| Are you one of those low-key, laid-back homebodies | | | | swim from time to time, so dedicate some space in |
| who lavish alone time, but still try to make the home | | | | its habitat for some dry land as well as a swimming |
| cozy and inviting to potential visitors? Well, what | | | | pool. |
| better way to achieve that balance than to bring | | | | Slider Turtles are mostly aquatic, so a 40 gallon |
| home a low-maintenance pet whose activities invoke | | | | terrarium with a swimming area is perfect for |
| conversation and relaxation, without actually affecting | | | | dwelling. Make sure that there are rocks at the |
| yours. A pet turtle immediately comes to mind as the | | | | bottom of the tank, as Sliders really enjoy digging! |
| perfect companion you can rely on to keep your | | | | Painted Turtles can live under the same conditions as |
| guests entertained when the need arises, or to keep | | | | Slider Turtles. In fact, they love the water so much |
| quiet and give you space when you need it. | | | | that they actually like sleeping while partially |
| Turtles make wonderful pets and potential owners | | | | submerged. |
| will be happy to know that enough species exist to | | | | For all species, make sure that the water provided |
| suit one's particular taste or requirement. The four | | | | for swimming is kept clean. Leftover scraps from |
| most common species for making into pets are the | | | | dinner can contaminate the water and infect your |
| Box Turtles, Mud Turtles, Slider Turtles and Painted | | | | turtle. Be on the lookout for any sign of illness, the |
| Turtles. All four have specific habits and behaviors, as | | | | most obvious one being lethargy. Although turtles |
| well as dwelling and feeding requirements. | | | | generally move slowly, excessive lethargy indicates |
| One great point to note is that these popular species | | | | that the turtle is not feeling well, and may have |
| are all omnivorous, making feeding a breeze! Turtles | | | | become infected from contaminated leftovers. |
| like insects, vegetables, tadpoles, fish and specially | | | | As winter approaches, the hibernation period for |
| created food commonly known as food sticks. | | | | turtles begins. Ensure that there is an area with dirt |
| Owners should always try to maintain a balanced diet | | | | or mud to allow your turtle to dig a hole and hide in |
| for turtles. Bear in mind that as they grow older, | | | | during the colder months. Inability to hibernate can |
| turtles require less protein so concentrate on feeding | | | | greatly impact the lifespan of a turtle. Try to make |
| them vegetables consistently and limiting their protein. | | | | its environment as naturalistic as possible. |
| Turtles also like to hunt so throwing live fish into the | | | | Turtles can live for decades once they receive the |
| water once a week ensures that they get to | | | | right care. Try to ensure that the following conditions |
| participate in a natural activity, while getting some | | | | exist: |
| well needed exercise! | | | | Enough space to accommodate a swimming area and |
| Box Turtles are terrestrial dwellers that grow very | | | | a resting area |
| big, so a tank or terrarium would not be | | | | Enough light and shade, as turtles like to bask in the |
| recommended for a living space. Owners with | | | | sun, but generally do not need more than 12 hours of |
| outdoor space will find it easier and more suitable to | | | | light |
| house Box Turtles. An outdoor pen can be | | | | Clean water for both swimming and drinking |
| constructed in a shaded area, and will make an | | | | A balanced diet with enough protein and vegetables |
| excellent dwelling place for this species. | | | | A clean, well-maintained home |
| If you are short on outdoor space, opt for a Mud | | | | Turtles are intelligent creatures that provide great |
| Turtle. These semi-terrestrial creatures hardly grown | | | | companionship without being opinionated! There is so |
| longer than 5 inches, so a sizeable muddy terrarium | | | | much more to learn about them than what you |
| would be a suitable dwelling area. Remember that | | | | found in this introduction, so take the next step and |
| turtles like to bask in the sun and take a refreshing | | | | own one! Just make sure they feel at home. |