Some tips to care for your pet turtle
Turtle itself is not only an uncommon pet but it's touchy also. It does not need sophisticated care like dogs, cats etc. But it needs some specific care without which it cannot survive at your home.
If you want to keep this touchy and sweet little friend at your home, it is very much necessary to know about the tips to care for them keeping it healthy and happy. It is to be kept in mind that turtle is not a showcase item. Turtle is very intelligent and like other pets needs love and attention.
Here are some tips to care for your turtle.
Knowledge of species
First of all you should know about the species of your turtle because different species like terrestrial or aquatic etc. need different quality of care. Terrestrial turtle needs both water and land to survive while aquatic turtle can survive in water.
Consult a vet
Before making it a pet, you must consult a vet to check up your turtle. If it has any infection or disease, it should be cured first. Medical check up should be done on a regular basis to keep your turtle healthy and fit. Regular check up is necessary because turtle cannot complain regarding its physical difficulty like dog, cat etc.
Appropriate place
A large portion of land space and water is necessary for a pet turtle. Enough light, appropriate moisture, proper shade, basking lamp and adequate clean water are also the necessary ingredients for them to survive. If you want to keep your turtle inside a tank then appropriate tank capacity is necessary which should not be less than 40 gallons. Adequate temperature should be maintained. Basking lamp can be used if the temperature is not sufficient. Turtle needs at least 12 hours of sunlight. You can use UV lamp if your turtle gets insufficient sun light to create vitamin D. Do not give them a complicated shelter. They need a very simple shelter which may be created by wood or by some specific stones.
Hygienic conditions
Always keep your turtle's shelter clean, otherwise, your pet may be contaminated by fungal diseases. Use natural or filtered water for drinking. Don't provide chlorinated or fluoride mixed water which can create problem for the health of your pet. Turtle's roaming area should be de-chlorinated. Try to put fresh water in the tank and change water regularly.
Proper behavior
Turtle cannot escape and shout like a dog or cat. It cannot attack its enemy. It is the duty of its owner to keep a constant watch on it. If you have small children in your home, they must be given instructions not to disturb them.Turtles should hibernate during late spring otherwise they will develop liver disease. Therefore, care should be taken not to dig them out at the time. Close attention is needed to their way of eating and diet.
