Turtle as a Pet

Choosing Your First Pet Turtle

A Turtle for a pet is fascinating and have long life spans that comes with both a daily and long-term commitment

1. Turtles have Long Lives

A Pet Turtle is Family Commitment

A common pet Turtle can live 20 – 40 years or even longer – consider:

• If you purchase a starter small turtle – turtles grow
• A larger tank enclosure will be necessary depending how big your pet Turtle grows
• An apartment/condo owner must consider the turtle may outgrow the limited space
• A pet Turtle can grow large enough to require a back garden/outdoor enclosure

Enquire from your certified Turtle sales individual a detailed explanation of your pet Turtle’s potential life span and possible needs.

2. Housing and Environment

For your Pet Turtle

A proper setup for a pet Turtle is complicated and expensive.

• Moisture-dependant amphibians require specialized high-humidity terrarium (50-100% humidity
• Strong filtration system
• Clean fresh water access
• Small Enclosure causes stress and stunted-growth
• Unsuitable Substrate – impaction if ingested sand gravel
• Incorrect temperature – too hot/cold impairs metabolism
• Low humidity – dehydration skin issues
• Dehydration – fresh clean water daily
• Poor Ventilation – fungal/mould issues respiratory issues
• Inadequate Hiding Spots – stress and weakened immunity
• Branches for climbing
• Live/artificial plants for security

You must now consider ongoing Turtle costs – electricity, food and veterinarian expenses.

3. Your Child/Children’s Turtle

What if They Lose Interest

Before purchasing a pet Turtle for your child/children consider:

• Will you the parent/guardian be interested in the Pet Turtle long-term
• Is your child/children/family used to routines already
• What about travel periods away
• Do o have space for a growing Turtles needs
• Are you prepared for the regular pet Turtle expenses
• Are you prepared for Exotic Pet Veterinarian expenses

A pet Turtle is a special pet to keep.

4. Young Children Pet Turtle

Need Supervised Pet Turtle Handling

Turtles, and other reptiles, commonly carry salmonella bacteria even when they appear healthy.

1. Always have individuals wash their hands after handling a pet Turtle
2. Never kiss a pet Turtle
3. Never cuddle a pet Turtle
4. Clean tanks in designated area – not in the kitchen sink
5. Keep pet Turtle away from food prep areas

Children especially very young children must be constantly supervised with your pet Turtle.

5. Mental Health and Enrichment

For your Pet Turtle

A pet Turtle enrichment focuses on properly mimicking a Turtle’s natural habitats and behaviours.

• Sentient creatures – experience fear stress anxiety
• Social bonding territorial nature
• Avoid household toxins chemical
• Substrate – coconut-fibre sphagnum-moss peat-moss
• Aggression between tank mates
• Injury death
• Boredom – plants hiding spots climbing branches
• Nocturnal disturbances – light and noise sensitive
• Nocturnal to avoid predators
• Opportunity feeders

Turtles are extremely sensitive to chemicals and residues on human hands:

1. Always wash your hands before handling your pet Turtle
2. Preferably handle your pet Turtle with non-powdered, wet latex-free gloves on

Only use clean fresh water when misting your pet Turtle

A Good Rule to Consider

A pet Turtle should be purchased because the parent genuinely wants and totally accepts responsibility for the pet Turtle.

Your Pet Turtle will give You

Activity and Friendship

Your Emergency Photos/Video on

PeTrackers.com

Made finding your Lost Turtle

Quicker and Easier to Find

And Happily Return to You!