Everything you need to know about caring for a turtle at home

It can be a fulfilling experience to keep a turtle as a pet, but extra care is needed to ensure the health and wellbeing of the animal. There are particular requirements for these amazing reptiles in terms of daily care, diet, and habitat. By being aware of these needs, you can help your new friend have a secure and cozy home.

The proper living conditions are one of the most important parts of caring for turtles. This covers water quality, lighting, and tank configuration. It is important to conduct research on the species of turtles you own in order to meet their specific needs, as each type may have different preferences.

Another important thing for your turtle’s health is to feed them a balanced diet. As omnivores, turtles generally consume both plants and small animals, though the precise composition varies according to the species and age of the turtle. Providing appropriate food in the right amounts will maintain their health and level of activity.

You can make sure your turtle has a long and happy life under your care by taking the time to learn about its needs. With proper care, you can enjoy the bond you can form with this gentle and unique pet in addition to keeping it healthy.

Aspect	Details
Habitat	Provide a spacious tank with clean water and a dry basking area.
Diet	Feed a balanced diet of vegetables, protein, and commercial turtle pellets.
Temperature	Maintain a water temperature between 75-85°F and a basking area around 90°F.
Cleaning	Change water regularly and clean the tank to avoid algae and bacteria buildup.
Health	Watch for signs of illness like shell discoloration or lethargy, and consult a vet if needed.
Handling	Handle gently and infrequently to reduce stress.

Appearance

A turtle at home has an exotic and unique appearance.

• head and eyes;
• neck;
• beak and tongue;
• shell;
• color;
• limbs;
• tail;
• dimensions.

These reptiles have streamlined heads that are made to be easily pulled under the shell by the animal. In certain species, the length of the neck and the shell are the same.

These animals have powerful, hard beaks that have internal bulges and sharp, jagged edges that serve as teeth.

The shell’s purpose is to protect. The carapace refers to the dorsal (upper) portion, while the plastron refers to the ventral (lower) portion.

The length of the turtle’s shell serves as a gauge for its size. Despite the uneven surface of the dorsal part, the length is measured using a ruler.

Throughout their lives, they grow slowly. The adult shell is between 20 and 30 centimeters long.

Within the shell is the tail. In certain species, the tip of the tail resembles a spike and is pointed.

Distinctive features between red-eared and Central Asian turtles

Appearance	Central Asian	Red-eared
Color	Yellow-beige color, shapeless dark spots on the shell.	Characteristic stripes of olive, black, yellow color on the carapace.
Plastron	Dark color.	Smooth, variegated color: dark spots on a yellow background.
Head	Upper jaw is hooked.	From the eyes to the neck, on both sides there are yellow-red lines resembling ears.
Eyes	Located on the sides of the head as if looking down; small, black.	Directed forward and upward, located near the top of the head.
Extremities	The front paws are flat, designed to dig the ground, and the hind paws are powerful, strong. They have four toes on their front paws with blunt claws.	The paws have leathery membranes for swimming.
Dimensions	The cubs are born 3–3.4 cm long, weighing 10–12 g. By the second year of life, the size will increase to 5 cm, by the fourth to 9 cm.

Sensory organs

Turtles have outstanding color vision and good low-frequency hearing.

Excellent sense of smell and scent is possessed by red-eared turtles. Above and below the water, they have vision. Similar to cats, they have perceptual dull sounds and vibrations. Through the shell, nerve endings are visible. Animals with tactile senses are able to discriminate between food tastes.

Because they are not designed to breathe underwater, aquatic turtles must swim to get oxygen.

Life expectancy

In their natural habitat, these animals have an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years. Pets can live up to 40–50 years if they are kept at home and adhere to care guidelines.

These reptiles grow more quickly in captivity because they have access to excellent food and comfortable living conditions.

They use size as a guide and count the number of rings on the shell to determine age. Two to three rings form in a year. However, this growth is uneven, influenced by hibernation, illnesses, and keeping conditions.

The annual rings are pale and the shell is smooth in older individuals. The turtle’s color gets brighter as it gets younger.

Diseases and improper maintenance are the leading causes of death.

We examined turtle lifespan in greater detail in a different article.

Caring for a turtle at home

Arrangement of living space

It is not appropriate for domestic turtles to roam the apartment freely. Maintaining turtles necessitates setting up a terrarium or aquarium with specialized equipment or another closed area just for them.

Equipment list required (for all types):

• room/container for keeping (terrarium/aquarium);
• ultraviolet lamp (for aquatic UVB 5–10%, for land 10–12%);
• heater/heating lamp;
• lamp;
• thermometer for temperature control$
• stable feeder.

This list includes a place for land turtles to sleep and rest.

Extra gear for aquatic animals:

• 100-watt water heater;
• filter (internal or external);
• land/shore/island.

Even though red-eared aquarium turtles spend the majority of their time in the water, provide them with a warm, dry area to rest and receive UV light when they are on land. If one side is in the water, the turtle won’t tip it over. The material for the land must be non-toxic, rough rather than smooth, and free of sharp edges. Take note of the following ratio: Land makes up one part of the volume and water three.

Turtles typically climb on rocks, snags, and stable objects that jut out of the water. They ought to be able to easily climb on the aquarium’s made-out bank.

A red-eared turtle needs an aquarium with a capacity of 200 liters. The animal will live longer in a larger, healthier home.

A terrarium with a 100-liter capacity is required for a land turtle. entirely glass or composed of wood, with a single transparent wall.

House

Inside the terrarium, the pet needs a place to live so that it can rest, sleep soundly, and hide.

For the home, a half-domed ceramic flower pot with polished edges works well. For this use, use a plastic rodent house or construct one from wood.

Soil

Hay makes for easily interchangeable soil in terrariums. Sand should not be dumped on the bottom since animals will eat it. Apply a two-layered covering, with big pebbles on top and sand at the bottom. The turtle uses it to sharpen its claws.

Newspapers, expanded clay for building, sharp stones, and cat litter should not be placed in the terrarium.

Turtles in the water don’t require soil. Place big stones at the aquarium’s bottom for aesthetic purposes. Any covering, such as gravel, won’t work because the animal will eat it.

Water

Maintaining a temperature that is both clean and consistent is crucial for the survival of aquatic life.

The red-eared turtle uses the water as a bathroom, eating, sleeping, and swimming pool. Change the water a few times a week to avoid ammonia, nitrates, and bad odors building up. Concurrently with this, carry out filtration.

Before adding fresh water, let the old one settle and allow the chlorine to evaporate, bringing the temperature down to room temperature. They prefer the water to be between 22 and 28 degrees; it is not acceptable to cool the water below 20 degrees.

In order for aquarium turtles to swim and turn over without coming into contact with the bottom, the water level is higher than the width of their shell.

Within a water-filled aquarium, the lifespan of a red-eared turtle is limited to a few days.

Heating the shore

A heater is situated close to the feeder for the benefit of the Central Asian land turtle. The air must be at least 26 degrees.

Turtles that live in the ocean come ashore to warm up. Compared to the water, the surface is 10 degrees warmer. Keep the animal from becoming overheated or hyperthermic; a temperature of 30 to 35 degrees is acceptable on the shell.

Hung the lamp above the reptile, but not too close, to prevent burning. Take caution when your pet is in the sun. Ensure that the lamp is not exposed to water fumes or splashes.

An incandescent lamp, heater, and UV lamp run for 10 to 12 hours a day.

Lighting

Heat and UV radiation aid in the production of B vitamins and the absorption of calcium. The animal runs the risk of developing rickets without it, as the horny surfaces will curve.

Above the turtle, there are UV and heating lamps installed. Every six months, swap them out.

Feeding

Land species primarily consume plant-based foods:

• vegetables (carrots, cabbage, cucumber, lettuce);
• greens (plantain, dandelion);
• fruits (apple, melon, watermelon);
• berries (raspberries, strawberries).

Serve a selection of cereals (buckwheat, semolina, and oatmeal).

Include foods high in calcium, such as raw minced meat and boiled eggs, in your regular diet to obtain vitamins. Add calcium to the feed as a supplement.

The majority of the liquid consumed by the Central Asian tortoise comes from its diet and from its skin during bathing. They don’t drink water separately, nor do they have a drinker with a liquid.

• 70% – plant food (lettuce, cucumber, zucchini, nettle, algae, duckweed);
• 30% – animal (meat, fish, seafood, worms, insects, bloodworms, guppy fry).

Water turtles eat everything. Feed fish with artificial and conventional food, as well as aquarium plants and insects.

Feed young turtles once a day until they are two years old. Their diet is primarily composed of animal protein during this time. The percentage of plant-based diets rises as the animals get bigger.

Even if the animal doesn’t seem hungry, vegetables are still a part of the diet. More fiber is required the older it gets.

Adults should feed once every two to three days. Don’t overindulge in pet food. Particular foods have been created to keep nutrition in balance.

Since aquatic turtles do not produce saliva, they swallow with water. They dine within a fish tank. Feeding them in a dedicated area is preferable as it will prolong the cleanliness of the house.

A different article contains more information about the foods that turtles eat at home.

Hygiene

Cleaning the premises

Every day, remove any waste products left by the animals from the terrarium’s walls and bottom. As soon as the feeding and drinking utensils get dirty, wash them.

An aquatic turtle’s aquarium requires a general cleaning twice a month.

Bathing

Weekly water procedures are part of the care of land turtles. The animal should be submerged for 30 minutes in a small container filled with warm water that is between 30 and 35 degrees. The head ought to be higher than the water. Dry the turtle with a towel after bathing.

Cutting claws

These animals grow their shells, beaks, and claws throughout their lives. Take good care of a domestic turtle’s claws.

Remove the beak and claws when they get so big that it is hard for the animal to move around and eat. Use special nippers for this procedure.

Turtles of the aquatic species are not subjected to such practices.

Moulting

It is common for turtles to molt.

The skin changes and the separation of large scales on the shell happen on a regular basis in aquatic species.

Unnoticeably, land turtles only alter the skin on their paws.

Reproduction

While they mate all year round at home, animals in the wild start their mating rituals in March and June. The female will lay three to four clutches of twenty eggs during a good breeding season.

Create a nest that is suitable for the expectant mother.

The female spends more time on land during pregnancy, which increases her need for calcium and UV radiation.

Determination of sex

Females tend to be larger than males in the majority of species. The cloaca is shaped like a star and is located closer to the tail.

The genital organ is located in the longer tail of males. Their plastron is curved, which aids in mating, and their claws are thicker, stronger, and more curved.

Due to their faster rate of growth than other species, red-eared turtles reach sexual maturity in just one year. Males can be reliably identified as such at 2-4 years old, and females at 3-5 years old. The size then surpasses 10 cm. More information on red-eared turtle sex can be found in a different article.

When a reptile from Central Asia reaches the age of 6 to 10 years old, its sex is clearly visible. The amount of horny tubercles on the inside of the thigh distinguishes a female from a male. Males have one, females three to five.

Handling babies

Small turtles have a low immune system, are prone to illness, are sensitive to the conditions in which they are kept, and have a high mortality rate. Monitor the nourishment of infants and modify their surroundings accordingly.

Babies refuse to eat the food that is presented to them for a while after birth. On the plastron, the yolk sac provides them with nourishment. Never remove or handle it! Once this sac dissolves, the baby turtle starts eating like normal. Foods rich in calcium must be a part of the diet.

Babies are incredibly delicate, shy, and prone to stress. Shield them from needless concerns and be there for them. Avoid picking them up needlessly, standing over the aquarium, knocking, and making loud noises.

Maintaining a consistent temperature for the cubs is crucial, with water at 26–27 degrees and land temperature at 32 degrees. Make sure the water is clean, change it every two days, and filter it.

Red-eared turtle babies cannot stand strong winds or direct sunlight. Give them access to a spot on the land that is heated by a special lamp. Turtle babies are housed at a higher temperature than adult turtles.

Babies are bathed two or three times a week. Washing children follows the same protocol as washing adults.

Fights and aggression

Red-eared turtles are robust, energetic, and prone to violence. They attack turtles of different species and relatives in an attempt to take over the living area, and they rob one another of their food. Create cuts, bite.

When a new inhabitant of the aquarium appears, sexually mature people get into fights. Males attack females, inflicting severe wounds or even fatalities. Such behavior is typical for turtles of this kind.

Conscious upkeep and care can lessen a turtle’s tendency toward aggression. Try to give them more space to live in, and erect barriers and other constraints inside the aquarium to keep them from seeing one another.

In a dedicated feeding area situated behind the aquarium’s walls, feed the animals one by one. Alternately, give each animal its own room. Red-eared turtles are content to live alone and are solitary creatures.

Health and diseases

90% of an animal’s health is based on whether or not the care, feeding, and housing guidelines for turtles in a home aquarium are followed.

Advice for preserving the animal’s health:

• for sick turtles, the temperature is raised to 27-30 degrees (for immunity);
• maintain fluid balance, avoid dehydration (the turtle should be in the water, drinking);
• for a sick animal, reduce the water level in the aquarium so that it does not drown (if the turtle does not swim well, it should be able to freely go ashore);
• if you suspect an infection, isolate the animal, treat your hands after contact;
• do not self-medicate, seek help from a veterinarian-herpetologist.

Hibernation

Hibernation is a natural response to extreme heat and cold in the environment. Animals can survive these times thanks to this kind of sleep.

There’s no need for them to hibernate at home, where they feel comfortable. Avoid encouraging hibernation!

Walks

Release turtles into the open air so they can absorb sunlight. Bring them to a summer cottage, or out into the courtyard of a city residence.

For a walk, try to pick a day that is warm, sunny, windless, and dry. It is preferable to keep the animal at home in other weather conditions and at temperatures below 25 degrees.

Bring your pet to a spotless, peaceful area with some shade and greenery. It will gladly consume plantains, dandelion, and fresh clover.

Construct a private pool and a special pen for walking land turtles at the dacha.

When taking an animal for a walk, make sure you are constantly watching over it to make sure it doesn’t eat anything dangerous, get hurt, or flee. Keep it safe from bugs, animals, birds, kids, and extreme heat or cold.

Check your pet for wounds and dirt when you get home. Wash them if they’re extremely filthy.

Precautions

1. Aquarists advise to handle the turtle carefully, holding it firmly with both hands. Be careful: the animal hisses, bites, and spills its intestinal contents.
2. The bacterial environment of a turtle is different from ours. They are carriers of salmonella. If you touched the animal, be sure to wash your hands with soap.
3. Do not wash your pet in the kitchen sink, as well as the aquarium and accessories.
4. Keep the aquarium or terrarium clean, do not let the food stagnate.

Purchase

Read the care instructions and make sure you have everything you need to give your turtle a comfortable life before acquiring one. Be ready to incur extra costs if you decide to keep turtles in your house.

Present the turtle to the veterinarian after purchase. He will ascertain the animal’s age and gender and check it for wounds, injuries, infections, and illnesses.

The turtle will require some time to adjust to a new environment. Avoid disturbing it needlessly and give it the right nourishment and care.

If you purchase a new animal for a group of existing animals, set up a three-month quarantine area for the addition. Cubs should never be placed with adults; they will suffer harm. Only creatures with comparable stature and living circumstances may coexist in the same area.

Costs

Include the cost of high-quality food, veterinary examinations or treatments, and a terrarium or aquarium with extra accessories, such as a heating lamp.

Although it calls for close attention to detail and a dedication to creating the ideal environment, taking care of a turtle at home can be a rewarding experience. For survival, turtles require a clean, well-kept habitat with ideal water, lighting, and temperature levels. To make sure the unique needs of your turtle species are satisfied, it’s critical to conduct research on them.

Another important component of turtle care is diet. Your pet will stay healthy if it has a varied and balanced diet that includes fresh veggies, proteins, and occasionally commercial turtle food. Keep an eye on their eating patterns and make any necessary adjustments based on their age and species.

In order to prevent illness, routine health checks and tank or enclosure cleaning are essential. Because they are sensitive to their environment, keeping the water clean and ensuring adequate filtration will go a long way toward keeping turtles happy and healthy.

Overall, if you give your turtle the proper care and attention, owning a turtle at home can be a wonderful experience. You can guarantee your turtle friend a long and happy life by keeping them informed and attending to their needs.

Creating the ideal habitat for a pet turtle at home includes providing it with a clean tank, fresh water, and a balanced diet. To replicate their natural habitat, you will need to provide heat, light, and a suitable area for basking. Hygiene and routine tank maintenance are crucial for preventing health problems. You can help your turtle flourish in your care by getting to know their needs and habits.

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