Getting a Pet Turtle - Basics You Should Know

Turtles are gradually becoming very popular pets and if your kid has been clamouring for a pet, you may consider a turtle as an easy choice. However, before you get a pet turtle, here are some basic and interesting facts you should know. Knowing these basics will help to keep your pet turtle happy and healthy.

Note that most times, people erroneously use the terms “turtle” and “tortoise” interchangeably. However, this is wrong as both turtles and tortoises are two different animals. Most turtles swim in the water and usually have webbed feet, while tortoises live on land and have definite toes.

Not All Turtles Swim

If you think that all turtles live in water, then you’re wrong because not all turtles live in water! For instance, some species of box turtles spend most of their time on dry land and only need water to stay hydrated.

So, when you’re getting a pet turtle, ask questions to know whether the turtle you’re purchasing can swim or not or else you may be a few steps away from drowning your “innocent” pet turtle. 

All Turtles Carry Salmonella

Salmonella is a kind of bacteria found in many reptiles. It is also found in the intestinal tracts of turtles and turtles shed Salmonella in their stool intermittently. Though turtles are not unaffected by Salmonella, Salmonella can cause terrible gastrointestinal problems like severe diarrhoea and vomiting in humans and other mammals like dogs and cats.

This is an important consideration for those who already have a dog or cat as a pet. If you get a pet turtle, you must handle the turtle, its droppings, or any objects in its tank with caution – we recommend that you always wash your hands rigorously afterwards and use hand disinfectant.

This is the major reason why turtles are not recommended as pets for little children or families with kids.

Turtles Need Big Spaces

All turtles need big space, even tiny turtles. Generally, the tank you choose to keep your pet turtle should be five times bigger than the turtle and should be filled with water to about two and a half times the length of the turtle. That is, the bigger the turtle, the larger the tank, and the more the volume of water needed to fill the tank.

More so, your pet turtles will eat and defecate in the same water tank. So, you need a powerful water filter to always keep the water clean. You should change the water filter frequently depending on the number of turtles in the water tank and the size of the water tank – your vet should be able to advise you better.

Turtles Still Need Dry Land

All turtles still need dry land, even aquatic turtles. Although most turtles naturally live in water, where they spend most of their time swimming, they still need dry land to dry off sometimes. Hence, you must allow a space in the tank for your pet turtle to bask – usually a large rock or raised platform where your turtle can climb up and hang out. 

Kindly note that turtles can eat rocks. Therefore, get rid of small rocks from the reach of your pet turtle. Ensure that all the rocks (and gravel) used in the water tank are bigger than the turtle’s head else your turtle may feed on them and suffer a gastrointestinal tract obstruction.

Conclusion

If after considering all of the basics above, you’re fully prepared to get a pet turtle, get committed to raising it, and properly care for and maintain it, then turtles are great creatures to keep as a pet and will give you a great sense of pleasure and satisfaction.