How to Raise Pet Turtles

Decide where to keep your turtle's tank. The avoidance of direct sunlight and drafty windows and doors is important. Keep the tank in an area where the lighting doesn't change often. Also, choose a location near a power outlet for the heat lamp. Turtles require at least a 40-gallon tank. Some people prefer to keep turtles in an enclosure outside, which is useful for breeding, as the animals will be allowed to go through a natural hibernation schedule. If you are keeping your pet indoors, do not attempt to mimic the hibernation schedule with your refrigerator. It is unnecessary and potentially unsafe in the event of power failure or removal of the animal from the refrigerator. Sudden changes in temperature are potentially dangerous for your pet turtle. Living in a tank indoors is a fine habitat if set up and maintained properly.

Prepare both land and water areas in your tank. The swimming area needs to be meticulously clean to avoid unhealthy conditions for your turtle. The swimming water must be de-chlorinated. You may de-chlorinate water by allowing it to sit out for 24 hours before use. There are also water de-chlorinating drops available at pet stores.

Divide the land area into shade areas and basking areas. For a shady area, use a pre-made shelter, or construct a shady area from rocks if you carefully consider how to set them up so they provide enough shady area for the turtle to completely fit his body into and make certain they will not fall if the turtle bumps into them or climbs on them.

Set up the heat lamp to provide a land basking area for your turtle. Daytime temperatures in the tank should be 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the nighttime temperature should be 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Use the tank thermometer to help you adjust your heat lamp to provide the ideal environment. Turtles need 12 hours of UV heat lamp exposure to get enough vitamin D.

Provide natural spring water for your turtle to drink, in the drinking water receptacle. Do not use tap water for this purpose. The chlorine and fluoride found in tap water is dangerous to your pet's health.

Clean the tank frequently, and replace all water in the tank at least once a week. Water contamination from food is going to happen rapidly at the necessary tank temperature. If the water is cloudy or visibly dirty, change it more often.

Feed your pet turtle feeding sticks. It is also helpful to feed your turtle live fish once a week, to provide exercise. Turtles also like berries and leafy vegetables such as lettuce, cabbage, alfalfa and clover. Ask your pet store for a recommendation for a suitable feeder fish.

Observe your turtle daily to check for milky eyes, cloudy skin patches or lethargy. Any of these can indicate either poor nutrition or ill health. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact a veterinarian who is knowledgeable about reptiles for assistance.