How to Raise Turtles

Be informed before you buy decide to buy a turtle. First, you need to know whether you want an aquatic turtle or a land turtle and then, you need to find out more about its needs. Read books and get the advice of more experienced turtle owners to find out what is required.

Understand that most turtles, whether they are aquatic or land turtles, prefer to be housed outdoors. The reason for this is that they hibernate during certain times of the year and being outside allows them to be able to figure out the season. You will need to provide your turtle with a roomy aquarium in an area where he can get adequate sunlight. Try to make your turtle's aquarium look similar to his natural habitat. Do not put water in the aquarium for a land turtle. If you buy an aquatic turtle, place him in a spacious water-filled aquarium, so he can swim. It is best to keep the water temperature at a pleasant 78 degrees and there should be a water-filter, so the water will stay clean. Fence in the area where the aquarium is located, to diminish the risk of your turtle escaping or other animals getting to it.

What you feed your turtle is based upon its type. Some turtles are strictly plant eaters, some eat only meat and some eat a little of both. Some good foods to feed turtles whose diets include vegetables and fruits are boiled sweet potatoes, collard greens, squash, romaine lettuce, cantaloupe, figs, mango, tomatoes, grapes and pears. Meat-eating turtles should enjoy things like snails, crickets, earthworms and guppies. Avoid giving your pet turtle processed foods, dairy products and anything that contains flour or refined sugar, none of which are good on his system. Adult turtles should be fed every two to three days.

Make sure that the drinking water you provide for your turtle is clean and absent of chlorine. Bottled spring water is best.

Make sure your turtle stays in good health. Watch out for signs that might indicate illness. Most turtle owners are clueless, in terms of knowing how to handle a sick pet, so getting your turtle to a vet right away is the wisest action you can take. A vet will be able to properly diagnose the problem, provide the best treatment and let you know how to prevent your turtle getting the illness again.

Keep children from picking up or handling your pet turtles. Turtles can sometimes carry salmonella, which can cause a danger to human beings. For individuals you do allow to pick up your turtle, insist that they wash their hands immediately following this, for health safety reasons.