Facts About Turtles

Series Summary

Turtles might not be the high-energy pets that cats and dogs are, but they require just as much care in their environment and diet. Turtles are among the oldest reptile species, and when cared for properly, a turtle can have a very long lifespan. With their cute little heads, colorful shells and calm disposition, turtles are a great pet for the individual that likes to see nature at its calmest. However, don't assume that all turtles are docile! Some turtles, such as the snapping turtle, are carnivorous and can have quite a bite. There are many different species of turtles, and all of them have unique characteristics and needs. So, before rushing to a pet store or adopting a wild turtle, make sure to do proper research. In this free video series, the owner of a reptile rescue service provides information on taking care of pet turtles. Discover facts about turtles, turtle eating habits, turtle disease symptoms and identifying turtle breeds. Examine turtle behavior, such as why a turtle won't eat, how turtles react to different environments and how to tell if a turtle has passed away. With this pet care information, any turtle owner will become a better turtle owner.

Video Transcript

"My name's James Dix, an owner and founder of Reptile Rescue Service in Salt Lake City, Utah. We're going to give you a little information about this....this is actually a desert tortoise, but it's an African desert tortoise. It's called the sacccate, or it's also known as an African Spur-thighed Tortoise, is it's other name. A little fact about this one here, is, this is the third largest tortoise in the world, outside the Aldabra, and the Galapagos. This particular species can live over two hundred years and max out at about two hundred and fifty pounds. This is a seven year old. This particular one is a rescue. And if you look at the back of his shell here, this indentation, this is like a metabolic bone disease. And the problem with this is they didn't give him the proper diet. And he should have a perfectly rounded, smooth, flat shell. Shouldn't have a divit in there. This is some of the problems that people, when they get these animals, they don't have enough general information from pet stores to give them the proper diet. And it causes deformities like this. Sometimes they're real severe. This one's not real bad. He's actually smoothing out a little bit, but that will be permanent damage for him."