Dogs and cats belong to the species that most often become companions to humans. However, there are also other options when it comes to adopting an animal companion, and turtles are among them.
A pet turtle requires several specific cares. For this reason, our site presents you with this guide with tips for their feeding, construction of terrariums and other care that you should consider to have one of these testudos at home. Keep reading!
Can you have a pet turtle?
Turtles, also called turtles, are reptiles belonging to the order Testudines. They have populated the Earth since the Triassic and there seem to be few changes to date. Among its most notable characteristics is that all species have a hard shell, where they can take refuge to escape their predators. In addition, they are long-lived animals, a common tortoise can live between 50 and 70 years, although it is estimated that some specimens have exceeded 100.
There are marine and land species, but Can you have pet turtles? The answer is yes, although you mustpay attention to the species First of all, many are in danger of extinction, so we advise against acquiring specimens of this type so as not to contribute to illegal animal trafficking. On the other hand, you must take into account the type of food that each species requires, only then will you know if it is possible to provide everything you need at home. Find out more about the pet turtle below.
Types of pet gopher tortoises
Before adopting a turtle as a pet, you need to consider what species it belongs to. In this way, you will know that it is not in danger of extinction, you will be sure of its diet and you will adopt a pet that is suitable for your space, as some grow a lot and are not suitable for homes.
These are some types of pet gopher tortoises:
- Mediterranean tortoise (Testudo hermanni boettgeri): it is one of the most popular as pets. It requires a terrarium of at least 2 square meters and is herbivorous.
- Margined tortoise (Testudo marginata): reaches up to 30 centimeters in length and feeds on herbivores. It is convenient to offer it a lot of light during the summer, since it hibernates in the cold seasons.
- Spur-thighed Tortoise (Testudo graeca): It is common in Africa and Europe, although today it can be found all over the world. Their habits are diurnal and vegetarian.
- Russian tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii): it is a small tortoise, 20 cm long. It requires a terrarium, feeds on plants and hibernates in winter.
Types of pet terrapins
There are also some species of aquatic turtles that can be adopted as pets. When choosing one, consider only those that are freshwater, since most marine species are in danger of extinction and it will be more difficult to provide them with a environment with the right conditions.
These are the types of pet terrapins:
- Red-bellied Turtle (Emydura subglobosa): native to New Guinea and Australia, it is diurnal, aquatic and carnivorous. Also hibernates.
- Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta): It comes from North America, where it lives 400 meters deep, so it needs a very large aquarium. It is diurnal, loves the sun and hibernates when the water reaches between 5 and 10 degrees.
- Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus): Native to North America. It is a semiterrestrial species that lives in marshy waters and sunbathes on the shore. Requires a large aquarium at a warm temperature.
- Spotted Tortoise (Clemmys guttata): it is semi-aquatic, it requires a 200 meter terrarium and at least 200 liters of water. It is carnivorous, diurnal and hibernates in the water.
Now that you know some of the turtles that can be adopted as pets, it is time for you to know all the care they require.
Turtle care
Despite their slow movements, turtles are accustomed to living in spacious places, where they have access to diverse food sources that They allow them to have a varied diet. Considering this, is having turtles at home bad? The answer is no, but each species requires specific care and needs that must be met, so it is important to document yourself very well before adopting one.
These are the most important cares for a turtle at home:
1. Adequate Space
When determining the right space for your tortoise, you should take into account its adult size. Tortoises can live in a terrarium or outdoors if you have a garden; freshwater ones, on the other hand, require an aquarium.
aquariums and terrariums need a suitable substrate: sand, earth, stones, algae, among others. In addition, an aquarium lamp is necessary if it is not possible to locate the tank near a window, which would be ideal. If your tortoise roams free in the garden, keep an eye on the holes it digs, as it may get lost or get stuck.
two. Turtle feeding
The diet of turtles depends on the species, so you need to document yourself well before adopting it. Gopher tortoises are generally herbivorous, requiring a diet based on 80% greens and fresh vegetables, supplemented with lots of fruit, wild herbs and so only 5% protein, such as insects and slugs.
The water turtles, meanwhile, are omnivorous animals, so that they consume a greater amount of protein than the terrestrial ones and complement it with vegetable foods. At home, you can offer commercial feed for turtles, fruits, aquatic plants, fish, crickets and beetles.
3. Body temperature
Turtles are cold-blooded reptiles unable to regulate their temperature, which is why they depend on the sun to keep their bodies warm. If you adopt a freshwater turtle, you should place the aquarium near a window that receives daily sun, otherwise remember to get a lamp.
Tortoises can bask in the sun in your garden. If you live in an apartment, try to get the lightning from a window or take it to the park for a while every day.
Turtle hibernation
Not all turtles hibernate, so once again, you need to know which species yours belongs to. In the event that it is a species that does, you must feed it very well during the summer and, two weeks before the hibernation period begins, reduce the potions until it fasts. If you want to know more about this process, we invite you to review this article on "Hibernation of turtles".
These are the basic care that every turtle requires. Now, depending on whether it is terrestrial or aquatic, you must take into account some additional considerations.
Land turtles: care
Focusing now on tortoises, they need to have rocks to walk on them, since they are a natural means of wearing down their nails. Therefore, it is necessary to add several in the terrarium or place them in your garden. This must be completed with access to areas of soft earth to dig freely, although under your supervision if he does it in the garden.
The diet must be varied, taking care not to offer foods that are prohibited for turtles, such as bananas, mushrooms, sweets or food for cats and dogs. Also, do gopher tortoises drink water? The answer is yes, they need water to stay hydrated like any other species, so they must have a container with them at all times.
As we already pointed out, a daily sunbath is very important, as well as good ventilation in the terrarium and frequent cleaning of feces and urine.
Water turtles: care
The most important thing when adopting a terrapin is to have a suitable fish tank This should be deep and wide enough for the turtle swims freely. To calculate its dimension, you must know that the aquarium must be at least 4 times larger than the turtle in adulthood. In addition, it requires a dry area, made up of sand, rocks and plants to lie down to rest. Replace the water in the tank weekly and remove any debris that may stick to rocks or glass. Perform this procedure with gloves.
The ideal water temperature is 25 to 30 ºC, but note the species of the turtle. If you adopt several, the ideal is that they need the same conditions. Locate the tank near a source of natural light. Another even better option is to have a garden with a pond.
Bear in mind the diet required by the species and go to the vet at any sign of illness, such as softening of the shell, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, spots on the shell, among others. For more details, don't miss this other article: "Water Turtle Care".
Terrariums for gopher tortoises
If you don't have a garden, it is advisable to purchase a terrarium for tortoises. You can find them at any pet supply store, but be aware of the following:
- Add plants, rocks, drop-offs, sand, and dirt. Turtles love to dig, uneven terrain will allow them to entertain and explore at their leisure. These elements must correspond to the species of the turtle to simulate its natural habitat.
- The terrarium must be at least 5 times larger than the turtle in adulthood.
- The ground must absorb moisture, otherwise urine will become a problem.
- Add a little house or a place between the rocks so that the turtle can hide, they usually do it after eating.
- Include a space with water that the turtle can access to cool off. The edges of the pond should be covered with earthenware so that it can easily enter and exit.
- Maintain the temperature according to the species of turtle. You can regulate it through a thermostat on cold days.
With these conditions fulfilled, your turtle will have a comfortable and safe home.
The turtle as a pet: pros and cons
Still not convinced by the idea of having a turtle as a pet? Discover these pros and cons.
Advantages of having a pet turtlea
- As we mentioned before, turtles live for many years, so it is an animal that will accompany you throughout your life.
- They are very independent, you can put their food in the morning and be sure they will be fine the rest of the day. Of course, they will always appreciate your company.
- Once you have purchased the corresponding aquarium or terrarium, it is economical to maintain them.
- They are not noisy or rambunctious.
- Under proper conditions, they are in very good he alth and are rarely sick.
- They do not shed, so they are good pets for allergy sufferers.
Cons of having a pet turtle
- If you prefer a pet that jumps up and makes a ruckus when you get home, the discreet and silent behavior of turtles is not for you.
- During the hibernation months, it will seem like you don't have a pet.
- They require daily sun, so you need to have time to take it out to the park if you can't get it at home.
- They don't like to be picked up so we advise against picking them up.
With all this information, you will be ready to choose or not the turtle as a pet.
