| Terrapins, the small cute reptiles, are considered as a | | | | terrapins can be good pets. |
| soft and timid creature. In case you are thinking of | | | | - Take utmost care for the tiny-weeny hatchlings. |
| buying one to keep as a pet, then a sound | | | | Initially they are small but can grow fast. |
| knowledge about it should be considered prior to | | | | - Find a sun-lit place for the terrarium. |
| your purchase. These include their varieties, habit and | | | | - Get a terrarium fitted with water filter, |
| habitat, pattern of food intake, mating rituals, | | | | thermostatic heater, thermometer, UV light and |
| hibernating process, common diseases etc. In short, | | | | basking area (the place on which they sit to dry up). |
| terrapin petting demands extensive research work. | | | | - Ideal size of the baby-terrarium is - 3′ x |
| Ready to buy your first terrapin? Don't be whimsical | | | | 1′x 1′ (For two). |
| or never just try to imitate someone else. Terrapin | | | | - Water level should be moderate. |
| petting is not as easy as it seems. Your love and | | | | - 24º - 26º C temperature of water is |
| affection is the key to their well being and long life | | | | ideal for hatchlings |
| (approximately 30 years) in captivity! | | | | You will need:- |
| Buying the right kind: | | | | |
| - Buy from a good and well known pet store of your | | | | 1. A water filter, siphon and net to keep the water |
| locality. Learn how to handle it. Seek a few tips on | | | | clean. |
| terrapin petting from them. | | | | 2. UV light, fluorescent lamp and a thermometer. |
| - Want to buy online? Go for it! Select the best | | | | 3. Logs, pebbles and a rocky, elevated basking area |
| website to buy and collect your terrapin safely. | | | | inside the tank. |
| Beware of getting cheated. | | | | 4. Give balanced food; Combine meat, vegetables |
| - Buy a healthy hatchling from a reliable breeder. | | | | and nutritional supplements. |
| - Consult a good veterinary doctor to learn more | | | | A few more tips to consider: |
| about your terrapin. | | | | - Handle carefully. A fall can kill or injure it. |
| - Buy the right kind of terrapin and all other | | | | - Take care to stay away from Salmonella infection. |
| necessary accessories. | | | | A child below five years should not handle a terrapin. |
| - Buy hardy or semi-hardy species. Semi aquatic | | | | Your love and care can only keep these endangered |
| terrapins are good pets. | | | | creatures happy and healthy. |
| - Map terrapin, Red eared sliders and yellow bellied | | | | |