Pet Turtle Care

Keeping a turtle as a pet has come a long way fromWhile the housing needs of water and land turtles
the plastic palm tree set-ups of old. From thediffer dramatically, their diets are actually quite similar.
common box turtle to the less-common OrnateAs you learn to take care of a pet turtle, you'll
Wood Turtle to the extremely rare albino soft shell,discover that turtles, like most people, are omnivores.
there's a turtle for every lifestyle, budget, andThis means you'll probably be adding some groceries
personality. Turtles make fascinating, peaceful pets,to your list! There are several varieties of pre-made
but their penchant for longevity means you must be"turtle chow" available at pet stores, but it's best to
prepared to devote as many as thirty or forty yearsuse those products sparingly and offer your turtle a
of care and attention to your new reptilian friend. Ifwide range of foods. Most land and water turtles
you're ready to share your heart and home with onealike will happily devour crickets, earthworms, and
of nature's most ancient and mysterious creatures,snails. Water turtles love chasing feeder fish such as
then read on for some great pet turtle care advice.minnows and goldfish around their tank and many will
The type of care your turtle will require depends, foralso eat cooked chicken, shrimp, and tuna Never
the most part, on the type of turtle you plan onfeed your turtle hamburger meat, as it's far too high
getting. While you will certainly want to learn as muchin fat for your turtle to digest properly. Turtles also
as you can about the specific breed of turtle youenjoy a nice salad or fruit plate from time to time.
select, there are some basic rules that apply to petThey're particularly fond of Romaine lettuces (never
turtle care, and these rules are different for the twofeed iceberg or spinach), dandelion greens, carrots,
main categories of turtles-water turtles and landcantaloupe, strawberries, blackberries, tomatoes, and
turtles. To ensure your turtle's long life and happiness,apples. Who knows! Having a turtle might just help
you should strive to give him a comfortable,you on your way to healthier eating habits (though
home-like environment. For water turtles (such aswe probably can't say the same for exercise).
sliders, coots, and map turtles) this means providingWhile you may not feel like a pet turtle care expert
at least 20 gallons of tank space complete with aright now, you'll hopefully have many happy years to
small "island" for basking, a heat lamp for simulatingbecome one! Caring for a pet turtle can be an
sunlight, and a UVB light to help the turtle absorbexperience that is both unique and rewarding in a
maximum nutrients from his food. Water turtles arepet-keeping culture dominated by dog and cat
graceful, speedy swimmers, so the more swimmingowners. While a turtle may not greet you at the
room they have, the better! Land turtles (such asdoor or curl up purring on your feet, it provides a
box turtles) require plenty of room to roam withlower maintenance option for busy people who don't
hollowed logs or flowerpots to hide in, naturalhave time for a dog or cat. At the end of a long,
vegetation, a basking area with a heat lamp, and ahard day, a turtle's gentle, peaceful, low-stress
shallow dish of water for soaking. Many peoplepersonality will surely be a calming influence and
choose to keep their land turtles outside in speciallyinspiring refuge in a speed-driven society. Take some
designed pens. This enables the turtles to not onlytime to relax, munch on a piece of fruit, and enjoy
enjoy the great outdoors, but to hibernate in thetime well spent in the company of your new turtle!
winter just as they would in the wild.