How to Care for a Pet Water Turtle

Water turtles require a lot of care.

Water turtles are small- to medium-sized reptiles that require a good deal of care to keep them healthy and happy. They are harder to care for than one would think so they are generally not recommended for young children. They need an environment that contains both land and water and has a resemblance to their natural environment. Water turtles move fast, are very energetic and can live 40 years or more if they are properly cared for.

Things You'll Need

• Aquarium
• Cover
• Incandescent lights
• Artificial turf
• Plastic or steel container
• Logs
• Driftwood
• Rocks
• Calcium block
• Reptile heat pad
• Thermometer
• Food
• Powdered multivitamin

Instructions

1. Create a natural environment for your turtle to live. Choose an aquarium with a solid cover that provides at least 4 square feet of floor space or a 2 foot by 2 foot enclosure. The cover should contain incandescent lights to provide light at least 12 to 18 hours a day.

2. Line half of the aquarium with artificial turf and place a large plastic or steel container on the other half to provide water. Fill the container with water and place a large rock or driftwood inside so the turtle has an easy way out of the water. Provide plants and rocks on the dry side of the aquarium for the turtle to hide behind. Change the water daily to keep it clean and prevent illness. Place a calcium block in the water to maintain a healthy shell and bones.

3. Place a reptile heat pad underneath the aquarium and turn it on low to maintain a temperature of 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a digital thermometer inside the aquarium to monitor the temperature.

4. Feed small turtles every day and large turtles three times a week. Apply the food directly to the water. Apply one to two tablespoons of fresh, lean, raw meats and occasionally greens. Remove any meat that the turtle does not eat. Place a tiny pinch of powdered multivitamin into the water once a week to supplement the turtle's diet.

5. Isolate sick turtles from healthy turtles to prevent the spread of disease. Consult a veterinarian at any sign of illness.

References

• World Chelonian Trust; Basic Care Water Turtles; Paula Morris
• SW Animal Hospital; Caring For Your Water Turtle; Mark Burgess DVM
• All Turtles: Turtle FAQs