Aquatic Turtles As Pets

Aquatic turtles are an alternative to the usual dog or cat companion, but they are not as low-maintenance as they may seem.

Turtles, whether they live on land or prefer an aquatic environment, are selected as pets for animal lovers who prefer something different than the traditional dog or cat. Aquatic turtles' popularity is due partly to many owners' assumptions that they are low-maintenance creatures. However, these turtles require a great deal of care, including having a proper diet and living conditions in order to thrive.

Species/Selection

Several species of aquatic turtles are suitable as pets, but it's important to select a turtle that has been bred in captivity, rather than take one from the wild. Aquatic turtle populations in the wild are declining and are also more likely than their captive counterparts to carry parasites or diseases. Red-eared sliders, snapping turtles and mud and musk turtles are often chosen as pets.

Habitat

Aquatic turtles require roomy tanks with sources of both light and heat. Young turtles of smaller species may be content in 10-gallon tanks, but a fully grown turtle will need at least a 20-gallon filtered tank, kept clean and filled with water deep enough for the pet to submerge itself, in order to be comfortable and happy. Aquatic turtles need dry areas for basking, preferably with a heat lamp above the area. They also need exposure to UV light, either through sunlight or fluorescent bulbs. Tanks should be kept at 68 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, year-round.

Diet

As omnivores, aquatic turtles will eat a variety of foods. There are commercial turtle foods available, but they don't always have all the necessary nutrients an aquatic turtle needs, so their diets need to be supplemented with such foods as plants, insects, worms and raw fish. Aquatic turtles can be untidy eaters, so placing them in separate containers during meals will help keep their tanks clean.

Precautions

Turtles can live for several decades, so they require a long-term commitment. Aquatic turtles are not suitable pets for children, not only because they are resistant to handling and may bite, but also because even healthy turtles may carry salmonella. In addition, there are legal restrictions on certain species of aquatic turtles in some areas. For instance, red-eared sliders have been banned in Australia, and the sales of these turtles are controlled in many U.S. states.

References

• Tortoise Trust: "Aquatic Turtle Care Basics," by A.C. Highfield, 2002
• Reptile Expert: Keeping Aquatic Turtles as Pets
• Red-Eared Slider Turtles: Red-Eared Slider Conservation in Nature

Resources

• Indiana Turtle Care: Aquatic Turtles
• Chicago Exotics: Aquatic Turtles