How to Take Care of Water Turtles
Take care of your reptile companions by keeping them happy with the right space, the right food, and regular maintenance.
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You Will Need
- Turtles
- Container
- Food
Steps
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Step 1
Choose a suitable container
Choose a suitable container for your turtles. You can use a glass aquarium, plastic container, stock watering tank, or an outdoor pond.
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The combined surface area of all of your turtles' upper shells should not exceed 25 percent of the container's floor area. Keep in mind that turtles grow over their life spans, and that you may need to upgrade the container.
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Step 2
Find a suitable location
Place the container in a location where the turtles will get 2 to 4 hours of sunlight each day.
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Step 3
Maintain a suitable temperature
Maintain the container at a temperature that causes the turtles to eat well but doesn't cause them to be overactive. Turtles are most comfortable between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Step 4
Feed the turtles
Feed the turtles in the water, 3 or 4 times a week. Most turtles eat three-quarters meat and one-quarter vegetable-matter.
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Step 5
Change the water frequently
Change the water in the container frequently. Be sure to change it completely -- a partial change will not be adequate. Keep your turtles content, and you'll have a pet that will be with you for years to come.
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The life expectancy of the red-eared slider turtle -- a common pet aquatic turtle -- is 50 to 70 years.
