| Caring for terrapins is generally easier than caring for | | | | Tip #2 - What do I feed a Terrapin? |
| traditional pets such as the domestic cat or dog, but | | | | When caring for terrapins feeding requirements, you |
| as with any pet, commitment and dedication is | | | | should offer a wide variety of natural foods such as: |
| required by the owner to ensure that your pet has a | | | | - Fish - Worms and other insects including |
| happy and healthy life. | | | | grasshoppers and beetles. |
| Don't be daunted about what is involved with caring | | | | - Vegetation that is rich in calcium and vitamin D3 |
| for terrapins. Providing they are given the correct | | | | include blackberries, dandelion, carrots and turnip |
| love and attention such as diet, habitat and health, | | | | greens. |
| they can live happily for many, many years. | | | | - Special feeding pellets designed for terrapins is also |
| How to look after Terrapins - My 5 Essential Tips....... | | | | recommended as this will ensure that your terrapin |
| Tip #1 - Habitat | | | | gets the right nutrients it needs. |
| Probably the most important aspect about caring for | | | | Tip #3 - Tap Water - If you use tap water for the |
| terrapins is the habitat they will live in. Any habitat | | | | swimming area be sure to wait at least 24 hours to |
| created for terrapins should closely resemble their | | | | allow for the chlorine to be removed. |
| natural environment as much as possible. | | | | Tip #4 - Young Children - If you have young children |
| Terrapins are semi-aquatic reptiles, which means they | | | | who are naturally very inquisitive make sure the |
| live on both land and water. The habitat should | | | | terrapin enclosure is well out of reach as these |
| include enough water to allow them to swim freely | | | | creatures can become stressed very easily which |
| and a dry area where they can easily climb on to | | | | could lead to illness. |
| bask. The water temperature should not be allowed | | | | Tip #5 - Good Hygiene - Caring for terrapins involves |
| to go below 75 degrees or too far above 85 | | | | a good hygiene regime to avoid the spread of |
| degrees Fahrenheit. Position the habitat in direct | | | | salmonella and other harmful bacteria. Always make |
| sunlight to give your terrapin access to UV rays. A | | | | sure that you wash your hands before and after |
| UV lamp can be a good substitute. | | | | handling your terrapin and or it's food. |