Turtles’ lifespans can exceed some humans, and they are attracting awe as more and more people adopt these hard-shelled animals as pets. With proper care and love from their owners, they can live a long life.
Whether it’s turtles or tortoises, Americans have brought these creatures into their homes and learned that they’re not the easiest animals to care for. The Humane Society of the United States recommends that before you adopt a turtle, you thoroughly research the turtle, its habitat, veterinarians, and handling precautions to ensure your turtle has a happy life. Recommended.
“If you have done extensive research and are willing and responsible to own a turtle, you should buy one from a local animal shelter or conservation organization rather than increasing the demand for turtles by purchasing them from pet stores. We recommend that you adopt him,” Human Society said.
How to care for a pet turtle
Fish experts and bait retailer PiscesPro say turtles need an aquarium with a heat lamp that can hold at least 40 gallons of water. The enclosure should have dry and moist areas for your pet to swim and relax. Even with a proper filtration system, turtle tanks need to be cleaned regularly.
For temperature control, aquatic life management sites recommend having both heat lamps and water heaters. The best environment for turtles is between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
“If you touch a turtle or anything in its cage, you need to wash your hands thoroughly or you risk contracting salmonella,” the Pisces professional said.
When it comes to food, pet turtles have an omnivorous diet. Fetch by WebMD reports that young turtles between the ages of 7 and 10 need to eat more meat, but as they grow older they will also eat vegetables and fruits.
House turtles’ diet ranges from drained sardines and cooked chicken to moths and insects. Vegetables and fruits you can feed your pet turtle include dandelions, mustard greens, cantaloupe, and bananas.
What type of water is suitable for turtles?
It depends on the type of turtle. According to the California Turtle and Turtle Club, box turtles, desert turtles, and water turtles each require different types of water.
Box turtles should be kept outdoors and away from predators. This species can survive in the same drinking water that you have at home.
Adult desert tortoises must be kept outdoors, protected from the elements and with a place to shelter at night, the club said. The garden must be escape-proof so that the turtle can exercise and roam freely. Newly hatched turtles are also kept outdoors, but with limited access to sunlight in an enclosure that is protected from predators.
The club said the giant tortoise requires more extensive care and is recommended to be kept outdoors to recreate its natural environment. Turtles need a large swimming hole (a kiddie pool is perfect) with cinder blocks, rocks, and floating logs. Female turtles need a dry place to lay their eggs and plants to burrow and hide.
The club urged all turtle owners to be careful when their turtles go into hibernation, as their animals’ vital functions decline. This usually occurs during the cold, short days when food is scarce and the climate is not suitable for normal behavior. It is recommended that sick or injured turtles not be put into hibernation because their vital functions are limited.
“Digestion stops, blood circulation slows, and immune and other defense systems weaken or shut down,” the website says. “These changes can allow the disease to progress unchecked, and even mild or minor symptoms can develop into major problems for turtles.”
How big do pet turtles get?
According to VCA Veterinary Hospitals, a network of veterinary hospitals, box turtles don’t get very large. Adults grow to 5 to 7 inches in diameter. As for aquatic turtles, the average length of males is 7 to 9 inches, and the average length of females is 10 to 12 inches, according to the veterinary clinic.
Desert tortoises can weigh 8 to 15 pounds and grow up to 15 inches long and 6 inches tall, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Longevity: Parrots and turtles often outlive their owners. So what happens?
How long do pet turtles live?
Katrina Smith, who helps run the Mid-Atlantic Turtle Society in Baltimore, previously told USA TODAY that some animals can live to be 100 years old. Many shelters like hers adopt pets that have outlived their owners, but that’s not the case. It is rare for older people to adopt older turtles.
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Contributor: Olivia Manson
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