Fresh Water Turtles :: science

Fresh Water Turtles Fresh Water turtles are small, yet amazing creatures to have and care for in your home. River Cooters, Red Eared Sliders, and Painted turtles are all common pet’s found in America. Though turtles are fun to have around they do require special care just like any other pet would. In most cases they make great pets but turtles aren’t the easiest pets to have so depending on your lifestyle you should think about how much time you’re willing to put into a turtle. They are usually cheap to buy yet the equipment for your turtle can get expensive. Along with cost you must find the time to put into this pet. They need nice set ups to live in as well as attention and proper handling. A turtle’s habitat is vital for their health. Depending on the size and type of turtle you need to make sure you have an adequate home for it. If you decide to keep the turtle inside you need a large aquarium, no smaller than 20 gallons and if you have a baby turtle this will allow a little more room for growth so it will last you a bit longer than a smaller aquarium would. Filters are needed for this aquarium so you do not have to clean it out every day. A clean aquarium is very important for the turtle’s health. Water turtles like to bask out of the water in the sun or under an Ultraviolet (UV) light, which provides the same effect as the sun would, so for this you need a place they can climb out and bask. This is also so they can rest from swimming in the water. These basking rocks, or even floating cork for younger turtles, are very important, they have to have a place to bask and get out of the water. Yet if you decide to keep it outside be sure to provide a place to bask, plenty of water, filters, and a covering so other predators can not harm or eat your turtle. Equipment will be different for indoors or outdoors. If you keep your turtle indoors be sure that it can occasionally get fresh air and sun light, but do not keep an aquarium next to a window! Also, make sure your aquarium or pond is clean, this is extremely important to maintain good health for the turtle and provides them with a clean habitat.