lack of knowledge. The five tips I'm about to share with you can help you provide a long, healthy, and happy life for your little friend.
Tip One:
Educate yourself. Learn about the specific breed of your turtle. Is it a Box Turtle, a Slider, a tortoise, or something else? Know its special dietary needs, temperature requirements, and social temperment. The more you know about your turtle, the better off you will be.
Tip Two:
Prepare your home. There is much work at hand. You must purchase or build your turtle's tank. You would be very wise to seek out a vet with experience helping turtles. Do this in advance so you know exactly where to turn in case of emergency (and for insider tips). A little preparation now will lead to smoother sailing down the road.
Tip Three:
Never use chlorinated water. This goes for your turtle's swimming water just as much as its drinking water. At minimum, pour your tap water into a large container and let sit for 24 hours before adding it to the tank. This will allow the chlorine to dissipate. Ideally, however, you will want to use spring water.
Tip Four:
It is imperative that you provide your turtle with a mercury vapor UVB heat lamp for basking. This type of lamp will provide your turtle with sufficient amounts of vitamin D3, which prevents bone disease and premature death. Without this lamp, your turtle is in serious trouble, so please do not overlook its importance! Leave the light on for about half of each day.
Tip Five:
You MUST maintain the proper temperature in your turtle's tank. Of course, this varies from species to species, but generally speaking, 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 70 degrees at night are generally accepted as rule of thumb. You will want to purchase an under water heater to achieve this. Again, knowing the unique requirements for your specific turtle's breed is absolutely necessary.
So these are five important guidelines for you to follow to ensure your turtle enjoys a long, happy life with you. Remember, turtles can live a very long time. In fact, some are known to actually outlast us! With this in mind, understand that your initial investment of time, learning, and money will be well worth it in the grand scheme of things.
A turtle is a wonderful pet. They have more personality than many people realize. You've made a fantastic decision to educate yourself on being a good turtle owner! And there is still much to be learned...
Too many turtles are killed by neglect and lack of owner knowledge. Do NOT let that happen in your family. Learn how to care for a pet turtle the right way.
For more great tips and strategies to make your turtle ownership and absolute pleasure, please Click Here Now!
Edison Storino is husband, father, and animal lover living in Spokane, Washington.
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