About Pet Turtles

Turtles are small, they're cute, and they're not hard to take care of, which makes them pretty good pets for just about anyone. There are plenty of species to choose from, some of them better than others in terms of desirable qualities for a pet. Just be careful when handling them, because turtles have been known to carry diseases.

  1. Species

    • If you are looking for a land turtle, choose a box or mud turtle, or for aquatic species, the best pets are the red-eared sliders and the painted turtles. These turtles do not require special diets or habitats, and are therefore easier to take care of than some other species.

    Habitat

    • If you keep a turtle in a tank, make sure it is at least a 40-gallon version. Have plenty of room for food and water dishes, and don't forget to have a heat lamp.

    Feeding

    • Turtles do well if you feed them plenty of leafy greens and mashed berries or bananas. You can also buy special food sticks from your local pet store.

    Water

    • Avoid putting tap water directly anywhere in your pet turtle's tank, as the minerals and chlorine in it could be bad for the turtle. Instead, make sure the water is dechlorinated by letting it sit out 24 hours before using it.

    Warning

    • Make sure that you or anyone who handles a pet turtle washes his or her hands thoroughly afterward. The FDA has stated that pet turtles are a major source of salmonella.