The Care of an Asian Giant Leaf Turtle

Because Asian giant leaf turtles (Heosemys grandis) need both warmth and a large enclosure, your ability to keep this species might be determined by the climate. In colder places, you can't keep them outside all year and most hobbyists don't have enough room for a spacious indoor enclosure. If you can provide a suitable habitat, these turtles make rewarding pets. They are active animals whose behavior is fascinating to observe, and they often become quite tame. The basic care of giant leaf turtles is not complicated, although it is a long-term commitment. They need a suitable diet, periodic health checks and a clean environment.

Things You'll Need

  • Large outdoor turtle enclosure with pool
  • Turtle pellets
  • Fresh produce
  • Meaty foods
  • Vitamin and calcium supplement
  • Shovel
  • Buckets
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Instructions

    • 1

      Enrich the turtle habitat with shrubs, piles of dead leaves and logs, as well as the essential pool. Giant leaf turtles are active; they need things to explore, dig through and climb on.

    • 2

      Feed the turtle on a mixture of fresh produce such as carrots, leafy greens and apples, a commercial turtle food and small quantities of meaty foods, such as earthworms or good-quality, canned cat food. Dust the food with a calcium and vitamin supplement for turtles as per the instructions. They may also find some natural food in their enclosure.

    • 3

      Take the turtle to a vet for an initial checkup and to ask any questions you may have. To find a vet who specializes in reptiles, ask a local reptile club, reptile breeder or zoo for a recommendation.

    • 4

      Remove feces and uneaten food from the enclosure daily.

    • 5

      Change part of the water in the turtle's pool once a week. Remove about a quarter of the water with buckets and replace with fresh, dechlorinated water. Waste builds up rapidly when you have large turtles in a small pond.