Turtles have been on earth for more than 200 years. That means, this interesting creature has existed since the time of the dinosaurs. Turtles can make charming pets and are also fun to look at and care for. However, because tortoises have been on earth for a very long time, tortoises have undergone changes and developments regarding the basic necessities of life. This means that caring for turtles requires a greater commitment than you think. In addition, to keep the turtle healthy and strong also takes time and dedication. If you want to know how to care for these impressive animals, read on step one to get started.
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Part 1 of 5: Choosing a Type of Tortoise
Step 1. Choose your turtle
There are many types of tortoises available and, when choosing a tortoise, there are many factors to consider, such as the appearance of the turtle you want, the environment the tortoise prefers, and how much money you are prepared to spend on raising the animal. this shell. As long as you are committed to caring for your tortoise, any turtle you choose will make great pets for your family. Some of the most common types of tortoises are the Sulcata, Leopard, Redfoot, Yellowfoot, Greek, Russian, Hermanns, and Indian Star tortoises. There are a few things you need to know about turtle selection:
- Size. Although at first the turtles you bring home are still small and adorable, some species of turtles can grow to a length of more than 60 centimeters after being kept for 5 to 10 years. If you are really committed to keeping for a long time, then you need to consider whether you can care for a turtle with a large size. These considerations include housing for your tortoise, whether you plan to keep the tortoise indoors or outdoors. If you plan to keep them indoors, then a smaller turtle species may be a better choice.
- Environment. In general, turtles cannot survive in cold weather. If you live in a place where temperatures can reach 15°C in winter, then you should be prepared to keep your tortoise indoors during that season (unless you intend to keep it indoors all year round). If you decide to keep a tortoise, choose a tortoise species that can live well indoors, at least during cold weather. If you live in a hot climate and want to keep your tortoise outdoors, rearing can be easier. However, make sure there is always a shady area in your yard, especially around areas that are damp or water sources.
- Price. Everyone felt that the Indian Star turtle species had a beautiful appearance. However, the turtles are sold at a high price. When choosing a tortoise, consider how much you can afford to buy it.
Step 2. Buy turtles from a trusted seller
It is important that you buy turtles from a seller you trust. Make sure the seller has made a lot of successful sales and can guarantee that he gets you a turtle that is in good health. As much as possible avoid buying turtles from reptile shows and shows, as you may not be able to see or contact the seller again after you buy the turtle. That way, the seller can't check on or know the care you're giving your tortoise.
- Look for sellers who can provide good customer service, either in person (meeting at the store) or via the internet. If the seller says that you can easily contact him after making your purchase, chances are there is no deception in the sale.
- There are several official restrictions regarding the keeping and breeding of turtles, especially the Mediterranean tortoise. If you want to keep this type of turtle, make sure the turtle seller is certified by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).
Step 3. Make sure you can demonstrate a long-term commitment to keeping turtles
If you're only prepared to keep your tortoise for a year or two and then get busy with other activities, tortoises may not be the right pet for you. Turtles can live from 30 to 100 years. That means your beloved pet may outlive you. However, you need not be afraid. Make sure your tortoise is kept in a stable environment and that there is someone you can ask for help in keeping it, should you have to move or leave.
You don't have to stay in the same place for 50 years. Most importantly, you must be prepared to provide long term care and maintenance for your tortoise
Part 2 of 5: Caring for and Holding Your Turtle
Step 1. Feed your turtle
The type of food for your tortoise will largely depend on the species of tortoise you choose. It is important to ask the turtle seller about the right type of food for your turtle. In general, most tortoises eat leafy greens, such as salad greens (especially lettuce) that you can buy at the grocery store. When your tortoise is young, it needs to eat softer or crunchier food because its small jaws make it difficult to chew or crush tougher foods. Almost any vegetable can be eaten by a tortoise, including broccoli, chickpeas, or kale, especially if you combine the vegetables. However, it is important that you know specifically what type of food is right for your turtle species.
- Your tortoise will also need supplements to ensure it grows healthy and strong. Supplements given must contain calcium and vitamin A. Vitamin D3 can also be given if the turtle is kept indoors and not exposed to ultraviolet light.
- Some turtles prefer dandelion leaves, celery, lettuce, and sometimes fruit as food.
Step 2. Provide water for your turtle
It's important that you make sure your tortoise gets enough water to keep it hydrated and healthy. You can pour water into a small tray or saucer as a water container, then bury the container in the bottom of the cage so that the container doesn't tip over when your tortoise steps on its side. Make sure the container you are using is shallow enough for your tortoise to stand in it easily and rest its head on the surface of the water, but not drown.
Change the water for your turtle every day. Your tortoise should have its own drinking container, both outdoors and indoors
Step 3. Handle your turtle with care
Never drop your tortoise because, if the shell breaks, the tortoise may die of infection. While you may be eager to hold your tortoise, try to be careful when handling it, or let someone more knowledgeable handle it. If you handle it the wrong way, your tortoise can feel stressed.
If there are children in your house, explain to them that if they like the turtle, they better see it. In addition, explain that direct contact with turtles can be done only when necessary
Step 4. Soak your baby turtle in water several times a week
Turtles must be kept hydrated, especially when they are young. When you first bring your turtle home, you should soak it in water a few times a week to keep it fully hydrated. However, make sure that the depth of the water doesn't let him sink (his head should stay above the water's surface). Usually, once your tortoise has improved and is fully hydrated, it will start drinking its soaked water. This can be a sign that things are going well. However, keep in mind that you shouldn't soak your baby turtle too often. Two days is enough.
Step 5. Choose the type of housing you want for your turtle
Ideally, you will need to provide an outdoor enclosure for your tortoise. Some people feel that keeping turtles completely indoors is cruel. If you are really committed to keeping turtles, be prepared to provide an outdoor enclosure for your tortoise, unless you are keeping a small turtle or turtle species that can survive, even if you stay indoors. If you want to keep turtles indoors only, find out in advance about the species of turtles that exist and choose a species that can survive and grow optimally, even if cared for indoors.
- You can try adjusting your rearing techniques by keeping your tortoise indoors during cold weather, and leaving it outdoors when the weather warms up again. In addition, you also need to prepare two different types of cages (indoor and outdoor cages) to keep your tortoise healthy and happy.
- Read the steps below to learn how to properly care for your tortoise, both indoors and outdoors.
Part 3 of 5: Keeping Turtles Indoors
Step 1. Provide a suitable indoor enclosure for your tortoise
If you want to keep your tortoise indoors, you'll need to think about what kind of cage you'll need, whether it's a glass aquarium or a terrarium. Keep in mind that for baby turtles, the cage used must have a minimum area of 0.3 square meters. In addition, you can use an aquarium measuring 37.9 to 75.7 liters for baby turtles. However, baby tortoises will grow quickly, so you need to make sure there is enough space in the cage so your tortoise can grow well, without feeling cramped.
- You can use a glass aquarium, but your tortoise can get annoyed that they keep trying to walk through the glass (and unfortunately, bump into it). Therefore, try sticking paper on the outside of the aquarium wall so he doesn't get confused.
- You can also use a clear plastic basket or other plastic container (for example, a cement mixing tub) to use as a cage for your baby turtle. Unlike a glass aquarium, the non-transparent walls of the container won't upset your tortoise because it knows there's a wall in front of it.
- Make sure the cage walls are high enough for your tortoise not to climb over them.
Step 2. Provide sufficient lighting for your turtle
If your tortoise is kept outdoors, you don't have to worry about the lighting needed for your tortoise. However, if you keep them indoors, make sure your tortoise gets enough light. Light contains vitamin D which can maintain health. There are a few things to consider when you're deciding on the right lighting for your tortoise:
- You can use a table lamp (with a lamp of at least 100W to provide heat) and an ultraviolet lamp for your turtle to bask in. Alternatively, you can also use a single mercury vapor lamp as a source of heat and ultraviolet light for your tortoise.
- The temperature of the light used should be between 30-35°C. However, the temperature setting may change depending on your tortoise species.
- Make sure you place the lamp in the right position so that there are two separate areas for sunbathing and cooling off in your tortoise enclosure.
- Providing heat and ultraviolet light not only benefits your turtle's health, it also helps keep it cheerful. Turtles love to bask in the light!
Step 3. Provide a substrate for your turtle
Use the substrate as the base for the turtle cage and make sure the substrate used contains the right composition to maintain the health and safety of your turtle. Most importantly, regardless of whether you keep your tortoise indoors or outdoors, make sure the substrate you use is not too damp or wet because if you have a cut or open skin, the wound will be exposed to a lot of damp substrate, making your tortoise vulnerable. against infection. The substrate you use will depend on the type of turtle you have. The following are some of the things you need to consider when choosing a substrate:
- If your tortoise needs a medium or high humidity environment, use a substrate that holds moisture well. The substrate should contain ingredients such as coconut coir, sphagnum moss, or peat moss.
- If your tortoise is more suited to living in a dry climate, the substrate used should contain dried coconut husk and grass clippings.
- Avoid adding sand to the substrate as your tortoise can eat it, which can be harmful to their health.
- If you keep your tortoise outdoors, the use of substrate is less important as the natural environment in your yard may already suit your tortoise's needs. For added stimulation, you can add peat moss to your turtle's cage. Make sure whatever you add to the substrate is free of chemicals and pesticides.
Part 4 of 5: Keeping Turtles Outdoor
Step 1. Prepare a protective barrier for your turtle
Playing outdoors when the air temperature is normal is a suitable activity for your tortoise. However, you can't just let your turtle do what it wants in your yard. Therefore, you will need to set up barriers that your tortoise cannot pass through to keep him in a protected area. You can use adobe bricks (without cement) or a painted or varnished wooden wall as a barrier.
Your tortoise may be trying to build a nest or dig the ground in the corners of its cage, so make sure you create a barrier that is both safe and comfortable for your tortoise. If your tortoise is nesting, you can put wire mesh under the surface of the barrier to keep your tortoise safe
Step 2. Provide a nest for your turtle
You need to prepare a kind of nest for your tortoise so that he feels safe, and protected from heat, rain, or other things that can harm him. Of course, you want your tortoise to feel warm and comfortable, and not too hot. Ideally, you can build a small 'house' for your tortoise to use as a resting place and shelter from bad weather. You can make them out of wood and cover them with a few centimeters of soil. In addition, you can also equip it with materials that can provide warmth in cold weather when needed.
- First, dig a large hole. You can attach plywood to each side of the hole as a retaining wall.
- Install a roof for the hiding hole so that your turtle is protected.
- Cover the top and sides (except openings) of the nest with mud and soil.
Step 3. Provide plants for your turtle
If you keep your tortoise outdoors, you will need to grow enough plants for your tortoise to eat and feel safe throughout the day. Get to know the type of food your turtle eats to find out which types of plants are safe and which are harmful to him. In general, many tortoises eat broadleaf plants such as dandelions, grass plants, or cloverleaf.
Step 4. Set up a supportive environment for your tortoise
To stay active and cheerful, your tortoise needs a fun environment. You can add clumps of grass to help your tortoise nest, as well as provide a shaded area. Also add some large stones to give your tortoise some privacy, as long as the rocks are not too steep. In addition, you can also add a few small trees as a place to shelter from the heat, as well as to provide shade and beautify the environment.
Part 5 of 5: Keeping Your Tortoise Healthy
Step 1. Protect your turtle from other animals
If you keep your tortoise outdoors, you need to take precautions to ensure your tortoise is safe from predators, such as cats. If you have a dog, do not let your dog near the turtle. Dogs, even the calmest, can suddenly attack a tortoise without any warning. While it can be difficult to completely protect your tortoise from the threat of birds, foxes, or other predators, try to protect it by providing plenty of shelter and other places to hide. Make sure the cage is intact (no loose or exposed cage walls) and pay attention to the environment around the cage.
Some people suggest delimiting the area around the juvenile tortoise's enclosure with wire netting to protect it from nuisance animals
Step 2. Immediately restore your turtle's health if its eyes are closed
Many people think that if the turtle's eyes stay closed, there is something wrong with their eyes. In fact, the problem is not so serious and is not always related to his eyes. If your tortoise keeps its eyes closed, try submerging it in water and, if kept indoors, slightly cover the cage to make the environment more humid. If chronic problems occur, your turtle may have an infection (usually an external infection). Try dripping a solution of water and salt into his eyes, 1 to 2 times a day until your tortoise can open his eyes again, then give him a little spinach as a source of vitamin A the next day. Sometimes, the turtle's eyes close due to vitamin A deficiency and dehydration. If these symptoms appear for more than a week after treatment, it's a good idea to take your tortoise to a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles.
Step 3. Make sure your turtle stays active by meeting its basic needs
While it's natural for baby turtles to sleep through the day, you'll need to do some troubleshooting to find the source of the problem if your turtle isn't showing any activity at all. There are several factors that can cause your turtle to be inactive:
- The most common cause is that your turtle is cold. Make sure the environment and cage are in a relatively warm place compared to the environment outside the cage.
- If your tortoise is kept indoors, make sure it gets enough light. Brighter light helps turtles to be more active.
- Make sure your baby tortoise gets regular soaking throughout the day. One of the reasons your tortoise may be inactive is that it is not properly hydrated.
- Try not to hold your tortoise too much because, if he's under stress, he won't be doing much.
- Make sure your tortoise gets a balanced diet. Check to see if the green vegetables and/or supplements you are giving can meet the nutritional needs of your tortoise.
Step 4. Keep your tortoise shell firm
If your turtle's shell starts to soften, there's a good chance it's not getting enough light and calcium. While this condition is rare in tortoises kept outdoors, it can occur in tortoises kept indoors as they may not be able to have many steady light sources. If you keep your tortoise indoors and the shell is soft, make sure it is about 20-25 centimeters from an ultraviolet light source. Also, make sure the bulbs are replaced after 9 to 12 months to keep your tortoise fresh and active.
Warning
- Do not drop the turtle because, if the shell breaks, it can develop a serious infection.
- When choosing vegetables for your tortoise, be aware of the ratio of calcium and phosphorus, as well as the oxalic acid content in these vegetables to ensure proper shell development.
- Regardless of the species of turtle you keep, vegetables such as broccoli, chickpeas, celery and lettuce should be given in small amounts or preferably not given at all because these vegetables contain high oxalic acid, low ratio of calcium and phosphorus. and very few vitamins that are essential for the health of your tortoise.
