Deciding to bring a pet turtle home is definitely not an easy choice. In fact, one of the reasons which make it difficult is how it’s maintained.
Although it is a challenge, having a pet turtle around you definitely makes you smile. Turtles are absolutely adorable and deserve all the love that you have!
Note these tips and tricks to know how to walk the extra mile and look after your pet turtle:
1 Get the right tank setup
Most of the turtles in pet shops are young and will grow substantially in size. In fact, some turtles can grow to have adult shell sizes up to 12 inches. Turtles have a big requirement of water during their growth years (40 gallons) and might even need a 75-gallon tank later.
It does depend on your choice of a turtle but all said and done, you need a spacious tank that has both dry and wet areas for the turtle to be comfortable in.
2 Set the right temperature
Turtles have a very specific requirement of the right temperatures to stay healthy, grow well and feel safe. The range is usually between 60-90 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature doesn’t stay right, the turtle might go into forceful hibernation or even fall sick.
Also, if you have an outdoor turtle, that again means your location should have sound temperatures. Some might want dry hot temperatures while some might want a climate that doesn’t dry up water bodies. Hence, the right research and the right weather conditions are a must.
3 Know about their hibernation period
As a pet owner, it is important that you know all things about your pet no matter how small it is. This means you should know your turtle’s hibernation routine and the steps you can take to help them in that time. Some turtles hibernate for 20 weeks while some even go on hibernation for half a year.
During hibernation, you should know if you want to keep them in an icebox/refrigerator or bury them in your backyard. A peaceful hibernation is important for their health and long-term life.
4 Research the food
Turtles have a good food requirement, where they need a lot of healthy dishes and vitamin A to thrive.
You should stock up adequately on food including live bugs, fish, flaked food, and plants for your turtle to eat regularly. It might get tough to arrange for the right kind of food, so you can instead explore PETstock Australia for all your turtle food needs at all times.
Secondly, you need to clean your tank regularly, even if you have a good filtration system in place. This is because you can’t have a tank that smells or is dirty. Turtles can suffocate and feel sick easily in dirty water conditions.
5 Don’t disturb your turtle
You cannot be disturbing your turtle’s tank when they are hibernating. No cleaning is required if they are hibernating in your tank and should never be dropped around.
Additionally, turtles aren’t exactly the best play buddies and are more love-from-a-distance pets for you. This means don’t always touch them but nourish them, love them from afar and watch them all happy.
Turtles are extraordinary and hence have such unique needs as a pet which are crucial for their optimal life in your humble abode.
6 Keep an eye out
Turtle’s often changed their diets and different breeds have different habits. For example, aquatic turtles love to chase their dinner around so you should give them the game once a week.
Next, some turtles change their diet preferences as they grow. Box turtles are known to shift from a meat-based to a vegetarian diet as they age.
You have to adapt to the situation with time. Also, always remember to wash your hands after you touch your turtle, to avoid the risk of bacteria-based illnesses.
Over to you…
So, take your notes and go bring your turtle home. Remember, with more than 360 different species of turtles around, you must choose the right breed, know about their lifestyle and be a great pet owner to them.
