Turtles make a great addition to your family. They require little care and are fun to watch. However, like with any pet, you need to do your research before you bring one home. There are several different type of turtles. Some are very common, others are exotic, and many of them will bite. A turtle needs water, a tortoise does not. You can tell the difference by looking at their feet. If they have webs between their toes then they are a turtle, if they do not then they are a tortoise. A tortoise can not swim, so it is important to know what you have.
The first thing you will need for your turtle is a tank. The best way to choose a tank, is by judging the size of the turtle. Your tank should be no smaller then 6 times the turtles length by 4 times the turtles length. Don’t worry if your tank is larger then these measurements. The larger the tank the better. You also need gravel in your tank, and a few rocks. Your turtle needs these so it can dig, and it can climb out of the water. Make sure you choose rocks with a flat bottom, so they don’t tip with the turtle causing injury.
Turtles need sunlight, in order for their shells to stay healthy and harm. If they do not have enough sunlight your turtle will become sick and even die as a result. The best place for your turtle to receive sunlight is through a window. By placing their tank under a window they will receive the sunlight they need without getting to hot. If you place the tank outside in direct sunlight the water and air in the tank will become to hot, and kill the turtle. It only takes a few minutes for a turtle to die outside in a tank.
The water in your turtles tank will need to be cleaned at least twice a week. Supplying the tank with fresh water will not only keep your turtle happy and healthy, it will also prevent your turtles tank from smelling. Turtles breathe air, so you can use regular tap water in their tank. When changing the water, replace it with water that is room premature. The water should not be to shallow or to deep. If there is enough water to cover the turtles shell it is deep enough. Do not add more water then what will cover his shell unless you have a deep and shallow end, or you have a slanted rock for him to climb on.
Feeding your turtle is easy to do. You will find pellet turtle food at your local pet supply store that works great for most turtles. To feed your turtle give him two or three pellets. If he eats these within a few minutes then give him a few more. Once you know your turtle, you will know how many pellets he needs. Depending on what type of turtle you have, you might want to give it a treat now and then. Some turtles eat minnows, or brim shrimp and both of these makes great snacks that are very cheap.
Holding your turtle can be difficult. Dropping the turtle can seriously harm or even kill him. The best way to play with a turtle is to set on the floor with it, and just watch it crawl around. Whenever you touch the turtle it is very important that you wash your hands with soap and water afterward. A turtle isn’t a pet that needs to be played with. In fact turtles are very happy when given little affection.
Turtles make great pets for those who aren’t home often, or those who just don’t have the time to care for a dog. However, they commonly become “boring” to children, and end up being released in the wild. If you have a turtle that your tired of, do not release it. You can take your turtle to your local pet store, and ask them to take it off your hands, or place an add online. If you keep his tank nice, and clean he will be a friend for years to come.
