Some species of turtles and tortoises can live long periods of time, even longer than the lifespan of humans. If you want to know how to care for these friendly and playful pets, you can first learn to prepare the right place for your turtle to feel comfortable. You can also learn proper feeding, cage cleaning and care techniques for your turtle in the long term.
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Part 1 of 3: Preparing Shelters for Turtles
Step 1. Make sure the animal you are keeping is a turtle
Turtles have webbed feet and are animals that generally live in water. Meanwhile, turtles have more rounded feet (similar to elephant feet) and live more on land. Although they both require similar habitats or living environments, there are some key differences that you need to be aware of so that you can properly care for them.
- The types of turtles that are commonly kept are (among them) Sideneck turtles, wood turtles (wood turtles), painted turtles, pond turtles, and slider turtles.
- Types of turtles that are commonly kept are red foot tortoises, Greek tortoises, and Russian tortoises.
Step 2. Keep your turtle in the aquarium
Turtles are swimming animals, so they need to live in an aquarium. If your turtle is relatively small, an aquarium of around 20 liters may be a good choice. If your turtle is larger, set up an aquarium with a volume (at least) of between 37.5 and 75 liters. All aquariums used should have a lid or mesh top to maintain air circulation and allow your turtle to get some air.
- In order to maintain the health and longevity of your turtle, you need to provide more than just a bowl aquarium and a rock to live in. Aquariums like the 'Turtle Ponds' that you can find in pet stores are still not enough and suitable to accommodate your turtle. Sometimes, such aquariums are referred to as 'death bowls' by experienced turtle nurses or owners.
- Turtles will grow big, so make sure you talk to the turtle seller or the animal that sells your turtles about the specific type of turtle they keep, and find out more about the species and what their likely size will be when they grow up. Provide an aquarium large enough to accommodate its size as an adult, not just its size as a child.
Step 3. Use an ultraviolet heating lamp and thermometer to control the water temperature
Turtles need about 12 to 14 hours of sunlight each day to get the right amount of vitamin D. Therefore, buy a high-quality ultraviolet lamp for your aquarium. Install the light with an automatic timer to ensure your turtle gets the light it needs.
- For most turtles, ensure that the water temperature in the tank is within 25 degrees Celsius, although some turtle species may be able to live in lower or higher water temperatures.
- Generally, you can attach the heating lamp directly to one corner of the aquarium and position it so that it points downward (towards the water). Also, try attaching a thermometer to one side of the tank to help you make sure the water temperature doesn't change drastically.
Step 4. Provide a wet and dry surface in the aquarium for your turtle
There are several ways you can decorate and fill your turtle habitat, depending on the specific species of turtle you are keeping. Aquatic turtles need more wet or watery environments, while turtles or other turtle species that live more in blood require more dry areas. However, in general they both require two different types of environment in which to live or in an aquarium.
- Provide the rock with a sloping surface for the aquatic turtles so they have a dry area to bask in and warm up. Provide a large aquarium and a rock about 10.2 centimeters long. Clean the stone with water.
- Wooden planks or bricks can be good land areas for your turtle because they are easy to clean. Whatever material you use, make sure that it is kept dry and set at a slight angle towards the water so that your turtle can easily reach it. It is recommended not to use splinters or bark because both materials are easily porous and can trigger mold growth. In addition, your turtle may also eat it and, of course, it is dangerous for their health. Therefore, it's a good idea to avoid using these two ingredients.
- Turtle houses made of clay or plastic can also be a good choice. Find a turtle house that is the right size for your turtle at your local pet store, or you can make your own using rocks.
- If you want to keep plants in an aquarium, do a quick check to make sure your plants are suitable for placing in the tank and that they are not causing your turtle to get sick if the leaves are eaten. Native plants make great aquarium decorations, but are usually eaten up by turtles within a few days. Alternatively, you can use artificial plants to decorate your aquarium, unless you have a pond and grow some plants in it.
Step 5. Provide plenty of fresh water that has not been mixed with chemicals
Distilled water does not contain any minerals, so it is not enough to keep your turtle healthy. Tap water contains chlorine and (possibly) fluoride which can upset the pH balance of your turtle's environment. Meanwhile, dechlorinated fresh water can be used for wet areas in the aquarium and filtered water can be used as drinking water for your turtles.
- Add one teaspoon for every 4 liters of water so that the levels of bad bacteria in the water are reduced. In addition, the addition of salt is also intended to maintain the strength of the turtle shell and protect it from skin diseases.
- Spray water on dry areas of the aquarium periodically to keep the area moist. However, the amount of spraying will vary depending on the species of turtle you are keeping.
Step 6. Set up a filter for aquarium water
Aquatic turtles need a lot of water in an aquarium, and it will certainly be easier for you if you have a water pump and filter kit ready. In this way, the water in the aquarium will continue to flow to the filter device to be cleaned automatically. It is important for you to maintain the cleanliness of the water in the turtle aquarium that is kept so that your turtle's health is maintained because the turtles eat, drink, and defecate in the aquarium.
- Water filter kits are generally quiet and inexpensive, and have a small section that sucks in the water and filters it through the filter section before being returned to the aquarium.
- Even if you use a water filter, you should still change the water and clean the tank every month. However, if you don't use a water filter, you will need to change the water in the tank more often, every 2 to 3 days.
Part 2 of 3: Feeding the Turtle
Step 1. Feed the turtle 2 to 3 times a week
The dietary needs of turtles are varied and different, depending on the species of turtle you are keeping. Therefore, it is important to find out yourself about your turtle species and talk to a turtle seller in your city about the types of turtles and their dietary needs. However, most turtles should not be fed more than once every three days.
- In general, turtles are meat-eating animals, while tortoises are plant-eating animals. Turtles like to eat mealworms (beetle larvae), German caterpillars (super worms), snails, grubs, and various other types of insects. Meanwhile, turtles enjoy eating fruits and vegetables, including dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, radishes, corn, and watermelon.
- Overfeeding turtles or feeding the wrong types of food can lead to serious health problems. Turtles usually live for long periods of time, so it is important that you provide the right food and ensure that the food provided has the right nutrients and is given regularly.
Step 2. Provide dry supplementary food for your turtles and tortoises
Different species require different types of food. Therefore, you need to find out the exact food requirements for your turtle. Care sheets or guides commonly available at pet stores can help you find out more about the type of food for your turtle species.
- Turtle food sold in stores can be a good choice. This food is available in pellet form and is a mixture of dried shrimp, crickets and various vitamins and minerals needed to keep your turtle happy. In addition to pellets, you can also give other turtle food available in the store. The amount to give will depend on the size of your turtle.
- It is not recommended to feed your turtle with human leftovers. However, green leafy vegetables are sometimes recommended for tortoises and turtles, and can be a healthy snack. If you don't mind (or are disgusted), you can occasionally give your turtle worms or grub because turtles, in general, are very fond of both types of animals.
Step 3. Set up a feeding area in the aquarium for your turtles
For most aquariums, it's a good idea to provide a small plastic bowl as a food container for the turtles. These are usually sold in pet stores, but you can also use small plastic or glass containers available at home.
Many turtles will defecate immediately after eating. If you let your turtle stay in their feeding area after eating, they will defecate on their food. This way, there will be less debris littering the water or dry areas in your aquarium. Also, try not to overfeed him to reduce the frequency with which the turtle defecates
Step 4. Prepare the cuttlefish bones for your turtle
Like birds, some types of turtles also like to chew cuttlefish bones. Cuttlefish bones can be a source of calcium which helps keep your turtle's teeth (beak) healthy. Cuttlefish bones are commonly sold in most pet stores that sell birds, crabs, and turtles.
Part 3 of 3: Caring for Turtles
Step 1. Change the water and remove any leftover food every 2 to 3 days
Remove any remaining food debris and clean the dirt in the aquarium using a net or small cloth. It is important for you to keep your turtle's feeding and living areas clean of debris so that their happiness is maintained.
Change the drinking water regularly and provide new drinking water when you change it. If you use a water filter kit, you only need to replace it every few weeks
Step 2. Clean the aquarium once a month
Every few months, remove the turtle from the tank and place it in an air-conditioned area for a while while you clean the tank thoroughly with fresh water. Usually you don't need to use soap when cleaning a turtle tank. You just need to brush it thoroughly to remove any moss or other debris from the aquarium walls.
Refill the tank with water and reinstall the lights, other fixtures, and thermometer. After that, return your turtle to the cleaned tank
Step 3. Brush your turtle shell several times a year
While you're cleaning the tank thoroughly, it's a good idea to also clean your turtle and check for signs of injury or disease. At pet stores, shell conditioners are usually sold, which you can apply to the underside of your turtle's shell using a toothbrush.
Gently brush off the moss and other debris using a toothbrush. Many turtles like the sensation of having their shells brushed, so brushing can be an enjoyable experience for your turtle
Step 4. Only remove your turtle from its habitat and place it in a place that has a temperature similar to the temperature where it lives
Turtles are cold-blooded animals that require a long time to adapt to changes in temperature. If you're taking your turtle out to play with, make sure the room you're in has a relatively similar temperature to the temperature in the aquarium. Sudden changes in temperature can stress the turtle and, possibly, compromise its immune system.
Step 5. Always wash your hands before and after handling turtles
Turtles often carry Salmonella bacteria, so it is important that you wash your hands after handling them. In addition, keeping the water in the aquarium fresh and removing any debris can help control the growth of bacteria in the aquarium. Installing a water filtration system can also help control bacterial growth.
Keep your finger away from the turtle's mouth whenever you hold it. Your turtle's bite can be painful, even if you accidentally bit your finger
Step 6. Leave your turtle alone most of the time
Turtles are not like dogs and cats who like to be walked or held. Some people who keep turtles let the turtles walk on the floor, or take them for walks outside the house, or just carry them. This is not liked by turtles, and also not good for your turtle because it can cause stress which, in the end, is detrimental to their health.
- The way to keep your turtle happy is to leave it in the aquarium and watch it swim, eat, sunbathe and stroll around its designated habitat. Your turtle will be happier, and you will be happy too.
- Many people feel that turtles prefer to be left roaming outdoors as long as they are under supervision, while turtles prefer to be in their tank and not be touched. However, in general you still need to limit direct contact with turtles.
Tips
- Clean your turtle and its aquarium or cage weekly.
- Clean your turtle with earplugs and fresh water. Don't put too much pressure on the body when cleaning your turtle.
