How to Care for Painted Turtles

Painted turtles are a lively terrapin species native to southern Canada, the United States and northern Mexico. Living in ponds and other slow-moving, muddy water sources, painted turtles have become popular as pets due to their docile nature and vivid red and yellow striping. Painted turtles make good pets for first-time reptile owners, as they require a simple setup and their care is relatively easy.

Things You'll Need

  • 80-gallon aquarium
  • Gravel
  • Rocks
  • UVA/UVB lamp
  • Gravel vacuum
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Instructions

  1. Instructions

    • 1

      Wash your aquarium, gravel and rocks thoroughly. It is vital that your habitat is free of any soaps or chemicals that may harm your turtle. Turn it upside down and allow it to air dry, and spread the gravel and rocks out on a clean towel.

    • 2

      Cover the bottom of your tank in a layer of gravel at least a half-inch thick. Make sure the gravel is even to provide a stable base on which to build your land area.

    • 3

      Lay a few large rocks in one corner of your tank, building a land mass that covers approximately one-third of your total aquarium area. Build the land mass up carefully, laying gravel in between the larger rocks to help stabilize the mass and prevent shifting. The land mass should be tall enough to allow your turtle to get completely out of the water to dry and sun itself.

    • 4

      Attach your lamp over the land area to allow your turtle to sun itself. UBA/UVB rays are essential to your turtle's digestion and the growth of its beak and shell, so make sure that it gets plenty of time under the lamp.

    • 5

      Fill the tank with a few inches of clean water, making sure there is enough water for your turtle to completely submerge itself. Hydration is vital to your turtle's health, so check the water level daily to prevent any cracking of its shell.

    • 6

      Feed your turtle a varied diet for optimal health. Painted turtles are omnivores, so providing a variety of vegetables and meats is necessary for proper nutrition. Smaller turtles will thrive on worms and small leaves, while larger turtles enjoy crickets, frogs, fish and raw vegetables.

    • 7

      Clean your tank on a weekly basis. Use your gravel vacuum to remove dirty water and suction waste and food fragments from the bottom of your tank. Rinse your land area thoroughly and refill your habitat with clean, room-temperature water to keep your painted turtle happy and healthy.