How to care for a pet turtle? Why it isn't easy and could require decades of attention
Turtles have lifespans that can surpass some humans, drawing awe as more and more people adopt the hard-shelled animals as pets. They can enjoy long lifespans with proper care and adoration from owners.
Whether it's a turtle or a tortoise, Americans are bringing the creatures into their homes and learning the animals aren't the easiest to care for. Before welcoming a turtle, the Humane Society of the United States encourages future pet parents to thoroughly research turtles, their habitat, and veterinary and handling care to ensure the creature lives a happy life.
"If you've done extensive research and are prepared for the commitment and responsibility of a turtle, we suggest you adopt one from a local animal shelter or rescue group, instead of creating more demand for turtles by purchasing one from a pet store," The Human Society said.
How to take care of a pet turtle
Fish experts and food sellers Pisces Pros said turtles need a tank that can hold at least 40 gallons of water with a heat lamp. The enclosure must have dry and wet areas for the pet to swim and relax. The turtle's tank has to be cleaned regularly, even with adequate filtration systems.
For temperature control, the aquatic care site recommends that people have both a heat lamp and a water heater. The prime conditions for a turtle are between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
"If you do touch your turtle or anything in its cage, you need to wash your hands thoroughly, otherwise you risk getting salmonella," Pisces Pros said.
When it comes to food, your pet turtle's diet is omnivorous. Younger turtles − between 7 and 10 years old − should eat more meat, but as they get older, they will also consume vegetables and fruit, Fetch by WebMD reports.
A domestic turtle's diet can range from drained sardines and cooked chicken to moths and worms. For vegetables and fruits, pet turtles can have dandelions, mustard greens, cantaloupe and bananas, among other options.
What type of water do turtles like to live in?
That depends on the type of turtle. Box turtles, desert tortoises and water turtles all require different types of water, according to the California Turtle and Tortoise Club.
Box turtles should be outdoors and kept away from predators. The species can survive on the same drinking water a home has.
Adult desert tortoises must be kept outdoors, the club said, with shelter from the weather and a place to retreat at night. Yards should be escape-proof to allow for the tortoise to exercise and roam freely. Hatchlings are also kept outdoors but in a predator-protected enclosure with only small areas for sun.
Water turtles require more extensive care and are recommended to be kept outdoors to help duplicate it's natural environment, the club said. The turtle needs a large swimming area (a children's pool is prime) with some cinder blocks, rocks and floating logs. Female turtles need dry areas to lay eggs and vegetation to burrow and hide.
The club urged all owners to be mindful of when a turtle hibernates as that's when the animal's life functions slows. That typically happens in colder months and with shorter days as food is scarce and the climate isn't suitable for regular behavior. It advises against hibernating sick or injured turtles due to their limited life functions.
"Digestion ceases, the circulation is reduced, and the immune and other defense systems slow or stop," according to the website. "Because of these changes disease can develop unchecked, and even mild or minor complaints can turn into major problems for turtles and tortoises."
How big do turtle pets get?
VCA Animal Hospitals, a network of veterinary hospitals, says that box turtles don't grow to be fairly large. Adults grow to between 5 to 7 inches in diameter. For aquatic turtles, the animal hospitals said males average 7 to 9 inches long, while females average 10 to 12 inches long.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said desert tortoises can weigh between 8 and 15 pounds, and grow up to 15 inches long and 6 inches high.
Long lasting lives:Parrots and turtles often outlive their owners. Then what happens?
How long do pet turtles live?
Katrina Smith, who helps run the Mid-Atlantic Turtle and Tortoise Society in Baltimore, previously told USA TODAY that some of the animals can live until 100. Many rescues like hers are taking in the pets who have outlived their owners, which isn't uncommon if an older person adopts an older turtle.
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USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "How many people can watch Netflix at once?" to "Why is it called winter?" to "What's December's birthstone?"− we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you.
Contributing: Olivia Munson
Contact reporter Krystal Nurse at knurse@USATODAY.com. Follow her on X @KrystalRNurse, and on BlueSky @krystalrnuse.bsky.social.
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