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Each turtle species has different characteristics that relate to diet, habitat and disease. Discover how to care for pet painted turtles, box turtles, desert turtles and other turtle species in this free pet care video series from a reptile expert.
There are 22 videos in this series:

Pet turtles don't like to be handled, which is an important consideration when choosing pets. Learn more about turtle characteristics with tips from the owner of a reptile store in this free pet care video.

Outdoor ponds allow turtles to get natural UV light, which keeps them healthy. Discover the benefits of outdoor turtle ponds with tips from the owner of a reptile store in this free pet care video.

Male turtles are easy to sex because they have long toenails and an indented shell. Learn to identify male and female turtles with tips from the owner of a reptile store in this free pet care video.

Land turtles burrow in dirt to escape the heat. Get tips for caring for land turtles and tortoises from the owner of a reptile store in this free pet care video.

Box turtles do very well in outdoor pens. Learn to care for box turtles with tips from the owner of a reptile store in this free pet care video.

Wild turtles are protected by state laws that govern their adoption and care. Get more information about wild turtles with tips from the owner of a reptile store in this free pet care video.

Desert tortoises eat vegetables, but they prefer dried plants and grasses. Learn to care for desert tortoises with tips from the owner of a reptile store in this free pet care video.

Turtles have been around for more than 215 million years! Discover more common facts about turtles with tips from the owner of a reptile store in this free pet care video.

Most turtles are herbivores that eat a variety of vegetables and plant food. Learn turtle food facts with tips from the owner of a reptile store in this free pet care video.

Understand the eating habits of a new pet turtles. New pet turtles may not eat for a few days. Learn more about turtle eating habits with tips from the owner of a reptile store in this free pet care video.

Vitamin deficiencies cause many common turtle diseases. Identify symptoms of turtle diseases by looking at their shell with these tips from the owner of a reptile store in this free pet care video.

Pet turtles may react to the owner's presence, especially if they are fed often by the same person. Discover common pet turtle behaviors with tips from the owner of a reptile store in this free pet care video.

Unless it's a baby turtle, identifying the age of turtles can be very difficult. Learn about aging turtles with tips from the owner of a reptile store in this free pet care video.

Turtle won't eat? Different turtle species eat different things. So, first identify the turtle before getting alarmed. Get more information about turtle eating habits with tips from the owner of a reptile store in this free pet care video.

Protecting endangered sea turtle nests is the first step to help save this turtle species. Get information to help save endangered sea turtles with tips from the owner of a reptile store in this free pet care video.

Turtle tanks are only used for specific water turtles. Learn to set up a turtle tank with tips from the owner of a reptile store in this free pet care video.

Checking the PH level in a turtle tank is important for healthy turtles. Get information about cleaning and caring for turtle tanks with tips from the owner of a reptile store in this free pet care video.

Long-neck turtles, also know as snake turtles, can't pull their head into their shell. Learn to care for long-neck turtles with tips from the owner of a reptile store in this free pet care video.

Don't ever use chemicals to clean a turtle's shell. Learn to clean a turtle's shell with tips from the owner of a reptile store in this free pet care video.

Mini turtles are easier to keep as small pets than large turtles. Get information about small pet turtles with tips from the owner of a reptile store in this free pet care video.

Snapping turtles are carnivorous and mainly eat fish. Learn to care for snapping turtles with tips from the owner of a reptile store in this free pet care video.

Painted turtles require a basking and swimming area. Learn to care for painted turtles with tips from the owner of a reptile store in this free pet care video.

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, 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, learn how to care for pet turtles. Expert, Tim Cole, is the owner of Austin Reptile Service, an organization dedicated to the conservation of native Texas reptiles through education. With his help, discover how to properly care for box turtles, long-neck turtles, snapping turtles, desert turtles, and painted turtles. Cole discusses the diet considerations for turtles. Also, learn how to build the perfect habitat for pet turtles. Get tips for identifying male and female turtles, and learn to identify common turtle diseases. If a pet turtle sounds alluring, keep them healthy and happy with these tips.
Tim Cole Tim Cole has been keeping reptiles for over four decades and has professional experience working with zoos and scientific field studies. Cole is the owner/proprietor of Austin Reptile Service, an organization dedicated to the conservation of native Texas reptiles through education. He has been the Reptile Team Leader with Wildlife Rescue Inc. in Austin, TX, since 1989. He has achieved the level of State Advanced Certified Animal Control Officer, and has held a Texas Parks & Wildlife rehabilitation permit. Cole is a founding member of the Austin Herpetological Society and has sat on the board of various herpetological societies. He also keeps and breeds various species of snakes in his home, for the pet trade and for private collectors. Cole teaches snake identification and awareness programs to Animal Control Officers, City Utility Departments, State agencies, Cub & Boy Scout groups, and schools.dkdk
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