Turtles can be kept as pets, but require special care and feeding. Depending on the type of turtle, adult animals can grow to between 15 and 30cm in length. For a turtle to be healthy and happy, its home should resemble its natural habitat as much as possible.

 

To properly care for a turtle, you need a terrarium, a plastic tub or a wooden box, some smooth stones, a red light lamp or heating lamp, artificial soil, plants, turtle food, fresh fruit and vegetables and insects.

 

Keeping turtles in a terrarium

 

The aquarium for a 25cm turtle such as the red-cheeked ornamental turtle should hold about 200 litres. To make the tank as natural as possible, the turtle needs above all warmth and dryness in a corner of the tank. Fill the bottom of the terrarium with water and place flat stones and roots in it. The turtle can use these as a platform.

The water temperature should be about 25 degrees; the warm corner of the tank about 30 degrees. The temperature can be kept constant with terrarium heating rods.

The terrarium should be cleaned regularly so that the water is not contaminated by bacteria. The frequency of cleaning depends on whether you use a filter and whether the turtle gets its food in the tank.

 

A young turtle needs food daily, while an adult only needs to be fed every other day. The turtle's diet should consist of about 25% of ready-made turtle food, 25% of protein-rich food such as earthworms and half of plant food such as green beans, shredded carrots, fruits, dandelions and collard greens.

 

Keeping turtles in a box

 

A wooden or plastic box for turtles should have about half a square metre of floor space. the floor is lined with peat, stones and plants so that the turtle has enough hiding places. A shallow water bowl should not be missing, large enough for the turtle to lie in. The water should not go higher than the turtle's chin.

The temperature should be between 25 and 30 degrees. Every day the turtle should be exposed to the sun or UV light for 10-12 hours. To heat the box, you can place a heating pad under the floor or irradiate the box from above with a lamp.

 

Note: Tortoises can be very messy eaters, so it is usually better if they eat in a place other than the terrarium or box. Also, turtles can carry salmonella, so wash your hands well after touching them.