Turtles make great companions and pets. Like all animals, turtles also need proper care and attention to keep them alive, healthy and happy. From the environment in which they live, to nutrition, to access to the right water, understanding the needs of turtles is an important part of keeping them.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Keeping the Tortoise Healthy
Step 1. Provide an aquarium with sufficient space
Usually, for a tortoise required space of 1,500 liters per meter. For baby turtles less than one year old, 200 liters of space is required and for adult turtles, 650 liters (or more) of space is required. Make sure you have a general idea of how big your turtle will be when it reaches adult size so you don't get overwhelmed when it comes to raising a turtle that you (apparently) can't take care of.
Choose between land turtles and aquatic turtles. Common (land) turtles such as the box turtle species require a desert-like habitat. If you want to keep an aquatic turtle, make sure that there is dry land and sufficient space for swimming, and that the cracks in the walls are closed enough to hold water
Step 2. Provide a good filtration device for aquatic turtles
Turtles need a can filter. The use of filter products such as Rena Filstar XP3 or XP4 is highly recommended to maintain turtle health. Without a good filtration device, turtles can get serious illnesses because food debris and debris will build up in the tank.
Even if the tank is equipped with a good filtration system, you should still change the water in the tank regularly. When changing the water, make sure the filter device is not clogged. If any dirt or food residue builds up in the filter device, such dirt can clog the device and prevent the water from being filtered properly. You can buy a dechlorinator or water conditioner at a pet supply store
Step 3. Clean the aquarium regularly
Remove all items from the aquarium (including the turtle's basking area) and empty the water. Clean all equipment and aquarium using warm water and antibacterial soap. Soak the rocks in a mixture of warm water and soap. After that, rinse all the equipment until it is clean and soap-free, then let all the equipment dry. Return the equipment to the tank and refill the tank with clean, chlorine-free water. If you are keeping a tortoise, make sure you replace the substrate at the bottom of the tank with a dry substrate, such as sand, pieces of wood, or newsprint.
The frequency of cleaning will depend on how dirty your turtle is. Usually, it's a good idea to clean your aquarium twice a month. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning the aquarium
Step 4. Provide a nutritionally balanced diet for your tortoise
The right type of food for Red Eared Sliders tortoises and similar species should have the following proportions: vegetables and aquatic plants (50%), commercial food products (25%), and live protein (25%). Tortoises under one year of age should be fed daily. Meanwhile, turtles over one year old should be fed every two days (one day apart) to prevent being overweight.
- Examples of plants suitable for turtles are aquatic plants such as duckweed, azola, and watercress. In addition, turtles also like fruits and vegetables such as papaya, carrots, apples, and green leafy vegetables (eg romaine lettuce).
- For protein, you can give cooked chicken or turkey, or raw beef. If you want to provide live animals as a protein source for your tortoise, animals such as mealworms, snails, wax worms, beetle larvae, or even small goldfish can be a good choice.
- Usually, there are commercial food products (eg pellets) that can provide complete nutrition for turtles. Make sure you read the ingredients carefully, and make sure the proportions of protein and vegetables are just right.
Step 5. Make sure your tortoise gets proper light exposure
If your tortoise is not regularly exposed to sunlight, you will need to install an ultraviolet light so that it can bask. In the wild, tortoises are exposed to sunlight every day and the nutrients contained in that light are important for healthy growth and development. The amount/intensity of exposure required will depend on the species. Usually, tortoises need more sun exposure.
Keep in mind that ultraviolet light cannot penetrate glass so it is necessary to place it above or in the aquarium
Step 6. Maintain proper water temperature
You need a water heating device. Turtles are cold-blooded animals that depend on external heat sources to warm their bodies. Water temperatures that are too hot or cold can be fatal for turtles. The water in the aquarium should have a temperature of 26.5 to 27.5 degrees Celsius for baby turtles or turtles that are sick, and 25.5 to 26.5 degrees Celsius for healthy turtles over one year of age..
The land or basking area must be 6 degrees Celsius hotter than the water temperature to encourage turtles to warm themselves by sunbathing
Step 7. Watch for signs of disease in turtles
Even if you've done your best to keep the tortoise healthy, there are many diseases that usually affect your turtle's health. However, usually these diseases can be cured if you pay attention to the signs early on. This way, you will be able to heal and recover faster.
- Vitamin A deficiency. This disorder occurs when turtles do not get proper food and is characterized by a lack of appetite, swelling of the eyelids and ears, and persistent difficulty breathing. This disorder also affects the ability to float when swimming. You can deal with this annoyance by making sure your tortoise gets a balanced diet.
- Respiratory infection. The most common signs of this disorder are wheezing, difficulty breathing, the appearance of bubbles and mucus from the nose, and coughing. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your tortoise to a veterinarian who can take an X-ray and give you the right antibiotics. These disturbances are usually caused by problems such as improper water temperature or sunbathing area, or exposure to wind.
- Shell rot. This disease is a fungal disorder of the shell. Symptoms include white patches, mucus, and an odor on the shell, and it is sometimes accompanied by pus. In addition, mild abrasion of the shell is also a symptom of this disorder. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your tortoise to a vet who can prescribe antibiotics.
- Parasite. Parasites are the most common cause of disease. The parasites that most commonly attack turtles are worm species such as pinworms, roundworms, and hookworms. Signs of this disorder include lack of appetite, presence of undigested food in the stool, weight loss and (sometimes) vomiting. Your veterinarian may ask you to bring a sample of feces to test for parasites in the droppings, as well as give you medication to kill certain parasites that attack your turtle.
- Look for a veterinarian who specializes in herpetology. Keep in mind that not all veterinarians can treat exotic animals. Make sure the vet you visit specializes in herpetology and can treat your tortoise. Look for information on veterinarians with these specialties on the internet, of course, with good reviews and a proven background of specialization. Call the vet's office to see if the vet can treat turtles, or maybe know someone who can treat turtles.
Method 2 of 2: Determining the Tortoise to Keep
Step 1. Determine the type of turtle you want
There are various types of turtles that you can buy. Different types of turtles are selected, the level of difficulty of care, the large costs that must be incurred, and the level of savage or tame.
- For beginners, the painted turtle species can be a great aquatic species. This species has a colorful body, is often available in stores, is easy to care for, and makes a great pet for new tortoise owners. These turtles usually have a body that remains small (only 10-13 centimeters) and have an active personality. In addition, these turtles are usually bred in captivity so that breeding carried out over many years forms a friendly and docile personality. This turtle is famous for the colorful patterns that make it look like it was painted (as the name implies, painted turtle).
- Common Musk Turtle. This species of aquatic turtle has a small body size and is relatively docile. These tortoises can live comfortably in small aquariums (at least 115 liters), but are usually not happy to be touched or held.
- Turtle Slider. This species actually has many varieties, but the two most famous varieties are the red eared slider and the yellow bellied slider. Its body has a maximum size of 28 centimeters. In addition, maintenance is also quite easy. This turtle also has a friendly and docile personality.
- Terrapin Diamondback. This species is a species of turtle that is usually sold in pet stores or farmers. Despite their small size (up to 23 centimeters) and friendly personality, these turtles require more complex care skills than painted turtles or slider turtles. These turtles prefer brackish water so their care or maintenance is more complicated.
Step 2. Find a reputable turtle seller or farmer
Many pet stores sell a wide variety of turtles. However, you need to know where the turtle came from before bringing it home. This includes whether the turtle is farmed or taken from the wild. In addition, you need to make sure the turtles you sell are kept in the right environment and appear healthy and alert.
Ask for proof if the turtles sold are farmed. If the cultivator cannot provide evidence, there is a possibility that the turtle is alive and taken from the wild. This can have an adverse effect on the wild tortoise population, as well as make your tortoise more susceptible to stress, which can be dangerous to its health
Step 3. Make sure you choose a healthy turtle
Since many tortoises may be farmed in poor conditions or experience stress after being taken from the wild, it is important that you choose a healthy tortoise. The tortoise must always be alert, free of parasites, and relatively active. You need to make sure the turtle has an appetite and is well fed. His eyes should be clear and there should be no bubbles or wheezing coming out of his nose when he breathes. His legs should feel strong and move when he is lifted because a sluggish body can signal illness. Also, there should be no cracks, holes, or signs of injury on the shell.
Check the aquarium or its habitat. The water in the aquarium must be clean. Also, make sure there is enough light and food in the aquarium. If these are not available, there is a good chance that you will bring home a sick turtle
Step 4. Make sure you have everything ready to raise turtles at home
In addition to the commitments that need to be maintained, make sure you have prepared a place to live before bringing the turtle home. This way, your turtle can quickly adjust to its new life.
Step 5. Always be safe when handling turtles
Regardless of whether you keep the turtle, or your children handle it often, be aware that turtles can carry disease. Turtles can carry salmonella bacteria or other infectious diseases. The disease can also be transmitted through the aquarium or residence. Therefore, make sure you follow safety measures when handling them and wash your hands thoroughly after handling the aquarium or turtle.
The elderly, children and infants are more susceptible to salmonella bacteria. Even if they don't directly interact with turtles or their habitat, you still need to wash your hands thoroughly before interacting or making physical contact with them
Tips
- If your turtle flips over, make sure you return it to its original position immediately. Turtles are often unable to turn on their own and will drown if they cannot move their bodies to take in air.
- Keep in mind that if a tortoise shows signs of illness, it's usually quite severe. The tortoise can hide his illness so that when he shows symptoms of the disease, his illness has actually worsened and he must seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- It's a good idea to find a herpetologist near you who specializes in treating turtles. If your tortoise has an illness, one way to get treatment is to visit the vet. If you find the right vet before a problem occurs, it will be easier for you to get the right medical treatment for your tortoise.
- Make sure the filter device in the aquarium is turned off while the turtle is feeding. Otherwise, he will not be able to catch his food.
- Clean the turtle tank every 4-5 days.
Warning
- Do not give red pseudo or spinach as food for turtles.
- Do not insert rocks or other ornaments with sharp or rough angles into the tank to prevent injury to your turtle.
- Don't turn your turtle over while it's in the water because it can't breathe.
