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Learn how to keep your turtle happy with this guide from wikiHow: https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Your-Turtle-HappyFollow our social media channels to find more...
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- wikiHow
Apr 10, 2023 · In this tutorial, we'll walk you through the basics of turtle care, including setting up a proper habitat, providing adequate lighting and temperature, feeding your turtle a healthy diet, and...
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Mar 19, 2022 · In the Turtle 101 series, new turtle keepers can learn everything they need to know about how to set up, care for, and maintain pet turtles.
- Overview
- Providing the Right Shelter
- Feeding Your Turtle
- Keeping Your Turtle Healthy
might not be as cuddly as cats or dogs, but they make great pets. Since they can live for decades, be sure you're ready to make a long-term commitment before purchasing a turtle. To keep your pet happy and healthy, provide proper
, nutrition, and good hygiene. Specific requirements vary by species, so ask the breeder or pet store about exact care instructions for your turtle.
that's made for its particular species.
Supplement its diet with fish, insects, and veggies so it stays healthy.
Most turtle species should be fed every other day.
Remove droppings from your turtle's tank every day, and change 25% of the tank water every week.
House your turtle in the largest possible enclosure.
Keep your turtle in a large glass aquarium. As a rule of thumb, the enclosure's volume should be 10 US gal (38 L) per 1 in (2.5 cm) of your turtle's shell length. Keep in mind your pet's exact space requirements depend on its species.
If you have a juvenile turtle, be sure to find out how large it'll be when it's an adult. Suppose you buy your 4 in (10 cm) juvenile turtle a 40 US gal (150 L) tank. If the turtle eventually grows to 12 in (30 cm), that tank will be way too small.
The tank should also have a secure cover to prevent your turtle from escaping.
need water deep enough to swim. The water's depth should be at least twice the turtle's length.
Cover the bottom of the tank with peat moss or soil.
labeled for your pet's species.
Purchase pellets or canned turtle food at your pet supply store. Most turtles kept as pets need both animal protein and veggies. Store-bought food will provide most your turtle's nutrition, but you should also supplement its diet to ensure it stays healthy.
Supplement your turtle's diet with fish, invertebrates, and veggies.
Buy frozen and live guppies, worms, grasshoppers, and crickets. Do not feed them goldfish or minnows, since they contain thiaminase, which blocks absorption of vitamin B1. Additionally, chop up veggies, such as kale, lettuce, dandelion, and carrots, and add them to your turtle's food.
Swap up what you feed your turtle to keep its meals interesting. You could feed it store-bought food 1 to 2 times a week and homemade meals another 1 to 2 times per week.
Live fish and insects can provide mental stimulation.
Check your turtle for signs of illness regularly.
Give your turtle a quick inspection every 1 or 2 days, such as when you feed it. Make sure your turtle's skin and shell are smooth and free of any marks, blisters, or blemishes. Check its eyes, nose, and beak for discharges or discoloration, and notice any unusual changes in behavior.
Turtles are generally healthy, but they are prone to infections, malnutrition, and eye problems. If you spot concerning signs, such as a soft, leathery shell, cloudy eyes, or skin blisters, bring it to an exotic pet vet who's experienced with treating turtles.
Search online for an experienced local vet, or ask the breeder or pet store for referral.
Use a net to remove droppings from the tank every day.
To keep the water as clean as possible, scoop out droppings, leftover food, and other debris daily. Be sure to
Feed as for the long-neck turtle but also offer vegetables and fruits such as spinach, broccoli, cabbage, pumpkin, parsley, apples, pears, and stone fruits. You can also give some native freshwater plants such as duckweed, ribbon weed and nardoo. Turtles will readily over-eat and are known to eat the ‘wrong’ foods if available to them.
If your turtle continues to refuse food, it may be time to seek help from a veterinarian. When it comes to treating a sick turtle at home, there are several remedies that you can try. One common treatment for sick turtles is to administer a warm water soak.
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If you're thinking about getting a turtle as a pet, it's important to know how to properly care for them to ensure they live a happy and healthy life. In this article, we will discuss how to take care of a turtle for beginners, including tips on housing, feeding, and general care.