How to care for a water turtle at home

In the modern world, people began to give preference to exotic animals. Turtles are no exception. Before you start a reptile, you need to collect an idea of ​​how to contain it. It is worth taking responsibility for the arrangement of a home for a new pet. Most often, at home, they bring up a red-eared turtle. This form will be discussed.

Types of turtles suitable for home keeping

Central Asian tortoise

1. This type of reptile is considered quite large, the weight of some individuals can reach 2 kg. Central Asian turtles are terrestrial; their habitat is mainly burrows.
2. Reptiles lead an inactive lifestyle. To contain this turtle, you need to equip a sufficiently large terrarium. At what it is worth observing all conditions similar to wild ones.
3. Also, the reptile must be systematically bathed, and then treat the shell with oil. You need to feed the turtle with solid vegetables (carrots, hard grass, cabbage, beets).

Marsh turtle

1. The reptiles of this species live mainly in the middle lane of our homeland.
2. The carapace has a dull color - from dark swamp to black. Individuals belong to predatory reptiles.

Pond slider

1. Reptiles are the most popular for home content.
2. Such turtles differ from the rest in their beautiful appearance and relatively small size.

Home Furnishing for the Turtle

Aquarium selection

1. For a medium-sized red-eared turtle (up to 20 cm), a regular aquarium of 55-60 liters is suitable. If you want the reptile to feel comfortable and grow faster, you should look at a larger tank with a margin.
2. It is also worth considering that the water in a small aquarium should be changed more often than in a large one. It is recommended to purchase a lid for the container, such an addition will protect the turtle from random things that may fall to it.
3. To pour enough water into the aquarium, you need to focus on the appearance of the carapace of the reptile. The amount of fluid should equal the length of the housing. You can also put a filter in the water tank.
4. Thus, you do not have to often change the water in the aquarium. The only condition is the monthly maintenance of the filter elements. It is also worth diversifying the bottom of the turtle house.
5. To do this, pour large gravel, put a few wood snags or larger stones. Such a move will contribute to the fact that the reptile itself will be able to regulate the depth of the aquarium. It is not recommended to grow live algae; replace them with artificial ones.
6. Keep in mind that all decorative things should not have sharp corners, otherwise a reptile can damage itself. Position one snag so that part of it is constantly on land, and the other end gradually goes into the water.
7. Do not forget to systematically clean the aquarium, the filter elements are not able to completely cope with all the dirt and feces. Therefore, the procedure must be carried out 1 time in 2 months with a tank volume of 80 liters or more.
8. You also need to pour clean water periodically. Consider the evaporation of the liquid, its pollution and the number of inhabited turtles in the aquarium. To keep the reptile's house as clean as possible, the animal should be fed outside.

Lighting setup

1. A fluorescent ultraviolet lamp is required without fail. With the help of such lighting, the reptile receives the proper portion of UV rays, thanks to which turtles absorb calcium.
2. Without such lamps, you risk losing a new pet, due to a lack of calcium, the turtle dies.Install the accessory at a height of about 30 cm above the place where the animal is warming. The lamp needs to be replaced every six months, despite the fact that it works.
3. Also in the aquarium should be installed and ordinary lamps. The height of their fit directly depends on the power. In this case, it is worth considering the room temperature. Before purchasing a product, consult a specialist at a pet store.

How to feed a turtle

1. It is worthwhile to approach the feeding of the turtle responsibly, the health of the reptile depends on this factor. Also, do not give the turtle only granular food. If you still have a small individual, include more live food in your diet.
2. Turtles should be given guppy fish fry, small crickets, frozen krill, or earthworms. Also, the daily menu should include leaves of aquatic plants, dandelion, turnip, lettuce, cabbage. Twice a week should be fed carrots, chopped on a coarse grater.
3. Young reptiles may be reluctant to plant feed. Despite this, the turtles need to offer it. Also, a new pet must be given various mineral supplements. To do this, roll the worm in a loose composition, stretch the delicacy to the turtle with tweezers.
4. Thus, the earthworm will not fall into the water and the vitamin supplement will not be washed off. Keep in mind that calcium and vitamin D3 should be part of the basic mineral mixes. Very small individuals need to be given 8-10 halved granules of dry food twice a day.
5. You can also replace the solder with a sheet of chopped green lettuce. Water turtles need to immediately throw food into the water. It is also recommended after some time to catch the leftovers juicy with fine chintz. Small reptiles should still be fed more live food.

The turtle can hibernate. If you have no idea how to care for reptiles during this period, it is worth protecting the turtle from such a phenomenon. Maintain a constant temperature in the terrarium, it should not fall below 24-26 degrees. Otherwise, you risk losing your pet. Turtles in the wild during hibernation hide in the thick of algae or silt.

Video: how to care for red-eared turtles