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Turtle Page
| Turtle Selection |
My experience is mainly with aquatic turtles (those
listed on the previous page...thus the recommendations below are
based on those turtles' requirements). I would recommend Red Ear
Sliders as a first turtle, as they are hardy, inexpensive, and
colorful. Be careful of mixing different species of turtles as
potential illnesses, compatibility, food and housing requirements
could become serious issues. Some may not make it. |
| Turtle Housing |
Space: You need space for growing turtles.
Minimum of 20 gallons for the first. Ten gallons additional
for each turtle. The water needs to be deep enough such that the
turtles can swim, and not become trapped or turned over (minimum
depth would equal the length of the largest turtle's carapace or
shell).
Basking: A site out of the water, yet easily accessible
for the turtles to crawl out on. Be sure it is non-abrasive, such
as a log or a smooth rock. A light should be focused on the basking
area. A full spectrum bulb is needed for proper shell and skeletal
development. Some turtles tend to stack on top of each other while
basking, so be sure the bulb is not too close to the basking spot.
Temperature: A maintained water temperature of at least 74
degrees Fahrenheit, but below 85 degrees. The basking site should
be a little warmer. Use light fixtures with ceramic sockets or you
run the risk of a fire hazard. A 60 watt bulb is sufficient.
Ceramic heating bulbs can supplement basking site heating.
Underwater heaters (protected by rocks or other barriers) should be
used to keep the water warm enough.
Filtration: Strong filtration or you will be changing the
water constantly. A canister filter is recommended. Siphoning
excess excrement is a must.
Setup: Be sure there is adequate space for the turtles to
move around and that there is not a location where the turtles could
jam or get themselves stuck (especially under water). The more
decoration, the more places for waste to build up, and the more
cleaning that will be required. |
| Turtle Feeding |
Wardley's Reptile Ten (or similar food product).
This should have the proper phosphorous, calcium and protein content
for proper shell, muscle and bone development Supplement the
turtle diet with Romaine lettuce or if you can from your yard
dandelion greens and plantain. This will help your turtles keep
their color and health. Very rarely I give a bit of lean ground
beef mixed with a calcium vitamin supplement. An occasional insect
or two never hurts. Feeding 3 to 4 times a week is sufficient.
Be careful during feeding. Some species are more aggressive than
others. Some turtles are more aggressive than others, especially if
the size of the turtles vary greatly. Some foods such as insects
and ground beef excite the turtles and they may mistakenly bite
their tank-mates in the fray.
The warm temperatures (see above) is vital for the turtles to
properly digest their food. |
| Turtle Cleaning & Sanitation |
Even if you have more than adequate filtration and
keep the filter clean, it will be necessary to change the water and
wash out the tub or tank every month or two. After handling
turtles, be sure to wash carefully as they have been known to carry
Salmonella.
Consider gently scrubbing the turtle's shell clean with a soft
bristle tooth brush to remove any algae and possible debris every
month or two or as you see the need. |
| Box Turtles |
Box Turtles are a little more
tricky to keep. They're finicky eaters, it's best to hibernate
them over the winter, and maintenance can be higher (especially as
they love to foul their water dish(es).
I'll add more information on their care and
upkeep as soon as I have 5 years under my belt. I currently have a
little over two. |
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