Did you grow around an area, which had a lake or a river in the vicinity? It is natural that you would have found painted turtle hatchlings when you were playing near the lake or the river. These turtles are commonly found in eastern part of United States. You have wanted to get one home since then. However, your parents did not appreciate the idea. After going on a camping trip, you came across painted turtle and you have now decided to get one painted turtle home. However, you want to know about painted turtle care. This will ensure that your pet has a comfortable stay in your house. We will now read on the eastern painted turtle care.
Painted Turtle Care and FeedingThe
painted turtle life span is more than 20 years, if appropriate care is taken. For the longevity of the pet, it is important to keep the pet healthy as well as happy. We will now read on
how to take care of a turtle, so that you have a fair idea of the measures you will have to take when you keep
aquatic turtles as pets.
AquariumThe most important part of the
baby turtle care is to have an aquarium of the right size. When the turtle is yet small, an aquarium of 20 to 30 gallons is sufficient for the pet. However, when the turtle is fully grown and is about 8 inches or more in size, it is best to keep it in an aquarium, which is at least 55 to 60 gallons in size. It is not recommended, that you put another turtle in the aquarium. They have a tendency to fight for basking area (the elevation in the aquarium) and will knock each other down. The temperature of the water should be maintained at 76 degrees Fahrenheit. It should never fall below 76. The temperature around the elevation can be maintained at 85 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining the right temperature in winter is an important part of painted turtle care in winter.
You will have to add substrate at the bottom of the aquarium to make
turtle habitat. These turtles are known to have a natural digging instinct. This instinct will be taken care of, with the substrate at the bottom of the aquarium. However, it is important that the substrate is changed at regular intervals, as and when it becomes dirty. When the substrate is been put, there has to a corner in the aquarium, which is elevated. The turtle should be able to come out of water completely. Different items like smooth stones, woods, etc. can be used to create such an elevation. An important part of baby painted turtle care, is that the elevation should be such, that the baby turtle is able to climb up on the elevation. Installing a filtration system in the tank, will ensure that you do not have to clean the water more often. If the filter is installed, then the water can be changed just once a week, else you may have to change the water multiple times.
DietNo doubt feeding the turtles the right kind of food, is an important part of
care for pet turtles. The turtles though do not have to be fed everyday. It is sufficient to feed them only on alternate days. You may feel that the turtle does need food everyday, however, it is not recommended. The major part of the diet should consist of meat. Turtle food is available at the pet shops. At the same time, the turtles can be fed with fish as well. It is important that you do not feed the turtles with frozen fish. Fresh fish or live fish can be given to the pet. They can also be fed vegetables, especially the dark green leafy vegetables. Multivitamins can be given to the pet once or twice a week.
HealthAn important part of the
pet turtle care is to ensure it does not contract infection. The painted
turtles are known to contract respiratory infection easily. Therefore, you will have to keep a close watch on your pet. When they contract an infection, they make weird noises. It is best to bring to the vet immediately.
General CareOne of the
characteristics of reptiles is that they have a personality of their own. They are known to be loving towards humans. They like it, when they are fed. They are known to eat out of the hand of the owner. However, if you get your finger close to their mouth, they will bite the fingers. It is important not to hold the pet upside down. It can cause trauma to them. Likewise, do not put them on their backs either. They may not take kindly to it.
In the initial days, you may opt for painted turtle care sheet. This will ensure that you know, when was the pet fed, which is important in painted turtle care. You will also be able to keep a track of when was the water in the aquarium changed. If you notice any unnatural movements, do not waste your pet's needs to be taken to the vet immediately. There is a possibility that there the pet has some health problems.
