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Are Turtles Easy to Take Care of? Do They Make Good Pets?

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turtles easy care
Photo by pexels pixabay turtle

Turtles have always fascinated humans. Older than homo sapiens by many millions of years, turtles are unique vertebrates.

You see, unlike mollusks who carry shells on their back, turtle shells are part of the animal’s spine. Now that your fascination is piqued, you’re likely wondering: are turtles good pets? Are turtles easy to take care of?

Taking Care of Turtles

Depending on the species, learning how to care for a pet turtle can be very straightforward. But remember, you’ll be caring for your turtle for decades to come. It’s common for a turtle to live as long or longer than a human being. You may eventually want to consider making arrangements for your pet as the years go by.

turtles easy care

Razvan Cristea on Pexels

The other key detail to know is that every pet turtle species is cold-blooded, which means their bodies don’t generate heat like ours do. So, keeping yours happy and healthy means making sure your turtle enclosure stays within a certain temperature range around the clock.

There are close to 300 different kinds of turtles around the world, but some species aren’t suitable for domestication. Specialists say these are the best choices for keeping turtles as pets:

  • Painted turtle
  • Red-eared slider
  • Mississippi map turtle
  • Eastern box turtle
  • African aquatic sideneck
  • Central wood turtle
  • Spotted turtle
  • Caspian pond turtle
  • Russian tortoise
  • Greek tortoise

Some of these turtles can grow very large. For example, experts say the Greek tortoise can grow up to 11 inches in length. Interestingly, research shows that turtles never actually stop growing—their growth rate just slows down drastically once they reach maturity.

Always consider a turtle species’ ultimate size when choosing one as a pet.

In terms of diet, some turtles are herbivores, while others eat both meat and plants. Still other turtles eat meat when they’re young but become herbivores as adults.

Turtle Enclosure and Environment

The size of your pet turtle enclosure is a crucial factor to consider. Even though your turtle may be very small when you first bring it home, your enclosure needs to be as big as possible to accommodate your pet’s growth.

Plus, some turtles are highly active and enjoy playing. A bigger enclosure is the easiest way to give them space to climb and slide, while still having room for equipment.

Pet turtle aquarium kits such as the Tetra Aquatic Turtle Deluxe Kit come with a filter and heater along with the other aquarium essentials you need to get started. Once your turtle gets a little more mature, it’s recommended that you upgrade to a larger space—think a 60 to 120 gallon tank.

The enclosure should also mimic your turtle’s natural habitat when it comes to light and air temperature. To make sure the temperature stays consistent, it’s a good idea to keep a thermometer in the enclosure. A Thermometer Hygrometer LCD digital humidity gauge lets you check on these measurements anytime just by looking at the display.

Also, ambient sunlight won’t give your turtle the UV rays it needs to stay healthy and happy. Reptile UV lights, which are typically safe for humans too, are the best way to meet this need.

Water

Water, even if it’s in a shallow dish, must be kept filled and scrupulously clean. This means you’ll need to change it frequently, especially if your turtle is aquatic.

If this is problematic, you should consider a different type of turtle such as a tortoise. Since tortoises are terrestrial (or land-dwelling), they don’t require as much water.

Food

Meat-eating turtles will eat insects such as crickets, mealworms, tiny comet goldfish or commercial turtle food. Besides being terrestrial, tortoises are herbivores, so they should be fed fruit and vegetables—the fresher the better!

This is particularly important because turtles need a lot of dietary vitamin A. Depending on which species of turtle you adopt, bell peppers, squash, and dark leafy greens are great choices.

Another good reason for having a turtle as a pet is that they don’t need to eat every day unless they’re very young and mostly aquatic. Grown turtles only need to be fed every other day or so.

A clean environment, including fresh water, good food, the right temperature, and UV lights will keep your turtle happy and healthy for decades.

Q&A Best Turtle Care Practices

What kind of home does a happy turtle need?

Turtles, both aquatic and terrestrial, require an enclosure that mimics their natural environment as closely as possible. Here are some key elements:

  • Aquatic turtles: Spacious tank with deep water for swimming and diving, a basking area with a heat lamp and UVB light, and a landmass for basking and climbing. Aim for 10 gallons of water per inch of turtle shell length.
  • Terrestrial turtles: Large terrarium with a warm basking area, cooler and humid hide boxes, varied substrates like soil and mulch, and climbing structures. Provide ample space for burrowing and exploring.

How do I maintain a healthy environment for my turtle?

Cleanliness is crucial for turtle health. Here’s the scoop:

  • Aquatic turtles: Perform partial water changes weekly and full changes monthly. Use a filter and test the water quality regularly. Spot-clean the substrate daily.
  • Terrestrial turtles: Remove waste daily and replace substrate completely every month. Maintain humidity levels by misting or providing a humid hide box.

What’s the best diet for a healthy turtle?

A varied diet is key. Here are some guidelines:

  • Aquatic turtles: Offer a mix of pellets, leafy greens, vegetables, and occasional insects or fish. Provide calcium and vitamin D3 supplements as needed.
  • Terrestrial turtles: Focus on leafy greens and vegetables with occasional fruits and insects. Some species also enjoy meat. Consult a reptile veterinarian for specific dietary needs.

How can I ensure my turtle thrives?

Here are a couple more pet turtle care tips to ensure your turtle thrives:

  • Regular vet checkups: Schedule annual exams and address any health concerns promptly.
  • Handling with care: Wash your hands before and after handling. Always fully support your turtle’s body, and avoid dropping or squeezing.

Are turtles messy pets?

Yes, turtles are considered to be messy pets for several reasons:

  • Dirty water: Aquatic turtles eat and defecate in the same water source, which is why you’ll need to clean out the enclosure so often.
  • Bad odors: If you don’t keep up with water changes, a swampy odor can take over the enclosure, and eventually, the room where you keep the enclosure.

Are turtles a good pet for beginners?

Yes, turtles are good pet for beginners so long as you understand that you’re taking on a long-term commitment—one that could potentially last the rest of your life.

If you aren’t sure whether pets are right for you and your family, a turtle isn’t the best place to start. But if you’re looking for a quiet lifelong companion with its own unique personality, pet turtles are likely exactly the pet you’ve been searching for.

The product reviews and recommendations on this website are based on the personal experiences of the author and thorough research. While we strive to provide honest and informative opinions, individual pet needs and preferences vary greatly. It is important to conduct your own research and consider your pet's specific requirements before making a purchase. What works well for one pet may not be suitable for another. We encourage you to consult with your veterinarian or other pet care professionals for personalized advice.

About the Author

turtles easy care

Dustin Williams

Dustin Williams is a seasoned author who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the world of pet literature. His expertise stems from a lifelong immersion in the fascinating world of animal companionship and care. As a third-generation aquarist, Mr. Williams boasts a deep understanding of aquatic life. His passion began in childhood and [...] Author Details

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