Thinking of getting a pet turtle?

Consider the risks to your health, the earth and the animals

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Turtles may seem like low-maintenance pets, but those about to rush out and bring one home should consider that they require years (sometimes decades) of specialized care. Turtles can also transmit disease. Like all wildlife, these reptiles belong in their natural habitats.

Adopt, don’t shop

Small animals like turtles are often mistreated and forced into deplorable conditions when they’re bred for pet stores to sell — look for a local rescue first when you’re considering adopting a hamster, and skip the pet stores.

Turtles carry salmonella

Salmonella isn’t just a food-borne illness; turtles and other reptiles carry salmonella bacteria, which can be easily transmitted to people. A small turtle may seem harmless, giving parents a false sense that they’re a safe pet for children. But the disease risk is so great that selling small turtles is illegal in the United States. (See below.)

Salmonella usually gives people a few miserable days of fever and diarrhea, but some end up in the hospital with life-threatening complications. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children, senior citizens and those who have lowered natural resistance to disease due to pregnancy, cancer, chemotherapy, organ transplants, diabetes, liver problems or other diseases are most at risk.

Selling small turtles is illegal

Selling small turtles—with shells less than four inches long—was banned in 1975 to prevent the spread of salmonella. The CDC says this ban “likely remains the most effective public health action to prevent turtle-associated salmonellosis.” Some sellers try to skirt the law by using the exceptions allowed for legitimate scientific and educational purposes. But just saying the turtle will be used for education or offering the turtle for free with the sale of a tank does not make it legal. In addition, some states and localities prohibit possession of turtles. Call your local animal shelter or animal control to find out about turtle ownership laws. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforces the ban on small turtle sales and has this advice for consumers: Don’t buy small turtles for pets.

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You don’t have to touch the turtle to get sick

You don’t have to touch the turtle to get sick, because salmonella can live on surfaces. A 2006 study published in the journal Pediatrics found that exposure to reptiles was one of the biggest risk factors in determining whether infants get salmonella. Infants aren’t likely to handle reptiles. They probably get infected indirectly, such as a parent touching a turtle or cleaning a turtle’s tank and then holding a child.

Turtles need a lifetime of specialized care

Turtles are often marketed as low-maintenance pets, but the truth is that they need special care and a lot of room to grow. Turtles will not survive in a small dish with a plastic palm tree. They need the right lighting, temperature and water filtration system. Countless pet turtles die from being kept in inadequate conditions. Turtles shipped by mail and other delivery services often die on the way.

If maintained properly, however, turtles can live for decades and grow to be a foot long. That’s a lifetime responsibility that many people are not prepared to meet. If you’ve done extensive research and are prepared for the commitment and responsibility of a turtle, we suggest you adopt one from a local animal shelter or rescue group, instead of creating more demand for turtles by purchasing one from a pet store.

Turtles should never be let loose outdoors

If you get a turtle and then decide you can’t care for the animal, there are not many options. Rescue groups are inundated with calls to take them. People sometimes turn turtles loose, thinking they are “freeing” them, but it’s typically illegal to release turtles outdoors. Turtles let loose might die, and they might carry disease that kills other turtles. If they live, they can out-compete native species for food and habitat, threatening native biodiversity. The red-eared slider turtles common in the pet trade are native to only part of the United States, but are turning up where they are not native across the country and around the globe. They are now considered among the world’s 100 most invasive species.

To protect your health, the earth and the animals, please don’t get a turtle for a pet! 

How to Take Care of Pet Aquatic Turtles

Aquatic turtles are a popular choice for first-time reptile pet parents. Aquatic turtles require special care with a semi-aquatic habitat and each species has its own unique set of husbandry requirements that should be considered before bringing home your new turtle.  

This article serves as a general guideline for keeping and maintaining an aquatic turtle. However, it is vital to determine the correct temperatures and environmental conditions for each individual species to maximize success with your new aquatic pet. Be sure to partner will a veterinarian who has expertise in reptile pets.

Turtle Housing 

Aquatic Turtle Cage Size Requirements

Enclosure size for aquatic turtles depends on the age, size, and sex of your pet turtle. Hatchlings and small turtles can be kept in a 20–30-gallon enclosure while larger and mature turtles often require larger spaces (60-120 gallon habitats).

Turtles are skilled climbers, so they require a tall enclosure to prevent escapes. Additionally, a screen top can be used to help contain turtles within their enclosure. It’s a good rule to have at least one body length from the surface of the water to the top edge of the enclosure to prevent escape.

Aquatic turtles require at least 2/3 of the enclosure dedicated to water. Approximately 1/3 of the space should offer dry land where turtles can haul themselves out. The dry portion of the enclosure is a good area for basking. Water depth should be about twice the length of your turtle’s shell; This will allow them to dive easily and allow them to right themselves if they happen to flip over in the water.

Water Filtration for Aquatic Turtles

There are multiple different types of filtrations available for turtles. Good water filtration should be provided for all stages of your aquatic turtle’s life. The best filtered water will use a combination of biological and mechanical filtration. A water quality test kit for fresh water can ensure that your filtration is working so toxins such as ammonia do not build up within the water. Filtration should match or exceed the amount of water your habitat is holding. Partial and full water changes can be used in conjunction with filtration to provide good water quality. Make sure to dechlorinate any water prior to adding it to a turtle enclosure.

Feeding Aquatic Turtles in Water

Food items can be offered in the water (some turtles will eat floating objects) or on the land portion of the habitat. To minimize how often the water needs to be changed and to prevent the tank water from becoming dirty, pet parents can feed their turtle in a separate tank from the main habitat. Turtles dirty the water frequently and will need water changes to keep their space clean and sanitized.

Aquatic turtles do not need an individual water bowl since most of their environment is water they can drink water from the habitat in addition to absorbing it through their skin and cloaca.

Aquatic Turtle Cage Enrichment

Aquatic environments allow for numerous enrichment opportunities, which include building islands for aquatic turtles to hide underneath and/or haul out on top of. Aquatic plants can also be used within the environment; however, ensure these plants are safe to eat as many aquatic turtles may try to consume them. Safe plants include:

• Duckweed

• Water lily

• Water lettuce

• Water fern

• Water hyacinth

Tunnels and logs can also be provided for enrichment. Ensure your turtle cannot become stuck or trapped from underwater enrichment before placing in environment.

Temperature and Basking for Aquatic Turtles

Basking lights should be provided for aquatic turtles in the dry areas of the enclosure. This area can provide ultraviolet light (UVA and UVB) and temperature support. Basking should be made available for about 12-14 hours during the spring/summer months and 10-12 hours during the fall/winter months.

Temperatures in basking areas should range from 89-95 degrees F. Additionally, the water temperature should range between 75-86 degrees F. Temperature regulation in water can be provided with a submersible aquarium heater. These heaters should be protected so the turtle cannot interact with the heating element. 

Aquatic Turtle Substrates

In the dry area of the enclosure, suitable substrates include reptile mulch, soil, coconut husk, and bark. These are all biodegradable and should be changed monthly. Within the aquatic portion of the habitat, river rocks can be used as substrate. Make sure the rocks are larger than the head of your turtle to prevent them from trying to ingest any rocks.

Foods for Turtles 

Diets for aquatic turtles should be based on the amount of protein they typically eat. Some aquatic turtle species are omnivores (plant and meat eaters) while other species are more carnivorous (meat eaters). Some aquatic turtles will change their diet strategy as they mature, they even may become more herbivorous (plant only eaters).

A high protein diet should be offered for juvenile turtles. Commercial aquatic pellets can provide a complete diet that has a high amount of protein (70%). Chopped leafy greens and mixed vegetables can be offered to make up a small portion of a turtle’s diet (30%). Adult turtles should have a lower amount of protein in the diet (30-50%) while the remaining portion of the diet can consist of vegetables.

Vegetables and fruit can be offered to adult turtles as part of a complete diet. Plant items that can be offered include:

All foods should all be chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy consumption. Live aquatic plants can be offered including duckweed, water lily, and water hyacinth. Fruit should be offered on rare occasions and as treats. Strawberries always are a favorite for turtles!

Feeding Schedule

Hatchlings and small turtles should be fed daily. Clean out any uneaten food after 15 minutes to limit water contamination. Adult animals can be fed every 2-3 days in a similar fashion. It is easy to overfeed adult turtles, and obesity can become a problem.

Vitamin supplements should be added to your turtle’s diet to provide a complete nutritious diet. The amount of vitamins added should be discussed with your veterinarian as some vitamins can be toxic when used in excessive amounts. A complete diet should be developed in partnership with your veterinarian.

Turtle Medical Needs 

Turtles can get numerous diseases, and many of these can be caused by poor husbandry. Diseases include:

• Metabolic bone diseases

• Vitamin A deficiencies

• Shell pyramiding or abnormal growth

• Septicemic Cutaneous Ulcerative Disease (SCUD) or shell rot

• Ear abscesses

• Buoyancy disorders

• Cloacal prolapse

• Respiratory infections

• Egg binding or dystocias

• Diarrhea

• Retained scutes

• Foreign body ingestion

Signs of illness in aquatic turtles include:

Turtles typically do not contract diseases from humans however there are some diseases that turtles can transmit to humans such as salmonellosis.

Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet turtle to prevent the transmission of any bacteria such as salmonella or other infectious diseases from your turtle. All aquatic turtles should be assumed to be positive for salmonella. Salmonella exists naturally within turtle intestines and is shed within their feces. They are not born with this bacterium, but they often contract it due to environmental conditions. This makes it important to always practice good hygiene with aquatic turtles. It is thought that poor husbandry is one of the contributing factors that allows for salmonella to persist in aquatic turtles. Very young children and adults that have compromised immune systems should not handle or have aquatic turtles as pets for their own safety.

Turtle Cleaning Needs 

Water changes should be based on water filtration and water quality. Water without any filtration should be changed daily. If water filtration is in place, partial to full water changes can be performed weekly to bi-monthly. Substrate on the dry end of the enclosure should be spot-cleaned weekly and completely cleaned out monthly.

Turtle Handling 

Small turtles require strict husbandry requirements including heating, lighting, and filtration as they can are more sensitive compared to larger animals. Handling should be limited and only when absolutely necessary for small turtles.

How to Pick Up Your Aquatic Turtle

Hatchlings can be picked up with one hand using the thumb and index finger. Once picked up their full body should be supported. Larger turtles should be picked up with two hands, holding them by their shell. Some turtle species may try to bite so ensure that you keep your hands away from the head to prevent being bitten. Sales of small turtles are prohibited by law except for educational purposes when they are under 4 inches in length.

Many considerations must be studied before getting a pet turtle. Be sure you have all the necessary supplies before bringing a turtle home, and always partner with an experienced exotic veterinarian.

References

1. Asseso L, Strunk A. North American Veterinary Community Companion Reptile Care Series. How to keep you red eared slider healthy, happy and safe. 2016.

2. Vander Schouw P. Reptiles Magazine January. The five most important things to do when keeping aquatic turtles. 2012.

Featured Image: iStock.com/pumppump

WRITTEN BY

Sean Perry, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Sean Perry completed his undergraduate degree at the University of California, Santa Cruz, earning a Bachelor of Science in…

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Caring for a land tortoise at home

Contents of the article

Many are mistaken, considering the land tortoise to be an unpretentious animal. At the same time, caring for a turtle will not be a burdensome burden for its owner if he approaches it responsibly. In general, caring for a land tortoise is based on three key points: hygiene, habitat arrangement and feeding. Before buying an animal, it is necessary to study these points in order to avoid problems in the future.

Home improvement

Contrary to popular belief, it is not allowed to let the turtle “swim freely” around the apartment. A pet can climb into a secluded place from which it cannot get out, fall under the feet of one of the household members, or catch a cold. In this regard, it is advisable to keep the animal in a terrarium.

A terrarium with transparent walls from 50 cm long and 30 cm wide can be an ideal solution. A worthy alternative can be a house in which all the walls (except the front) are made of opaque material – plastic or painted wood. The main thing is that the material is well washed: this will facilitate the care of it. Such a terrarium can be created with your own hands.

Hang two lamps above the terrarium. The first – with a conventional lamp with a power of up to 60 W, the second – with an ultraviolet. The ultraviolet lamp should be replaced from time to time (once a year and a half) with a new one. Ultraviolet is vital for the turtle: it promotes the absorption of calcium, which means it ensures the strength of the internal and external skeleton.

The terrarium should be covered with practical artificial turf. Some owners use natural materials for this: hay, coarse gravel and sawdust. As for the layer itself, ideally its thickness should be about 3 cm.

The terrarium must contain a “shelter” – a house in which the turtle can hide from prying eyes. You can make such a house yourself, with your own hands. It is desirable that the shelter be made of washable materials – this will facilitate its care.

Before you put your pet in the terrarium, make sure that you take care of buying a feeder and drinker. The best option is a wide round feeder made of heavy material.

As for the drinker, it can be a ceramic container or a special drinker. It must be installed directly under the lamp so that the liquid in the container is always warm. Both the feeder and drinker should have low edges or be almost flat.

A well-equipped terrarium is the key to a long and happy life for your pet.

Hygiene

Turtle care at home is impossible without hygiene. You need to bathe these exotic animals: they do not care for the soul in “bath” procedures.

Bathe your turtle as follows:

1. Fill a container with warm water (about 36.6 degrees Celsius). Calculate the water level based on the height of the turtle (1/3 should be above water, and 2/3 should be under water).
2. Place the animal in the container. Gently wipe the paws, shell and muzzle of the pet. To do this, use your own hand or a soft sponge. If there is serious pollution, you can bathe the turtle with soap. The main thing is to thoroughly rinse off the remnants of the product with warm water.
3. Wipe the animal dry and place the pet in the terrarium.

Bathing tortoises is desirable once every 7 days; young individuals under two years of age – once every three days.

You also need to take care of your pet’s claws – life at home does not allow them to grind naturally. Nails can be shortened as they grow back at home. To do this, you need to use nail scissors or nippers. Cut off a light fragment of the claw: in the dark area there are vessels that cannot be touched.

Don’t forget to take care of the turtle’s home. The terrarium should be washed periodically with soap, baking soda or other easy-to-rinse detergent.

The filler needs to be changed as it gets dirty. Wash the artificial turf or gravel as soon as it becomes dirty and place it back in the terrarium. Make sure that the feeder, drinker and turtle house are always clean. Clean up leftovers of uneaten food in a timely manner and change drinking water.

Keeping a turtle at home is wonderful. But sometimes you need to let your pet walk in the fresh air. It is possible to make forays into nature only when the air temperature rises above 25 degrees, and the sun warms the earth well. Before releasing an animal from your hands, make sure that there is no inedible grass on the field. Constantly keep an eye on your pet: the turtle can hide in the tall grass, and you will lose it forever.

Feeding

Many people have no idea what to feed the tortoise. Some people prefer to feed their pets with purchased food, but it’s really possible to cook food for a turtle with your own hands at home.

A typical food is a mixture of finely chopped vegetables, fruits, herbs, supplemented with vitamins and minerals. Keeping an animal in the summer is simple: just feed it with greens (clover, plantain, coltsfoot, dandelion leaves), berries (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries) and fruits.

In the winter season, food should consist of vegetables and herbs (by 70%), fruits (by 25%), minerals and vitamins (by 5%). It is possible to make your own mineral supplement using bone meal or thoroughly washed eggshells. Foods best suited for feeding turtles are: carrots, cabbage/lettuce, apples.

To properly care for your pet, it is not enough to know what tortoises eat. It is important to understand what kind of food they absolutely cannot eat. Such food includes bread, food for other pets, milk, food from the human table, citrus peels, poisonous plants, seeds of berries and fruits, meat, insects, fish.

Keeping tortoises at home is not an easy task for an unprepared person. However, after reading the recommendations in this article, you will find that caring for a turtle is easy and extremely fun.

Authors of the articles: Belant clinic team

Turtles home care and maintenance

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It often happens that Central Asian, American, and also red-eared turtles become residents of city apartments at the whim of a child.

Don’t be deceived by the simplicity of turtles, in fact, tortillas need special conditions for them. But if you take care of the proper arrangement of the terrarium, as well as a balanced diet, the turtle will surely surprise you with its activity. So, today we are discussing the nuances of keeping domestic turtles.

Weigh the pros and cons

Before you buy a turtle, think about the fact that we are talking about one of the oldest genera of reptiles. Over 220 million! turtles have lived on earth for years. They peacefully coexist with a person, but at the same time they never became truly pets.

Even after living side by side with you for a long time, the turtles don’t run to you when they meet you from work, to be glad that you pet them or scratch them behind the ear. You can only appreciate the gratitude of a pet by watching its gradual increase in size. Not too much of a reward, agree?

Think about whether you are ready to take care of such a little emotional pet for years (turtles, as we remember, live quite a long time)?

If you are still determined and ready to take a turtle into your family, you must first resolve the issue of a place for the tortilla to live.

Setting up a place for a turtle

Many breeders make the serious mistake of keeping turtles on the floor. This is fraught with serious problems.

Drafts, the risk of injury, the difficulty of moving on parquet or linoleum lead to the fact that in such “comfortable” conditions the turtle does not live long.

In Europe, where animal protection practices are widespread, keeping turtles indoors is only allowed if there is a terrarium that recreates the natural habitat of the tortilla.

For aquatic turtles, an aquaterrarium will be required. For this purpose, an aquarium with a capacity of 100 liters is used. 1/3 of the total volume should be occupied by an impromptu island. The rest of the area is filled with warm water, the temperature of which is maintained by a special heater.

An incandescent lamp (40-60 W) must be fixed above the “island”, and a special UVB lamp for reptiles must be installed in the upper part of the turtle’s dwelling.

Turtles are placed in the aquarium in a similar way, only without the island and water. In this case, the floor of the terrarium is covered with soil and small pebbles.

Although tortoises do not need a constant source of water, they need to be bathed regularly (at least once a week) in warm water.

Remember among turtles (both land and water) there are no decorative and dwarf species. Even when purchasing a tiny turtle, be sure that it will grow and it will need a place to grow. Therefore, you should not buy a small aquarium, it is at least not reasonable.

Feeding turtles

In order for your turtle to grow up healthy, you need to take care of a balanced diet of the animal. The basics of nutrition are largely determined by the subspecies. You can read more about the principles of feeding turtles in this article. But the main thing to remember is that regardless of the breed of the turtle, it must be fed twice a day, preferably at the same time.