How to Take Care of a Turtle

Turtles are reptiles that live both on land and in the water. They can be unique pets, especially for people who are allergic to animals with fur, such as cats, dogs or rabbits. Much like other types of pets, you must take care of your turtle to ensure its good health. Providing appropriate housing, a balanced diet and adequate sunlight are the most basic requirements to care for a turtle.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Heated aquarium
• Aquarium lights
• Rocks or logs
• Wading pool
• Turtle food
• Table salt
• Scrub brush
• Reptilian veterinarian

1. Provide your turtle with an appropriate place to live. A large aquarium that can hold at least 40 gallons of water is ideal for those who live in cooler climates. A baby wading pool can be used outside for a turtle in warmers areas.
2. Recreate a turtle's natural habitat in the tank or wading pool. Use rocks or logs to make an area for the turtle to climb onto that is completely out of the water. Avoid using small wood chips, because the turtle may end up eating them.
3. Take care of a turtle by making sure it is warm enough in its home. Water temperatures for turtles should range between 75 and 85 degrees F. Pet stores such as PetSmart carry a variety of heaters and heated lights that you can install in the aquarium (see Resources below).
4. Feed your turtle a nutritious diet three times a week (babies will need to eat every day). Turtles eat raw meat, worms and sometimes bananas, but you can also buy food sticks and other prepared reptile foods at pet stores such as Petco (see Resources below). Turtles usually feed only when the food is put directly into the water.
5. Clean your turtle's tank on a regular basis, putting the turtle into a smaller tank or other holding area like a bathtub while you are cleaning. Use a scrub brush with water to rid the tank of any slime and add 1/4 cup salt for every 5 gallons of water to prevent fungus growth. Remove food from the tank as soon as the turtle no longer seems interested in eating to control the growth of bacteria.
6. Monitor your turtle to make sure he is healthy. If your turtle has white spots on his shell or limbs, he may have a fungal infection that needs treatment. Swollen eyes and a soft shell can indicate malnutrition. Remove a sick turtle from the tank if you have other healthy turtles living with him.
7. Locate a veterinarian who can take care of your turtle when needed. The Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) has a resource guide on their website that is arranged by state (see Resources below). A reptilian vet can prescribe anti-fungal medications and suggest a healthy diet for your turtle.

Tips & Warnings

• Some turtles carry salmonella and other highly communicable diseases. To reduce the risk of contracting and spreading disease, always wash your hands with soap and water after handling a turtle.
• Do not keep a turtle in a glass aquarium outside your house. Sunlight beating down the glass will make the water too hot. Use aquariums only inside your home.