| Raising turtle pets is a hobby that has grown by | | | | A good number of turtle owners have claimed that |
| leaps and bounds, with people all around the globe | | | | their pets love to play with sea shells. Turtles will |
| enjoying these reptiles as cherished family members. | | | | often flip the shells by pressing on them with their |
| Some might feel that turtles demand more tedious | | | | claws and sliding them along the floor. |
| care than other pets, and that their supplies for food | | | | Another way to have fun with your turtle is to take |
| and shelter can be costly. However the satisfaction, | | | | it outside for a walk. Not only do they like |
| fascination, and amusement you are guaranteed to | | | | scampering around, but walking is also an excellent |
| obtain from keeping these amazing animals will | | | | form of exercise for them. |
| definitely make it all worthwhile. Thanks to turtle pet | | | | For turtles that are housed in a tank, or whenever |
| owners sharing information gleaned from daily | | | | you put your turtle in a tank for a swim, you can |
| observations and hands-on experience, we now have | | | | also place broken pieces of cuttlebones afloat in the |
| substantial first-hand information as to which type of | | | | water. Turtles adore chasing these around while |
| turtle is best to keep as a pet, and how to choose | | | | swimming, and as an added plus, they will get |
| the name best suited to our beloved pet. | | | | much-needed calcium when they eat the bones. |
| No matter how much you adore your pet turtles, | | | | Another fun idea is to set up a toy raft in the turtles' |
| you should bear in mind that these special creatures | | | | housing, so they will have something to play with, |
| are nothing like dogs and cats. One theory postulates | | | | even when you are not there and they are on their |
| that reptiles do not have the capability for affection. | | | | own. |
| Still, this is just a theory, and should not discourage | | | | Helping your pet turtle adjust to and enjoy his new |
| you. Pet owners have shared their personal | | | | life as your cherished pet is really not too difficult a |
| experiences regarding their turtle pets, offering their | | | | task. First, you must allow your new pet turtle to get |
| first-hand knowledge on how to bring out the best in | | | | used to his new habitat, and to learn to trust you. As |
| them. | | | | a responsible owner, it is your job to constantly look |
| When you first bring your turtle home, you should | | | | out for your pet's safety. Wherever you house your |
| give him a period of time to adjust and learn to trust | | | | turtle or transport him to, be sure to keep him in an |
| you. Allow approximately two to three days for your | | | | environment where he is free from possible harm, |
| turtle to have peace and quiet, and don't try to | | | | injury, and exposure to predators. In whatever |
| establish any rules or routines during this initial phase. | | | | activity you may try to engage your pet turtle, you |
| When you approach the turtle, be sure to move | | | | should always first consider potential risks to his |
| cautiously and slowly so as not to startle him. Also, | | | | health and well-being. Do not choose activities which |
| refrain from making loud sounds or noises when you | | | | are too strenuous or stressful. Rather, opt for the |
| are anywhere near the turtle. Practicing these basic | | | | ones that will benefit his health while allowing him to |
| steps will allow you to earn your pet turtle's trust, | | | | enjoy himself. |
| slowly but surely. | | | | |