Turtles As Pets

Species

• Turtles fall into two main categories: terrestrial and aquatic turtles. Box turtles and mud turtles are among the most common terrestrial turtle pets, perhaps because they are easily found in the wild. Box turtles grow to a mature length of approximately 6 inches and feature dark brown coloring will golden markings. Like the mud turtle and many other terrestrial turtles, box turtles hibernate underground in winter or may become sluggish in indoor habitats. Mud turtles are actually semiterrestrial, preferring damp and muddy areas. They grow to a maximum length of about 5 inches and can live to 50 years old. Sliders, cooters and painted turtles are aquatic turtles commonly kept as pets. Red-eared slider turtles are the most common sliders for pets and can grow as long as 11 inches. Cooter turtles are indigenous to the Eastern United States and can grow up to 12 inches long, while painted turtles may be as long as 10 inches.

Habitat

• Turtles require a fairly large tank to accommodate all their needs. Terrestrial turtles need an area of dry land with substrate that is easy to dig, as well as a pool of clean water in which to soak. Aquatic turtles need a pool of water for swimming but also need a bit of dry land and a place to bask in sunlight. All types of turtles need a source of light; if natural UV rays are not possible, you must provide artificial lighting. Turtles are cold-blooded reptiles and have difficulty adjusting to temperature changes, so a heat lamp makes a good option for temperatures below 70 degrees. Outdoor pens work well for turtles because they require more room than most families can provide indoors. Whether you keep the turtle indoors or outdoors, keep the habitat clean.

Food

• Box turtles need a diet of approximately 2/3 plant matter and 1/3 animal-based food. They need a green salad base consisting of plant greens or lettuce, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. Crickets and worms should be the main meat source, but you can offer mice and boiled chicken occasionally. Mud turtles are also omnivorous, but they prefer mostly meat, such as fresh fish, crayfish or other water species. Feed them fish live in water, preferably in a separate feeding pool. Cooters are mostly herbivorous, preferring water vegetation such as algae and eelgrass, but they also eat insects and water creatures. Slider turtles are omnivorous, but they eat less meat as they age. Offer them fresh fruits and vegetables in the water, as well as meats such as live goldfish or special food sticks. The basic diet of a painted turtle should consist of feeder fish, chicken and lettuce.

Caution

• A 1975 law prohibits the sale of turtles less than 4 inches long in the United States. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration enacted the ban to prevent the spread of disease --- particularly salmonellosis --- which many children have contracted by putting baby slider turtles in their mouths. Although the size limit helps control the problem, many turtles still carry the disease, which is mostly transmitted through their stool. For this reason, pet turtles may not be the best option in a household with very small, curious children. If you must keep a turtle as a pet, check to ensure that everyone washes their hands with antibacterial soap after handling the turtle. Keep the turtle away from food surfaces, and disinfect any household surface in which the turtle or its cage has come into contact.