How to Care for a Small Pet Turtle

Just like other pets, small pet turtles have special needs which you need to account for when caring for one of these interesting creatures. Though most small turtles don't require much work, there are a few things that you need look out for including nutrition, health, stress and habitat.

Things You'll Need

  • Small pet turtle
  • Turtle handbook
  • Aquarium
  • Basking place
  • Turtle food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pick out the type of turtle you want to keep. This is an important step in caring for small pet turtles because the type of turtle you care for will determine the type of care it will need.

    • 2

      Research the turtle's habitat, diet and tendencies. For example, red-eared slider turtles, the most popular type of small pet turtles, are prone to salmonella, which can then be transferred to its caretakers.

    • 3

      Purchase the aquarium and whatever you will need to put together a home for your turtle before you purchase the turtle. Mud turtles can live in a fish aquarium along with fish, therefore you won't need to buy anything special, such as a basking log.

    • 4

      Purchase the turtle. Make sure you check the turtle's body for any white, discolored, or scabbed areas; these are indications of diseased turtles which can either die quickly or cost a lot of money to care for.

    • 5

      Feed the turtle as indicated in the turtle handbook or on the turtle food container.