‪@PETSSHALA‬
How to Care for a Pet Turtle
Turtles require more attention and care than fish, but less than a more active animal like a dog or cat. Still, before you buy a turtle, you should know how to care for it. This may help you prepare for the required tasks ahead. Follow these steps to have a happy turtle.
1. Set Up a Tank
A turtle’s indoor habitat should be at least 40 gallons to allow for growth to adult size. It should also include a heat lamp for basking. The tank must include land area or dry area and swimming area or wet area. Make sure you read about the turtle you plan to buy so you can provide the right living environment.
2. Set Up Temperature Control
Turtles are cold-blooded critters who need a fairly constant temperature in order to do well. Turtles prefer to live in a temperature between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Some turtles do all right if the temperature drops down to 50 degrees at night, but anything lower than that can cause a turtle to go into hibernation or get sick. It is best to heat water for aquatic turtles, and include a basking light to heat the air in the tank.
3. Provide Food
Turtle foods are varied for a healthy diet, often including fresh and flaked food, live bugs, and vitamin A to help them thrive. Food for turtles can be found at fish food stores and pet stores, or at Pisces Pros. Fresh foods like lettuce, bugs, worms, fish, and other plants and veggies can be good to offer your turtle, too.
4. Clean Tank and Change Water Frequently
Turtles need fresh food and water every day. The cage, aquarium, or enclosure should be cleaned regularly, even if you have filtration systems or other regular maintenance devices. Filtration in a water aquarium is a must, and if the tank starts smelling it is because the water is dirty and needs to be changed.
5. Do Not Play with Your Turtle Often
Turtles get stressed easily when handled. They aren’t very good playmates and are better treated as something to look at rather than touch. Never drop or throw your turtle as they can get hurt easily, even with their hard shells.
6. Wash Your Hands
If you do touch your turtle or anything in its cage, you need to wash your hands thoroughly, otherwise you risk getting salmonella.