Turtle Care Guide
Whoever says that choosing a turtle as a pet is a lot easier than caring for a dog or a cat doesn’t know how complicated these cute little creatures could be despite its size.
Indeed, more and more families are opting to get pet turtles for their kids specially when considering the space where they could keep the pet and of course, how intricate its maintenance. Some people think that because turtles are small, they could just be placed in an aquarium in one corner of the room and could survive by just throwing in some food once in a while.
They need not be walked or be trained like dogs and they incur less expense than our canine or feline friends. They do not bite that hard and your kids are safe from fleas. Yes, these are indeed some positive points why you should consider turtles as your pet. But, before you finally take the plunge, here are 5 things to remember in caring for your turtle pet.
5 Things to Remember in Caring for your Pet Turtle:
1. Turtle Pet: Is it the One?
Yes, you listed all the positive things why you should consider it as your pet, your kids couldn’t even agree more. But ask this simple question, “Can you really keep it?” Having a pet is already a responsibility but choosing a turtle as the “one” entails not only responsibility in caring for it but needs understanding on its nature as well. Unlike dogs or cats which survive even without your constant attention, turtles, by the mere fact that it is not living in its natural habitat needs help from its human caretaker in order to survive. So, are you willing to exert more effort to keep the pet? Are you willing to learn the turtle care?
2. Turtles Do Have Health Problems.
Because they look and are actually fragile, caring for your turtle’s health must be your top priority. You don’t want to get a pet and kill it a few weeks after because you don’t know how to maintain it. A pet are supposed to give fun and not worries right? But then again, remember that every living creature needs proper nutrition. Turtle care includes choosing the right food for them and even giving them vitamins. Being able to tell when your pet is sick by observing its actions or even a slight change on its shell or eyes can mean a lot. It may indicate a turtle health problem which you can easily treat. Furthermore, knowledge of these early signs and how to combat sickness will make your pet healthier and of course, less worries and expense on your side.
3. Be Proactive in Turtle Tank Set-up.
It is not enough that you are willing to care for your pet turtle. You must see to it that it is living in a healthy environment even though it may be far from its natural habitat. Some starters even consult expert animal home builder while some opt to be pro active in setting up their turtle tank. Don’t be confused or worried that a turtle tank would entail more expense. There are cheap ways to build one for your turtle pet. Some small time owners buy the usual turtle tank from pet stores and buy some materials for the turtle aquarium or tank. Select one that could fit in the available space for your pet. If you are only having one pet then a small tank or aquarium will do. Some add sands and mini rocks in order to give a natural feeling to the pet. They also add some tiny plants and even miniature playground. What is important in maintaining a turtle tank is cleanliness. Water will become dirty day after day due to feces and other body fluids emitted by the pet. It is necessary that a separate water container or Petri dish be provided as a source of water for the pet. Changing the water very often is also important since it is easily contaminated with dirt.
4. Know the Type of your Pet Turtle.
Not all pet turtles are alike. Basically, they do have shells, moves really slowly and have that cute look on their face but they still have differences. Knowing what type of turtle you are going to have will help you in taking care of it. Of course, it is like a getting to know process in order to appreciate more your pet. It is like bragging about a dog’s breed being a German Shep or a cat’s origin such as Persian cats. Remember that even though turtles may look alike as a whole, they do have qualities that separate them from the other types. Scientists reveal that turtles are divided into twelve biological families. So, that is the starting point. You don’t need to know these twelve but at least know the type in which your turtle belongs. There are two general classifications and that is the land turtles (known as tortoise) and the water turtles which of course, need the water for survival.
There are also specific names such as those of slider turtles and red eared slider which are vegetarians, box turtles which are land specie of turtles, snapping turtles which are the hot-tempered ones hence they “snap” easily and considered even to be dangerous, painted turtles which have the smooth edged shells and are also known to be scavengers, and other types of pet turtles such as the mud and musk turtles. Knowing their classification will help you in providing a good environment for them and at the same time knowledge on their eating habits and lifestyle.
5. Choosing the Right Types of Food without Much Expense.
The goal here is to have a pet turtle, be able to care for it, feed it without unnecessary expense. Admit it, you don’t want this creature sucking up on your salary just for their food. However, it does not mean that you’ll just throw your left-overs to their aquarium. Like other pets, turtles also need a healthy and balanced diet. Some stores carry food for turtles but these is somehow expensive and at the same time limited.
A wise pet lover would have to make use of what is available to him. Of course, knowing what type your turtle is will help you in setting up a menu for your pet. There are turtles which are vegetarians and carnivorous or scavengers. Hence, their food must be prepared in accordance with their diet. There are also those which eat meat and vegetables but change their eating patterns especially when they are aging. It is best to know what food is suitable for your pets. Examine also their physical condition. If they have deformed shells and have excessive skin shedding, they may be experiencing calcium and vitamin deficiencies, hence, foods rich in these vitamins must be provided.
If you think that your pet seems to be sluggish then it may be experiencing some respiratory inspection. Foods that you could provide your pet may actually be within your reach and you don’t need to buy commercially sold foods for them. Turtle feeding is never really hard as long as you know what you’ve got and how you can use it.
Now that you know the things you should remember in taking care of your pet turtle will help you in maintaining it. Remember that pets are man’s best friend. It may not be easy at first, but taking the plunge and buying your very first pet turtle will prove to be worth all the trouble.
Just remember these five reminders and you will find that turtles are actually cool pets and loyal companion as well. Check out more information about turtles and turtle care. Click Here!
