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Caring for your pet turtle

Having a pet turtle can be a lot of fun. They are fun to watch and can provide years of enjoyment when cared for properly. There are several different types of domestic tank turtles, including the yellow-bellied slider, and the red-eared slider.

There are several things one should consider when choosing a turtle for a pet. You should consider how time consuming and expensive it will be to care for your pet. If the turtle is for a child, you should consider how well that child can handle safety precautions when handling their new pet.

Choose a reputable pet store to make your purchase. Turtle should not be overcrowded and their tanks should be clean.

Does some research on the care of your new pet before you buy. Know what you are getting into before hand.

• Avoid turtles with soft shells and dry or cracked skin.
• Your turtle should have bright, clear eyes.
• Your turtle should resist when you pick it up.
• They should move their head and legs when touched.

Now that we know how to purchase our new pet, let’s examine how to care for our new little friend. The first thing you should do is decide on the type of home your new pet will reside in. You can keep them in a tank or choose a turtle terrarium. Once that is decided, research how to properly set up your new pet’s environment.

Two-thirds of your turtle’s tank should be for swimming, while one-third is for basking. Your turtle will require an ultraviolet light source for basking. This is important for the health of your turtles shell. He will need to be able to dry out, also turtle can't store vitamin D3 and need the UVB light for absorption.

The temperature of your pet’s new home needs to be between 77 and 95 degrees F. The use of an in tank heater can be used to maintain temperature.

An aquarium filtration system is recommended to help keep water clean. This keeps your turtle from getting diseases.

Fecal build up can cause health problems for your turtle. You should net or siphon fecal matter from your turtle's home as soon as possible.

The filtration system and entire tank should be cleaned completely at least once a month.

Feed your species recommended amounts and a complete commercial food. You should also supplement your turtle’s diet with treats such as earthworms, and crustaceans. Semi-aquatic species tend to eat plants only, and can be supplemented by leafy green vegetation and fruit.

Uneaten food can attract disease, so your turtle should be fed in a separate place from his regular home. Your turtle should also be rinsed with warm water after feeding before returning to his normal home.

Whether you choose to purchase a yellow-bellied slider, a red-eared slider, or any other variety of turtle, the care of your pet is important. Care for your new friend properly and you will have many years of enjoyment.