| Turtle pets have special needs and specific demands | | | | temperature ranging from 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| that must be taken into consideration. You should not | | | | You may also position the housing of your turtle pet |
| offer your turtles, which are reptiles, the same | | | | in an area where it can receive abundant natural |
| treatment you give to your pet dogs and cats. | | | | lighting. |
| Fortunately, great professional advice is now readily | | | | Turtles kept outdoors are more likely to hibernate |
| available to the novice owner, gleaned from | | | | than those which are kept indoors. Hibernation plays |
| experienced veterinarians, scientists, and | | | | a key role in keeping turtles healthy. It has been |
| knowledgeable turtle keepers. | | | | discovered that non-hibernating turtles have higher |
| The first thing to consider in the basic care of your | | | | risks of developing liver diseases. |
| turtle pets is their housing requirements. Your turtles' | | | | Turtles are mainly omnivorous, although in their early |
| dwelling must be designed to replicate their natural | | | | years they will most often favor eating small animals. |
| habitat as much as possible. You can house your | | | | As they mature, their food preferences also broaden. |
| turtle pets in a plastic or glass tank or aquarium, or in | | | | They must be fed substantial amounts of protein, |
| outdoor pens. Just be sure that the area is a large | | | | calcium, and Vitamin D to keep their shells sturdy. |
| enough space in which the turtles can live | | | | They also enjoy a diet of snails, live crickets, |
| comfortably, allotting no less than thirty gallons per | | | | vegetation, and small fish. Moderation must be |
| turtle. | | | | observed in feeding your pets, because obesity is |
| Divide the tank or area into two parts: one for land | | | | common among turtles. |
| and the other for water. Turtles are solitary animals | | | | Turtles dislike being handled or passed around. Do not |
| and like to spend time hiding, so be sure to allot an | | | | take your turtle pets from their shelters just to |
| area in which they can be alone. Try to use large | | | | cuddle or carry them around, as this may stress |
| rocks instead of small, colorful pebbles from the pet | | | | them out. Some turtles may even feel so threatened |
| store, since the rocks are more practical. The small | | | | that they will snap or bite when they are handled or |
| pebbles, although aesthetically pleasing, only make | | | | disturbed. |
| cleaning the turtle's home difficult and time consuming! | | | | Turtle care also requires excellent sanitation on your |
| Remember, you should be cleaning the turtle's | | | | part. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly |
| housing at least once a week. | | | | before and after handling your turtle pets. |
| If you have acquired your turtle from a pet store, it | | | | Responsible turtle care is fairly easy if you are |
| would be wise to talk to the shop associate who has | | | | prepared to devote sufficient time to look after your |
| knowledge about the turtle's history, and who can | | | | pet. Remember, your turtle is a living being. It |
| give you useful advice. Inquire about the right kind of | | | | deserves the best home, food, and protection you |
| water for your pet, since utilizing tap water risks | | | | can provide, to ensure that it lives a happy and |
| upsetting your turtle's pH balance. | | | | healthy life, maximizing its lifespan. |
| Install a heater in the housing to maintain a | | | | |