Painted turtles are common aquatic turtles kept as pets.
Turtles are reptiles present in a variety of habitats, including ponds, rivers, lakes and swamps, in all countries of the world. They can live on land or in water. Several common water turtles that people successfully keep as pets are red-eared sliders, painted, snapping and musk turtles. If you buy them from a reputable dealer and care for them properly, water turtles make good pets. The basic needs of water turtles include a balanced diet, a place to bask and get out of the water, a warm, humid environment and enough clean water in which to drink, swim and feed.
Instructions
Setting Up the Turtle's Habitat
1. Purchase an aquarium of at least 10 or 20 gallons for your pet. Water turtles require adequate space to swim and need an area to get out of the water. Set up the aquarium before you bring your turtle home. This will prevent unnecessary trauma and ensure that the water and environment are the correct temperature for your pet. Add a ventilated top to make the aquarium safer for your turtle and help keep its habitat warm and humid.
2. Fill the aquarium with natural spring water or tap water. Allow the water to stand at least 48 hours before adding the turtle. The water should be 72 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and at least the same depth as the length of the turtle's top shell so that it can right itself. If it gets turned upside down in the water and can't turn back over, the turtle will drown.
3. Place a basking area in the aquarium, in the form of a slanted, flat stone, to allow the turtle to get out of the water. Check that the stone is not rough or sharp on the edges. Install an incandescent light over the stone in the aquarium, following the manufacturer's instructions. Keep this area between 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit so the turtle can bask in the heat and get out of the water to rest and dry off. The light should warm the turtle's swimming water to 72 to 75 degrees. Install an aquarium thermometer to monitor the temperature.
4. Shade a small area of the stone so your pet can still be dry but can get out of the bright light. Use an aquarium ornament that the turtle can crawl under safely. Fasten it securely to the stone with a waterproof adhesive bought at a pet supply store.
Selecting, Caring For and Feeding Your Turtle
5. Select a healthy turtle from a reputable pet dealer. Look for a bright-eyed, lively turtle whose legs do not hang limply when you hold it. The shell should be hard with no chips or discoloration. Carry the turtle in the container prepared for you by the pet dealer.
6. Transport the turtle home and remove it carefully from the container by grasping it securely on either side of its shell. Hold your other hand under the turtle so it can't fall. Place it gently near the water section of the prepared aquarium so it can choose to go in the water or not. Let your pet rest undisturbed for at least an hour.
7. Feed your turtle a varied diet, which it both needs and enjoys. Check with your veterinarian or pet store owner regarding the best foods for your pet. Many aquatic turtles can eat chopped fish, tiny soft-bodied insects, and lean scraps of beef liver or heart. Certain species of aquatic turtles will eat vegetables such as collard greens, romaine lettuce, finely chopped assorted vegetables or pond weeds. Some commercial pet foods are acceptable, but do not feed your pet "turtle food," which contains ant pupae or dried flies. These will not offer much nutrition. Cat or dog food will foul the water and does not contain the correct nutrition for reptiles.
8. Give your turtle calcium and vitamins D3 and A, which are required in its diet. Check with your veterinarian or pet store adviser for the correct dosages for your turtle. Mix the recommended amount of these, in liquid or powder form, into the turtle's food so they won't dissipate in the water.
9. Wear disposable cleaning gloves, because of the danger of salmonella poisoning, and wash your turtle aquarium at least once a week. Gently remove the turtle by grasping its shell on either side. Hold your other gloved hand under your pet so it can't fall. Place the turtle in its feeding container. While your pet is eating, wash the aquarium with warm water and a clean sponge or paper towels. Wash it out again with a turtle habitat cleaner you can purchase at a pet store. Rinse the aquarium thoroughly several times. Wash any aquarium accessories and rinse thoroughly.
10. Prepare the aquarium for the turtle again as previously instructed and add clean water that has been standing at least 48 hours. Make sure the water is in the correct temperature range, and gently place the turtle back in its home. Let the turtle rest undisturbed for at least an hour.
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