what can you do with a pet turtle

Indoor Ideas

• Hidden Treasure If you want to play with your turtle pal, one way of doing this is by hiding one of their favorite treats. ...
• Hide-And-Seek Another game that you can play with your pet turtle is hide-and-seek. ...
• Maze Just like humans, turtles can benefit from participating in an obstacle maze. ...
• Go Fish As mentioned earlier, turtles enjoy consuming fish. ...

Full Answer

Is it illegal to keep a wild turtle as a pet?

Keep in mind that it is illegal to own turtles in several states, wild or otherwise. Look into your area's laws on pets and wildlife before considering having a pet turtle. And consider not removing a healthy wild turtle from its natural habitat—turtles are important to the ecosystem.

What is the easiest turtle to have as a pet?

The Top Starter Species

1. Red Eared Slider. Without a doubt the red eared slider is the most common pet turtle. ...
2. Eastern Box Turtle. Another popular pet turtle is the Eastern box turtle. ...
3. African Sideneck Turtle. ...
4. Western Painted Turtle. ...
5. Razor-backed Musk Turtle. ...

Can you keep a wild turtle as a pet?

Many reptile experts and enthusiasts will tell you not to keep a wild turtle as a pet, and they are right. It’s the same reason you may be told not to keep a frog you found in your pond or a bunny you found in your backyard. Animals that live in the wild are not used to living boxed-up in a tank, cage, or hutch.

Is a turtle an easy pet to take care of?

You might think that taking care of a pet turtle is easy, but it isn’t. Turtles need to be considered carefully when choosing a pet. Turtles require special care and frequent cleaning, and they don’t play well with kids-they can bite and do not like to be handled, but they still make a really fun pet to watch.

Can you play with a pet turtle?

Give your turtle toys. Some turtles also enjoy playing. Although it is completely okay to pet and play with your turtle keep in mind that turtles are generally a kind of pet that is better to look at than to constantly handle. They will get stressed out. After all, they are not a dog!

Is turtle is a good pet?

Turtles need a lifetime of specialized care Turtles are often marketed as low-maintenance pets, but the truth is that they need special care and a lot of room to grow. Turtles will not survive in a small dish with a plastic palm tree. They need the right lighting, temperature and water filtration system.

Do pet turtles like to be held?

Turtles prefer to be alone, and they never welcome being picked up and handled. Because turtles aren't affectionate, don't like to be held, stroked or cuddled and don't play with toys, many people lose interest and cease to take proper care of them.

Can you cuddle a pet turtle?

A tortoise or turtle won't go running up to you and beg for pets or to cuddle. Instead, they will likely just sit in one place and be content with your presence. Turtles tend to do the same thing. Turtles and tortoises like to watch their humans when they're feeling affectionate.

Do turtles recognize their owners?

Turtles Know Their Owners! Most people don't realize this, but many turtles recognize the sight and sounds of their owners! In fact, many owners comment how their pets swim right up to the water surface to greet them when they walk in the room.

Do pet turtles bite?

Though their shells provide very effective protection, most turtles will bite to protect themselves if necessary. This is especially prevalent among wild turtles, but pet turtles may bite as well. While this is a relatively minor concern for owners of small turtles, bites from large turtles can cause severe damage.

How do you entertain a turtle?

5:046:14Bored turtle? How to enrich your turtle (care ideas) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipKids floating toys rubber duckies. Anything that can float in the water and is gonna be safe for theMoreKids floating toys rubber duckies. Anything that can float in the water and is gonna be safe for the turtle. And some turtles will actually take this thing that you're putting in the tank.

Do turtles get bored in a tank?

Turtles do get bored. You may notice several times that your turtle is either digging or climbing in the tank. This is because your turtle is bored and wants to engage itself in some interesting activity. If you have a single turtle as a pet, you should try to keep your tank as entertaining as possible.

How do you know if a turtle is happy?

A healthy and happy turtle should have clear eyes with no discharge. They should also not show any signs of difficulty breathing. Swollen, cloudy, or "weepy" eyes with a discharge are all common signs your turtle is sick. Another very common sign is mouth breathing or straining to breathe.

Do turtles like belly rubs?

Known as the plastron, the "belly" of a turtle, like the rest of their shells is made up of scutes - bony bony external plates. Scratching or rubbing helps them shed old scutes. They also have nerve ending that reach up to just under the carapace - so it's not just good for them, it feels good too!

What toys can turtles play with?

ToysShells – Turtles love playing with empty shells. ... Rafts – Your turtle will also love it if you put a small raft or other floating objects in their tank. ... Small kid toys – Any brightly colored kid's toy can be a fun turtle toy, as long as there aren't any parts that can come off easily.More items...•

Do turtles know their name?

Tortoises are very smart and can actually learn their name. Turtles will also recognize their keepers, but mostly because they are excited you're bringing them food.

Is a turtle an easy pet?

Taking care of a pet turtle isn't as easy as you might think. Choosing a turtle as a pet, needs to be given careful consideration. Turtles require special care and frequent cleaning, and they don't play well with kids—turtles can bite and do not like to be handled, but they still make really fun pets to watch.

Are turtles Good luck?

Turtles are seen as a symbol of luck in religions around the world. They are considered a lucky charm that brings tranquility and good fortune to those who keep them in their homes.

Is a turtle a good first pet?

Several species are actually ideal for allowing first-timers and young kids to get the hang of reptile ownership. Although turtles aren't often where people's minds go when they first start thinking about what kinds of pets to get their children, they're actually a fantastic option as a child's first pet.

Do pet turtles smell?

Turtles have very little smell, except for the general smell of a reptile which isn't a strong odor. What is this? If your pet turtle smells, there is a good chance it needs to be washed or his tank needs a good cleaning. These are things that you will need to do on a weekly basis.

1. A small turtle tank perfect for a baby turtle because it has it all: a swimming area, a ramp for your turtle to head to dry land, a basking platform, and two small built-in bowls for food

Promising review: "We got this for our baby turtle (Myrtle) and it's perfect! She is only about the size of a small tangerine so she has plenty of room to move around. We keep fresh greenery in the small space at the end and fill the other side with about an inch or so of water. Her food goes in the little bowls on the landing.

2. A " floating island " that your turtle can climb on top of when they want to bask in their lamp's glow. Don't worry: it attaches to the side of the tank so your turtle will feel comfortable chilling out for hours

Promising review: "I guess I didn't know what to actually expect out of this, but it's a great product for any turtle setup. Fits perfectly on one of the sidewalls of a typical cheap aquarium. What I was surprised by was the fact the suction cups go on little rails that suction onto the glass.

3. Or this sleek minimalist basking platform with a built-in ramp to help your favorite reptile onto the flat surface. It also has a small compartment to place your turtle's food in. Relaxing and snacking at the same time? Truly a turtle's dream

Promising review: "So far so good, very happy with this dock! Easy to install, functional, and Tango the turtle LOVES it. Within minutes he was on it basking happily with his eyes closed, leg out and soaking up the 'sun.' Great value so far, can't beat the price." – Faja

4. A decorative plant to place in your turtle's tank so they feel like they're swimming around their natural habit

Promising review: "This is very nice. It looks so real in my tank with turtles. It was a great price for the quality of the product. Bottom rock part is nice and heavy so it won't float around at all." – lola

5. A bottle of sludge destroyer that breaks down waste and debris and keeps your turtle's tank clean, therefore helping them live a longer and healthier life

Promising review: "Before I used API turtle sludge destroyer aquarium cleaner, the water got clouded and started to get smelly by the fourth day and water had to be changed on the seventh day otherwise it would stink up the house.

6. A fluorescent tropical terrarium lightbulb with a high UVB output that helps your turtle produce vitamin D3

Promising review: "This light is great. I use it for my aquatic turtle tank along with a basking light. They are very healthy and I have been using these from the start, so I know they are giving off great rays! Their shells look fantastic and they have huge appetites." – Elizabeth S. Sengelaub

7. A bottle of floating turtle pellets made with Gammarus shrimp and fortified with vitamins and minerals so your turtle can maintain a healthy diet

Promising review: "So I usually buy food for my turtles at the grocery store, but decided to check online and see if it would be cheaper. I never heard of this brand before, but the turtles can't get enough of it. The food is shaped like a baby pea instead of the usual sticks. I don't smell anything when I open the container either.

What to Do When You Find a Turtle in Your Backyard?

In case you feel confused as to what to do if you find a turtle in your backyard, here are a few actions you can take to ensure the safety of the turtle and avoid the guilt of inaction.

What to do if you see a baby turtle?

They are defenseless on their own and are very likely to die before they even reach the waters. Thus, if you see a lost baby turtle, take it inside as soon as possible and call professionals. They will help significantly improve the baby turtle’s chances of survival.

What is the first thing that comes to many people's minds when they see a turtle in mind?

Now, the first thing that comes to many people’s minds when they see a turtle in mind is, “Can I keep it ?” Let’s answer that.

Can you raise a turtle?

With these points in mind, you can attempt to raise the turtle. But do not forget, a turtle is a long-term commitment. So, do not go into this half-hearted! It is still advised to hand the turtle to a rehabilitation center or leave it alone. However, if you truly desire to keep one as a pet, consider adopting or buying one from the pet store.

Can you keep a turtle alone?

Rules on keeping or bothering the turtle may vary depending on your state and the turtle species. Unless it is a foreign species, it is usually best to leave them alone. Seek professional help if you’re unsure of the species or don’t know what to do.

Can turtles escape captivity?

Sometimes, turtles may escape captivity or get released by their owners who no longer want them. These turtles are unlikely to be native to your region and can seriously pose a threat to the regional species.

What to do if you can't care for a turtle?

If for some reason you find that you can no longer care for your pet turtle, you can contact a turtle society for help. Don’t release your turtle into the wild. Pet turtles are not adapted to the outdoors and can become a threat to native turtle populations. Pagination. 1.

What to know before getting a pet turtle?

Before Getting a Pet Turtle. Caring for Your Turtle. Turtles are one of the oldest kinds of reptiles on the planet. Their hard shell and slow-moving mannerisms make them unique pets. They’re hardy creatures and can be fun to care for. They may seem like low-maintenance pets, but most turtle species can live for decades, ...

How big of an aquarium do turtles need?

Even small turtles need an aquarium that’s no smaller than 29 gallons, or 4 feet long and 18 inches wide. Your turtle needs plenty of space to grow.

What do you need to bring a turtle home?

Before bringing your turtle home, you’ll need the right lighting, temperature, and water filtration system. They will need room to walk about their enclosure, and they’ll need their space cleaned frequently. Turtles need a lot of space to roam. Water turtles need large aquariums with plenty of room to swim and a place to get out ...

How long do turtles live?

Many types of turtles can live up to 20 years or longer , and they'll continue to grow. Their space, diet, and other needs will change as they do, so do your research to choose one you can continue to care for. Diet. Your turtle’s diet will depend on the type of turtle you choose.

What is the best turtle for beginners?

The best turtle varieties for beginners are male painted turtles. These include U.S. mud and musk turtles and male red-eared sliders. They are relatively easy to care for and don't require a lot of special attention. Habitat.

What do turtles eat?

Generally, turtles eat insects, fish, dark leafy greens, and freeze-dried mealworms. They need a healthy mix of 80% vegetables and 20% fruits. Turtles like squash, watermelon, and tomatoes. How much food you give them will depend on the type of turtle you get and their size.

What is a painted turtle?

Painted turtles ( Chrysemys picta) make great pets for beginning reptile keepers who are interested in aquatic turtles. Among other things these turtles have going for them, they remain reasonably sized (most are less than 10 inches long), they typically have pretty relaxed temperaments, and they are easy to care for.

How much does it cost to buy a turtle?

While a few turtle species have very high price tags, which may reach into five-digit territory, there are a number of turtle species that are available to hobbyists for less than $100 or so (and some are much cheaper than this). However, it is important to remember that you don’t just have to buy a turtle – you must also purchase your new pet’s habitat, lighting fixtures and his other needs. You’ll also have to pay for his food, habitat upkeep and veterinary care over time.

What is the best tortoise for fledglings?

Russian tortoises ( Agrionemys horsfieldii) are one of the very best tortoise species for fledgling keepers to consider.

How much does a tortoise weigh?

African spur-thighed tortoises ( Centrochelys sulcata ), for example, can reach weights in excess of 200 pounds.

How deep do spotted turtles need to be?

Additionally, while they do require a water section in their habitat, they don’t need access to very deep water – 4 to 6 inches of depth will suffice. You’ll need to provide your spotted turtle with a varied diet, but they primarily feed on animal-based foods.

How many turtles are there in the world?

Terrestrial, Aquatic or Semi-Aquatic. There are 350-odd turtle species in the world, and they all exhibit one of three basic lifestyles: Some live almost entirely on dry ground, others live almost exclusively in the water, and some split their time between the two. You can select any of the three lifestyles you like, ...

What is the most common turtle species?

Red-eared sliders ( Trachemys scripta) are likely the most commonly kept turtle species in the world. There are a variety of reasons that this is the case, but chief among them is certainly the species’ hardy nature, which makes them a breeze to maintain.

Why is it important to keep turtles clean?

So, it’s important that your turtle’s environment be kept clean. Most of the turtles for sale as pets require both aquatic and terrestrial environments within their tank, and special attention needs to be paid to water quality.

What to do if a turtle stops eating?

It’s always best to remove any uneaten food from a turtle’s enclosure to avoid a mess from cast-off and decaying matter, which can make the tank water get very nasty.

Why is my turtle not getting enough sunlight?

A lack of Vitamin D can cause stunted shell growth, bone disorders, and generally shorten the life of your turtle. While sunlight will provide all the ultraviolet light a turtle needs in the wild, it’s not enough to simply have your enclosure near a sunlit window.

Why do turtles need UV light?

Coates says that UV-B light is especially important for turtles because it “plays a major role in the production of Vitamin D3, which is needed for the absorption and metabolism of calcium.” A lack of Vitamin D can cause stunted shell growth, bone disorders, and generally shorten the life of your turtle.

How much space do turtles need?

A good guide is ten gallons of tank space for each inch of turtle, at a minimum. So, even a very small turtle that maxes out at a few inches is going to require a pretty sizable aquarium.

Can a dog bite a turtle?

While pet ownership has turned many unlikely combinations of animals into lifelong friends (and cute internet memes), it only takes a moment for instinct to take over and turn a friend into food. A dog or cat may view your new turtle with curiosity at first, but a simple exploratory scratch or bite can easily cause serious, and potentially lethal, harm. And there is the same threat of Salmonella infection from turtles to other pets as there is to humans (see the previous slide).

Can you release a turtle into the wild?

Don’t Release Your Turtle into the Wild. Any animal lover would recoil at the prospect of leaving a cat or dog to its own devices in the wild. However, someone who owns a turtle and can no longer care for it might think that there’s a perfect spot in a nearby pond or forest that would be just the place for a turtle.

Do you need to do a preliminary screening to adopt a pet?

The same is done also to candidates who want to adopt a pet.

Is a turtle being abused?

Several organizations see to it that no turtle is being abused: https://gstc.jekyllisland.com/ – focuses on sea turtle rehabilitation, research, and education programs; www.conserveturtles.org – deals about Sea Turtle Conservancy.

Can you be a turtle for a day?

Their calmness and peacefulness make you wish that if only life can be a little generous, you can be one of them for a day. Nevertheless, there are quite a few possible choices for you to make sure your pet turtle won’t feel dumped like a rug and to free yourself of guilt. Below we have some suggestions:

Do turtles need acclimatization?

You should be confident by now that turtles are sturdy creatures and need minimal training or acclimatization.

Is it illegal to trade sea turtles?

For one, International trade in all sea turtle species and their parts is prohibited under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Can turtles be adopted?

There are numerous pet adoption centers not only for turtles but for other animals as well. Pet adoption centers are equipped with well trained staff and well cared home to provide your pet a good and loving abode.