How to Care for an African Side-Necked Turtle

African side-necked turtles belong to a group that encompasses several different species, all of which turn their heads to the side instead of withdrawing them into their shells. All African side-necked turtles seem to be curious about their surroundings after they get used to being kept in captivity. They are somewhat large for pet turtles, with the females growing to between 8 and 20 inches long depending on species. Side-necked turtles are relatively easy to care for, but they do have some specific care requirements.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Rocks
  • Aquarium sand or gravel substrate
  • Heat lamp
  • UVB light
  • Submersible water heater
  • Aquarium decorations
  • Aquarium plants
  • Aquarium filter
  • Varied turtle foods
  • Water test kit
  • pH additives
  • Dechlorinator
  • Ammonia lowering additive
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide a large aquarium for your turtle. The size that your African side-necked turtle will grow to will determine the size of aquarium you need. Smaller breeds can be kept in 60-gallon aquariums, whereas larger breeds will need an aquarium of between 75 and 200 gallons.

    • 2

      Create a basking spot for your turtle. This is a warm, dry area elevated out of the water. Build a basking spot by securely stacking rocks on one side of the aquarium. These rocks should be easy for your turtle to climb, and higher than the water level in the aquarium.

    • 3

      Add aquarium sand or gravel substrate, a couple of inches deep.

    • 4

      Fill the aquarium with water, making the water as deep as possible without wetting the basking area. African side-necked turtles enjoy swimming.

    • 5

      Place a heat lamp or basking light over the basking area to keep the turtle warm. This basking area should remain at a temperature between the high 80s and low 90s. The rest of the habitat should remain at a temperature of about 85 degrees, with the water at a temperature at about 75 degrees. Temperatures vary for each side-neck breed, so it's best to become familiar with your particular turtle's needs.

    • 6

      Install a UVB light over the aquarium, to provide vitamin D for your turtle.

    • 7

      Install a submersible water heater in the aquarium to keep water temperature at about 75 degrees.

    • 8

      Add aquarium decorations, such as hollow logs or rock groupings under the water. African side-necked turtles are often shy, especially in a new environment. These decorations will provide safe hiding places for your turtle.

    • 9

      Plant aquarium plants in the aquarium. African side-necked turtles are mostly carnivorous, but enjoy munching on aquarium plants such as water lettuce from time to time. You can use fake aquarium plants in the habitat if you prefer.

    • 10

      Install an aquarium filter in order to maintain water cleanliness. What filter you choose will depend on the size of your aquarium.

    • 11

      Clean the turtle habitat whenever you notice it getting dirty. Remove some of the dirty water and replace it with fresh water to keep your turtle's aquarium clean. Avoid soap of any kind, as this can be toxic to turtles. Use a siphon to vacuum up dirty water and particles. You can use tap water or any other kind of fresh water in your turtle habitat as long as the pH and ammonia levels are balanced. Test these levels using a water testing kit. African side-necked turtles require a pH between 6 and 6.2, depending on species. Keep levels of ammonia and chlorine as low as possible. Use pH adjustment additives, a dechlorinator and ammonia lowering additives to adjust the levels.

    • 12

      Feed your turtle a mix of prepared carnivorous turtle food, small fish such as crayfish and insects such as crickets. The insects and fish can be either live or thawed from frozen. Feed adult turtles twice a week, giving only as much food as can be consumed in 15 to 20 minutes. Yearling turtles should be fed every other day, while hatchlings should be fed every day.