Do you have a turtle as a pet or are you about to buy one? If so and you’re curious about how to take care of it, read on.
The main thing to do when you are about to buy a turtle is to make sure you know the breed you’re buying so you can get the correct information for taking care of it.
Not all turtles come from the same geographical location. Some could be from places like the Sahara where it only rains once a month. Or they could be from places like Greenland where it snows all year round. The ideal temperature for your turtle’s habitat depends greatly on the breed. Things that you should know before you buy the turtle include the temperature it needs to stay healthy, the type of food it eats and the kind of living space it needs. These are important to lengthen their lifespan.
Remember that it is not a good idea to take the turtle out of its tank to show it off or play with it. These sudden changes in temperature can affect the immune system of reptiles since they are cold-blooded animals and take longer to adjust to the changes.
There are a variety of options for housing your turtle. You can choose whether you want your turtle to live in an aquarium inside your house or in a pond if you have a large yard. Avoid using chlorinated water or tap water. Instead, use natural spring water for its drinking water
Some turtles can be vegetarian and eat only lettuce or cabbage, but there are also some turtles that are carnivores. Carnivores can be fed raw meat or a food palette that can be found in any pet store.
Like other animals, turtles can get diseases, illnesses or injuries too. When you want to buy a turtle, always check its health. Make sure you buy a healthy one. But if your turtle becomes sick after a week or so, take it to the veterinarian. Always wash your hands with soap before and after handling it because some turtles can carry salmonella bacteria. You can avoid letting your turtle become sick by keeping its living space within the optimal parameters for its breed and by feeding it according to the right dietary regime.
Always be attentive to your turtle. Watch for any changes. Take good care of your pet because they are living things with hearts too.
By Aainaa Nadira Hashim 14, Selangor

