How To Take Care Of A Turtle

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Florida Red-Belly Turtle

Turtle Overview

Turtles are excellent pets for families! These adorable animals, depending on the specific species, have an incredible lifespan, which is perfect for those who want a life-long companion. Also, they're pretty slow, so you don't have to worry about them running away. With that said, turtles might not be the best companion for those who love affection, as turtles are known to bite and generally don't enjoy being handled. If you're a lover and a cuddler, you should consider a dog!

Many Species

With a bunch of turtle species available as pets, ensuring proper care can be daunting. Fortunately, petquickstart.com simplifies the process by providing tailored care guides for every species imaginable. Whether you're a proud owner of a red-eared slider or a majestic sea turtle, this resource equips you with the knowledge and guidance needed to create a thriving environment for your beloved reptile companion. Click the link below to view every kind of pet turtle you can own!

All Turtles

Lifespan

  • Every turtle is different, but they generally live for 25 to 80 years old.

Size

  • Adult turtles can range from a 6 to 12 inch shell.

Florida Box Turtle

Habitat

  • A turtle should have at a minimum a 40 gallon tank.
  • In this 40 gallon or larger tank you will need a swimming area, a dry land area, and a small shelter for the little one to feel safe.
  • You will also need a heat lamp that shines over the dry land area so your turtle can bask in it to feel warm! (It's adorable)
  • Turtles are cold-blooded and generally enjoy living in a temperature range of 50 - 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure your turtle isn't too cold because that can send them into hibernation, and if it's too hot then they can get sick and lethargic.
  • Be sure to clean the tank regularly. If you have a water filtration system then you can relax changing the water once every week or every other. If you don't have a filtration system, then you'll need to change the water daily!

Handling

  • Turtles aren't fans of being held often so, it's better to view this pet from outside the aquarium.
  • When you do hold your turtle, hold them in a way that your hand isn't near their mouth because they might nip at you!
  • Lastly, after handling your pet turtle be sure to wash your hands because you run the risk of getting salmonella!

Food & Diet

  • Turtles eat a plethora of things! This includes, but is not limited to:
    • Turtle pellets from the store
    • Earthworms
    • Beetles
    • Grasshoppers
    • Crickets
    • Mealworms
    • Wax worms
    • Leafy greens (Spinach and other dark greens. Avoid Light greens)
    • Various fruits
  • It is important to note that this list is general and you should consult a guide on specific turtles. If you're curious, go check out the turtle gallery that petquickstart.com offers!

Conclusion

Thank you for reading this article and we hope you found something in here useful! Now that you're equipped with some serious turtle know how, you should go adopt one once you have a full setup!