Any decision to add a pet to your household needs to be made thoughtfully. While turtles might appear to require lower maintenance than other pets, there are a number of special considerations to be aware of before bringing one home.
First, many turtle breeds have long life spans, often more than 20 years. Be prepared to take on the responsibility for the long term, possibly after a child has lost interest or left home. Second, turtles do carry salmonella bacteria and require special handling and supervision for younger children. They are not recommended as pets for children under five or people with compromised immune symptoms. Turtles should never be kissed or licked or overhandled. Parents need to make sure to employ proper hygiene and handwashing practices whenever interacting with turtles. Due to several outbreaks of disease, federal law bans the sale of turtles with shells less than four inches long. Turtles do require specialized veterinary care for reptiles/exotic pets that might not be available in every locale.
If you decide to bring a turtle to your home, the experience can be fascinating. It’s incredible to see an ecosystem at work and play as well as provide your child with some responsibility. There are many breeds of turtles, but most fall into the following types:
Aquatic
Semi-aquatic
Terrestrial
Each requires a unique habitat to thrive. Aquatic turtles require a tank with signi cant space for a higher water to land ratio and basking area with heat lamp for temperature regulation. Terrestrial turtles need space for burrowing and space to hide. Semi-aquatic turtles need a combination of the two. Research each kind of turtle to see what works best for you and your family.
Initial set up costs will vary but expect to spend approximately $150 to $200. The tank will require consistent maintenance, but this maintenance is dependent on many factors including tank size, number of turtles and species, and filter type. In general, monitor the tank daily to promptly clean up uneaten food and waste. Do a light cleanup weekly by adding water and cleaning the filter. Do a thorough cleaning every two to three weeks. You will notice patterns and adjust the timeframe, as needed.
Turtle Care Essentials
Turtles require a dedicated space for their setup, not near a window. Among the basic essentials for turtle care are:
An aquarium tank that is suitable for an adult-sized turtle.
A stand or base.
A screen top to prevent escape attempts.
A filter system, heater, and thermometer for checking water quality and temperature control. You will also need water conditioning products.
A basking area with light as well as UVB light and a hideout area.
Gravel or sand substrate base for the tank bottom that the turtle can use for burrowing.
A specialized diet. Check with your veterinarian and pet store for specific dietary requirements such as calcium supplements for the shell, pellet food, and dried insects.
A means to take your turtle with you. You might want to invest in a portable travel case for vet visits.
A bucket and cleaning supplies used only for the turtle’s tank.
Water décor or water plants for tank decoration.
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