A turtle can make a delightful pet for any animal lover. So, if your child is pestering you for a pet turtle, why not purchase one? Taking care of a pet turtle is not really that difficult.
Before bringing home your pet turtle, you must learn everything about its habits, habitat, and how to take proper care of it. Which type of turtle would you like to keep as a pet? There are several fascinating varieties of turtles available. Two basic varieties of turtles are aquatic and semi aquatic turtles. Taking care of an aquatic turtle is more challenging that taking care of a semi aquatic one.
Semi Aquatic Turtle Care
Semi aquatic turtles are the best family pets because taking care of them is much easier. They live both on water as well as land.
You must provide a suitable living environment for your turtle. Semi aquatic turtles need a swimming area as well as well-lit dry place to warm themselves. However, the turtle’s swimming pool must be cooler than the rest of its living area. You can use a UV lamp to provide light for your pet. Alternatively, you can arrange your pet’s living area in a place that receives lots of sunshine. Regulating the temperature of your turtle’s living area is very important.
The needs of semi aquatic turtles are simple unlike those of aquatic turtles, which require much more care and attention from you.
Aquatic Turtle Care
Aquatic turtles are more delicate; they have a softer shell that enables to swim fast in water without sinking to the bottom. There are various types of aquatic turtles, and their shells have different colors and patterns.
Carefully consider the pros and cons before you purchase an aquatic turtle as a pet. They live longer than any variety of turtle; some live longer than a century. Therefore, you have to take care of your turtle throughout your life. Purchase an aquatic turtle only if you can put up with it all your life. Moreover, aquatic turtles are susceptible to a variety of diseases.
Turtles require a continuous supply of fresh drinking water and plenty of fresh vegetables. Set aside a shallow drinking bowl for your turtle and keep it full of drinking water always.
Aquatic turtles can fall ill very easily. They are susceptible to a variety of diseases. Observe your turtle carefully. If you notice any odd changes in its behavior patterns, it could mean that your turtle requires medical care. Observe your turtle’s shell for signs of any disease. And if you notice anything amiss, take your pet to the vet.
To put it in a nutshell, turtles make excellent pets. However, never bring home a turtle before researching different varieties of turtles. Taking care of a turtle is a life long commitment, and you must be sure that you can keep your pet happy and healthy always before you bring it home.
Learn more by visiting http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turtle
