Pet Turtles, a popular choice of pet, are an ancient order of reptiles, species of which range greatly in size and habitat requirements. Most pet turtle types are small to medium sized, but all species of turtles can live for many years, and as such can be complicated pets to own.
One of the most popular pet turtles is the red eared slider. It is essential with these and all pet turtles that they have the proper habitat to prevent complications such as shell rot. You can purchase an entire turtle habitat at the pet store. But as your turtle grows larger, you may need to consider a well-equipped turtle tank or an outdoor pond such as a koi pond if you live in a temperate climate. This is important. If the pond water gets too cold, the turtle can get very ill and die.
Baby turtles may be contaminated with salmonella bacteria, which can lead to illness and death in small children, babies and adults with immune system deficiencies. To avoid the risk of coming into contact with this dangerous bacteria, always wash hands with soap and water after handling turtles. Due to the risk posed by baby turtles, it is illegal to sell turtles with shells less than four inches long.FDA: FDA Re-Emphasizes Warnings to Consumers on Risks of Pet Turtles
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What do Pet Tutles eat? Diet is extremely important for your pet turtle. Most of the problems and illness associated with the pet turtle are low calcium, or vitamin and mineral deficiencies. They can also suffer from infections and parasites.
Feed your turtle a balanced diet that includes: Formulated turtle food Feeder goldfish Mealworms, wax worms, earthworms from pet store Dark leafy green plant matter Fruits and vegetables
Feed your turtle in a separate container, because they have a tendency to defecate when eating. A separate container cuts down on the mess for you, and is more healthy for the turtle.
Rescued Red Eared Slider
Red eared sliders, given the opportunity, will run away from home and keep going. This is a photo of a 4" Red Eared Slider awaiting rescue. His temporary environment is a baking pan, a piece of rounded sturdy bark to bask on, and a heating pad to warm up the water. Louisiana Red Eared Sliders which is what this creature is, line up by the dozens on logs in swamps and bask in the sun.
It turns out he was living in the neighbor's koi pond, the water got too cold, and he left. The happy ending is that "Melvin" was reunited with his family and now has a proper habitat for cold weather.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
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Order
Testudines
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Fact:
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Popular breeds
Red-eared sliders, map turtles, mud turtles, musk turtles
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Lifespan
Varies, but can be 25 to 70 or more years
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Food
Omnivorous
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Water Sourse
Require continual access to fresh water
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Hibernation
Some turtles hibernate
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Diet
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Temperature
Heat lamp may be required to regulate temperature of habitat
