Keeping A Pet Turtle

Introduction

Turtles can be great pets, but they require a bit of care. They require special housing, heating, and lighting. It is important to provide them with clean water and the right kind of food. If you are considering owning a turtle, there are some things you should know before taking the plunge. We will cover the basics here so that you can decide if a turtle is the pet for you.

Housing

Turtles are reptiles, and as such, they need a dry environment. Turtles are generally kept in a large aquarium or terrarium with an overhead lamp (preferably one that produces UVB light) and an area of higher humidity. The temperature range should be between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 27 degrees Celsius). A basking area is required as well; this is where the turtle will spend most of its time when it’s not eating or swimming around in its water dish.

Lighting

To make sure your turtle is getting all the light it needs, you’ll need a full spectrum light. It should be able to provide a UVB light and heat lamp. This will help your turtle’s shell develop properly and allow it to get enough energy from its food sources (or from insects, if you’re keeping an insectivorous type).

The best option for lighting is usually a combination of both natural and artificial sources. The basking lamp will help your pet bask in the sun, which helps it absorb more vitamin D3—which helps prevent Vitamin D3 deficiency as well as other conditions like metabolic bone disease.

Food and water

Turtles need a varied diet. They should be fed a variety of foods, including carrots, spinach, and lettuce.
Turtles need calcium supplements. The American Association of Reptile Veterinarians recommends T-Rex calcium powder or Rep-Cal Calcium with D3 dietary supplement for turtles to help prevent soft shell disease. This is particularly important if you have a baby turtle under 6 months old. It’s also important to feed your turtle this supplement in conjunction with vitamin D3 daily so that he can absorb the calcium properly (since it won’t be able to pass through his shell). You can buy both these supplements at any pet store or online store like Amazon or Petco!

Cleaning the cage

Remove all waste and food
Clean the tank with a mild detergent
Rinse the tank thoroughly, making sure to get in all of the corners and under the basking light
Dry off any standing water with a towel. Make sure to dry off the basking light as well, because otherwise it could be a fire hazard!

Handling your turtle

When handling your turtle, it is important to remember that they are not toys. They are live animals, and should be treated with care.

If you have a turtle that you want to handle:

Handle your turtle gently. The shell is not as hard as it looks, so do not try to pick up your turtle by its shell or drop it from a height onto the floor. If you must move them around (for example if you are taking them out of water), use two hands—one supporting the body between the front legs and one supporting the tail end. Do NOT hold them by their tails!
Do NOT feed any foods other than what is recommended on this document in Section 2: Feeding Your Turtle! This includes fruit juices, chocolate, dairy products (including cheese!), dog food and so on! It’s best if you don’t even try giving these things unless they were specifically designed for turtles; many of them can actually make them sick or kill them over time if ingested too much!

Turtles are relatively easy to care for.

Turtles are relatively easy to care for. They don’t require much attention, and they’re inexpensive to keep. Turtles aren’t messy or noisy; they don’t eat a lot of food, and they don’t need a lot of space. They can be kept in small spaces such as aquariums or large spaces such as ponds, so you have a choice about what type of environment you want your turtle to live in. Turtles are not aggressive like dogs or cats but instead calm and peaceful pets that will make good companions if cared for properly

Conclusion

It might seem like a lot to take in, but don’t worry – we know how overwhelming it can be! The key is to do your research and make sure you have everything you need before bringing your turtle home. Also remember that while they are low maintenance pets, they do still require some work on your part. As long as you follow our advice (or at least implement some of it), then we guarantee that having a turtle for a pet will not only be fun but also educational for both children and adults alike!