Are you one of those low-key, laid-back homebodies who lavish alone time, but still try to make the home cozy and inviting to potential visitors? Well, what better way to achieve that balance than to bring home a low-maintenance pet whose activities invoke conversation and relaxation, without actually affecting yours. A immediately comes to mind as the perfect companion you can rely on to keep your guests entertained when the need arises, or to keep quiet and give you space when you need it.
Turtles make wonderful pets and potential owners will be happy to know that enough species exist to suit one's particular taste or requirement. The four most common species for making into pets are the Box Turtles, Mud Turtles, Slider Turtles and Painted Turtles. All four have specific habits and behaviors, as well as dwelling and feeding requirements.
One great point to note is that these popular species are all omnivorous, making feeding a breeze! Turtles like insects, vegetables, tadpoles, fish and specially created food commonly known as food sticks. Owners should always try to maintain a balanced diet for turtles. Bear in mind that as they grow older, turtles require less protein so concentrate on feeding them vegetables consistently and limiting their protein. Turtles also like to hunt so throwing live fish into the water once a week ensures that they get to participate in a natural activity, while getting some well needed exercise!
Box Turtles are terrestrial dwellers that grow very big, so a tank or terrarium would not be recommended for a living space. Owners with outdoor space will find it easier and more suitable to house Box Turtles. An outdoor pen can be constructed in a shaded area, and will make an excellent dwelling place for this species.
If you are short on outdoor space, opt for a Mud Turtle. These semi-terrestrial creatures hardly grown longer than 5 inches, so a sizeable muddy terrarium would be a suitable dwelling area. Remember that turtles like to bask in the sun and take a refreshing swim from time to time, so dedicate some space in its habitat for some dry land as well as a swimming pool.
Slider Turtles are mostly aquatic, so a 40 gallon terrarium with a swimming area is perfect for dwelling. Make sure that there are rocks at the bottom of the tank, as Sliders really enjoy digging! Painted Turtles can live under the same conditions as Slider Turtles. In fact, they love the water so much that they actually like sleeping while partially submerged.
For all species, make sure that the water provided for swimming is kept clean. Leftover scraps from dinner can contaminate the water and infect your turtle. Be on the lookout for any sign of illness, the most obvious one being lethargy. Although turtles generally move slowly, excessive lethargy indicates that the turtle is not feeling well, and may have become infected from contaminated leftovers.
As winter approaches, the hibernation period for turtles begins. Ensure that there is an area with dirt or mud to allow your turtle to dig a hole and hide in during the colder months. Inability to hibernate can greatly impact the lifespan of a turtle. Try to make its environment as naturalistic as possible.
Turtles can live for decades once they receive the right care. Try to ensure that the following conditions exist:
Enough space to accommodate a swimming area and a resting area
Enough light and shade, as turtles like to bask in the sun, but generally do not need more than 12 hours of light
Clean water for both swimming and drinking
A balanced diet with enough protein and vegetables
A clean, well-maintained home
Turtles are intelligent creatures that provide great companionship without being opinionated! There is so much more to learn about them than what you found in this introduction, so take the next step and own one! Just make sure they feel at home.
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