Raising Green Turtles as Pets

The turtles officially known as ̶0;green turtles,̶1;Chelonia mydas, are marine turtles. This endangered species does not make a suitable pet, even in the unlikely event that you had the facilities. However, several different freshwater turtles in the pet trade have distinctive green shells. The green-shelled pet turtles you may encounter include the red-eared slider, or Chrysemys scripta, or one of the painted turtles, such as the eastern painted turtle, Chrysemys picta.

  1. Accommodation

    • It is possible to keep smaller species of green turtle in a tank, but you̵7;ll need a large one. Check the maximum adult size of your species to have an idea of space requirements. Since you need 10 gallons of tank space per inch of turtle, a species that grows to 6 inches needs a 60-gallon or larger tank, and this is for one individual. If your climate is suitable for the species, outdoor ponds are a better option.

    Feeding

    • The diet varies depending on the species. Many turtles are omnivores, requiring a diet of live invertebrates supplemented with commercial foods and some vegetable matter. Red-eared sliders, for example, need invertebrates, such as snails, low-fat dog kibble or fish food, and fresh produce, including leafy greens and fruit. To prevent deficiencies and make sure the turtles have the necessary nutrients to grow strong shells, dust their food with a calcium and vitamin supplement for reptiles as per the manufacturer's instructions.

    Care

    • Along with feeding, daily care involves removing uneaten food and any waste. If you are keeping the turtles in a tank, partial water changes two or three times a week are essential. Turtles produce a lot of waste, leading to a buildup of toxins like ammonia. Less frequent water changes are needed if you have a pond, but you should still remove and replace about one-fifth of the water once a week. If the pond is large relative to the size and number of turtles, water changes two or three times a month may be sufficient. Use rainwater or dechlorinated tap water in the tank or pond. To dechlorinate tap water, leave it in buckets for a day or use dechlorinator from an aquarium or exotic pet supplier.

    Precautions

    • Handling can be stressful for the turtle and there is a salmonella risk for you. Always wash your hands thoroughly after touching any reptile. Turtles do not make good pets for small children and older children should be supervised. Bear in mind that turtles have strong jaws and may bite when startled or annoyed.

    Considerations

    • The trade in wild-caught exotic pets has led to serious conservation problem, in some cases pushing species to the edge of extinction. For this reason, always acquire captive-bred turtles, preferably from a breeder rather than a pet store. Responsible breeders can also tell you the species, recommend a vet and provide care tips. If for any reason you are uncertain about the origin of reptiles for sale, consider reporting the seller to the appropriate authorities. Exotic turtles may also cause problems for native species when they escape. Make sure the pen around your pond is secure and never release a turtle ̶0;into the wild̶1; on purpose. Bear in mind that turtles live for a long time -- in the case of the red-eared slider as long as 70 years -- and don̵7;t acquire them on impulse. If you can no longer care for your green turtles for any reason, contact an animal rescue charity for advice and assistance.