How to care for a water turtle at home

In the modern world, people began to prefer exotic animals. Turtles are no exception. Before you start a reptile, you need to collect an idea of ​​how to contain it. It is necessary with responsibility to treat the arrangement of the home for a new pet. Most often, at home, give birth to a red-eared tortoise. About this form and will be discussed.

Types of turtles suitable for home keeping

Central Asian tortoise

1. This type of reptile is considered quite large, the weight of some individuals can reach 2 kg. Central Asian turtles are terrestrial, their habitats are mainly burrows.
2. Reptiles lead a low-active lifestyle. To contain this turtle, you need to equip a large enough terrarium. What does it worth to comply with all conditions similar to the wild.
3. Also, the reptile must be systematically bathed, and after that the shell is treated with oil. To feed a turtle you need hard vegetables (carrots, hard grass, cabbage, beets).

Marsh turtle

1. Reptiles of the above species live mainly in the middle zone of our homeland.
2. The shell has a dull color - from dark marsh to black. Individuals are predatory reptiles.

Red-eared turtle

1. Reptiles are the most popular for home keeping.
2. These turtles are different from the rest of the beautiful appearance and relatively small size.

Home improvement for the turtle

Choice Aquarium

1. For a medium-sized red-eared turtle (up to 20 cm), an ordinary aquarium of 55–60 liters is suitable. If you want the reptile to feel comfortable and grow faster, it is worth looking out for a larger capacity with a margin.
2. It is also worth considering that the water in a small aquarium should be changed more often than in a large one. It is recommended to buy a cover for the container, such an addition will save the turtle from random things that may fall to it.
3. To pour a sufficient amount of water into the aquarium, you need to focus on the appearance of the shell of a reptile. The amount of fluid should be equal to the length of the body.You can also put a cleaning filter in the water tank.
4. This way it is not necessary to change the water in the aquarium often. The only condition is the monthly maintenance of filter elements. It is also worth diversifying the bottom of the turtle house.
5. To do this, pour coarse gravel, put a few wood snags or more stones. Such a move will contribute to the fact that the reptile itself will be able to regulate the depth of the aquarium. Growing living algae is not recommended, replace them with artificial ones.
6. Keep in mind that all decorative things should not have sharp corners, otherwise the reptile can damage itself. Arrange one snag in such a way that its part resides on land, and the other end gradually enters the water.
7. Do not forget to systematically clean the aquarium, the filter elements are not able to completely cope with all the dirt and feces. Therefore, the procedure should be carried out 1 time in 2 months with a tank volume of 80 liters.
8. Also, periodically you need to pour clean water. Consider the evaporation of fluid, its pollution and the number of habitable turtles in the aquarium. To keep the reptile home clean for as long as possible,The animal should be fed outside.

Lighting Setup

1. Fluorescent ultraviolet lamp is needed without fail. With the help of such lighting reptile gets the proper portion of UV rays, thanks to which turtles absorb calcium.
2. Without such lamps, you risk losing a new pet, because of the lack of calcium, the turtle dies. Install the accessory at a height of about 30 cm above the place where the animal is heated. The lamp needs to be changed every six months, despite the fact that it works.
3. Also in the aquarium should be installed and ordinary lamps. The height of their landing depends on the power. It should take into account the room temperature. Before purchasing a product, consult with a specialist in a pet store.

What to feed a turtle

1. To feed a turtle cost to approach responsibly, the health of the reptile depends on this factor. Also, do not give the turtle only granulated feed. If you still have a small individual, include in the diet more live food.
2. Turtles should be given juvenile fish "Guppy", small crickets, frozen krill or earthworms.Also in the daily menu should include leaves of aquatic plants, dandelion, turnip, lettuce, cabbage. Twice a week you should feed carrots chopped on a large grater.
3. Young reptiles may be reluctant to treat plant food. Despite this, turtles need to offer it. Also, a new pet needs to be given various mineral supplements. To do this, roll the worm in a loose composition, stretch the treat to the turtle with tweezers.
4. Thus, the earthworm will not fall into the water and the vitamin supplement will not be washed off. Keep in mind that basic mineral mixes should include calcium and vitamin D3. Very small individuals need to be given 8-10 half-dry pellets twice a day.
5. Also dry bag can be replaced with a leaf of chopped green lettuce. Aquatic turtles need to immediately throw food into the water. It is also recommended that after a while the remains should be caught with a calico. Small reptiles still need to be fed more live food.

The turtle may hibernate. If you have no idea how to care for the reptile during this period, it is worthwhile to protect the turtle from a similar phenomenon.Maintain a constant temperature in the terrarium, it should not fall below 24-26 degrees. Otherwise, you risk losing your pet. Turtles in the wild during hibernation are hiding in the thick of algae or silt.

Video: how to care for the red-eared turtles