How to care for a pet aquatic turtle

There are two main types of turtle: aquatic and box turtles. This article will focus on aquatic turtles.

The most common type of aquatic turtle is the red-eared slider. These turtles can make great pets, and in fact, they are very common to be in classrooms around the United States.

The red-eared slider can grow to be 10-12 inches long, and can weigh up to 10 pounds. If they are well cared for, they can live for over 50 years.

These turtles eat a variety of food, which should include a mix of turtle food and fresh vegetables. All pet turtles need to have a calcium and vitaminD3 supplement to make sure that they don't get bone disorders.

Aquatic turtles, such as the red eared slider, need to have a terrarium, which is what the turtle aquariums are called (since they have land, not full of water). This terrarium needs to be outfitted with a water pond for the turtle to swim, and a large rock for the turtle to bask. The terrarium should also be equiped with a special reptile light, which shines both UVA and UVB light. Turtles can be messy creatures, so the water part of the tank should have a filtration system, and the tank will require cleaning often. Finally, turtles need to be in a temperature regulated environment. The terrarium should be kept inside, and should be heated on those cold nights.

Aquatic turtles can make great pets, but not for very small children. Children should also be taught that turtles can carry disease, so they should not put them in their mouth.
However, since the 1970s, the FDA banned the sale of red eared sliders that are less than 4 inches, and as a result, the number of children that have gotten sick from turtles has significantly declines. As with any pet and child relationship, adult supervision should be present at all times.

If you would like to know more about turtles as pets, please check out http://www.petturtleandtortoise.com.