Just like other reptiles, such as the caiman, the bearded dragon, and the chameleon, baby turtles are not the easiest pets to keep. We tend to believe that everything that is beautiful is untouchable, but these small animals require very special attention, and a very scrupulous maintenance of their environment. Only people who are passionate and have the time to give them their full attention should embark on this adventure. Now let’s see how even a beginner can take care of a baby turtle at home, how to feed it and how to maintain its box.
Important information
Before you start turtle breeding, there are two things you should know.
Turtles carry salmonella
Salmonella is a bacteria that is dangerous for human babies. If you have small children, raising a turtle may not be a good idea. If you still want to do this, be sure to place the enclosure in a place inaccessible to children.
How long does a turtle live?
This is the most common question asked by novice turtle breeders, and it’s not for nothing. The longevity of a turtle depends on its species, but is generally high. It is therefore necessary to be readily available to assume such a responsibility.
Caring for a baby turtle at home is no easy task
If the number of turtles abandoned each year is very high, it is because it is an animal that requires a lot of attention. So, if you do find a turtle in the wild, make sure you are available enough so that you don’t duplicate their first handler’s mistake to give them all the care they deserve and need.
If, on the contrary, raising a baby turtle is your own choice, be sure to educate yourself about the different species that exist, and to choose a breed suitable for beginners, such as the bordered turtle or the dwarf turtle, which will keep a small one. height in adulthood.
Be sure to buy your turtle from a specialty store and educate yourself on the specific needs of its species.
What to put in your turtle’s enclosure?
First of all, know that while a turtle needs (it’s not negotiable!) A heat lamp, it also needs sunlight. Be sure to place his box near a window or other source of natural light.
It also absolutely needs a water basin, even if it is a land turtle, in order to ensure its good hygiene. So for size, in addition to finding out about your turtle’s adult size, make sure you have enough room for it to provide it with a sufficient reservoir of water.
Finally, the ground must be covered with earth, and you would make your turtle very sad if you did not decorate its enclosure with flat stones where it can hide, and plants, synthetic or natural … on condition that these plants do not. represent no danger to him.
What does a baby turtle eat?
The baby turtle feeds on its own from about a week. It’s an omnivorous animal, so you can feed whatever you eat yourself. If you are in doubt, ask yourself: “Is this food toxic to me?” If it is, it will also be for your turtle.
The growing baby turtle eats at least twice a day. On the other hand, once an adult and growth is complete, he will eat less often, on average once a day. So don’t be surprised if you don’t see him eating often.
The question of how much to feed your baby turtle will depend on its breed and size, and it’s up to you to adapt it according to its consumption.
What common diseases and illnesses in turtles?
Like all reptiles, the skin of turtles is very dry, and can therefore be affected by micro-cuts or irritation. You can use disinfectant and neutral moisturizer to relieve it.
Respiratory problems are also very common in turtles. This can be a sign of an excessively humid environment, which can be regulated with the heat lamp, or simply a sign of old age.
A turtle can also quickly develop diarrhea or constipation. While constipation is often simply due to poor hydration, diarrhea, on the other hand, can be a sign of intestinal parasites. In this case, a visit to the veterinarian is required.
A good clue of your turtle’s health is the condition of its eyes. Normally, the turtle’s eyes are very round, wide open, and very bright. If you find that her eyes are dull, puffy, half-closed, don’t wait to take her to the vet, the problem can be serious and the sources indefinable to the naked eye.
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