We have already seen it with the caiman, the chameleon or the bearded dragon, reptiles are far from the easiest pets to keep. Far from being trivial, raising baby turtles is quite complicated. These little creatures, although very cute, require special care and a well-maintained environment. It is therefore necessary to be passionate and have the necessary time to take care of it before making the decision to get it. We have therefore put together some tips for beginners to take good care of your baby turtle at home, feed him well, and take good care of his box.
How to take care of a baby turtle at home?
Turtles are animals that require a lot of attention. If you find a turtle, it’s probably because its previous owner underestimated its ability to care for it. In this case, don’t make the same mistake and make sure that you have enough time and energy to give her all the love that she needs.
If, on the other hand, you are new to turtle breeding on a voluntary basis, be sure to choose a small turtle, which will not grow much, before starting the experiment. The best place to buy a turtle is at a specialty pet store. Once again, if you are a beginner, learn about the different species of turtles, and all the elements necessary for their well-being according to their breed.
What environment for a baby turtle?
The first element to define is its environment. Find out about the adult size your animal will reach, in order to define the size of its enclosure. Although a heat lamp will be necessary, it is important to locate the enclosure near a sunny window or other source of natural light.
To cover the bottom of your baby turtle’s box, you can use soil for example, which you will sprinkle with stones, like slates, where our little friend can hide (which they love!). You can also add artificial trees or plants (be careful to choose plants that are safe for your turtle).
Finally, know that turtles, even on land, need a basin where they can swim. So you will need sufficient space for this tank, as well as a water pump to keep it clean at all times.
How to feed a baby turtle?
The second essential point for beginners wishing to raise a baby turtle to address is the issue of food. What do baby turtles eat? At what frequency ? In what quantity?
First of all, know that baby turtles eat more often than adults because they are growing. Feed your babies at least once or twice a day. Once an adult, a daily intake will be sufficient. Turtles eat slowly and often at night. So don’t be surprised if you don’t see them eating often. For the quantity, it’s up to you to adapt it according to the size and consumption of your turtle: they are all unique.
Most turtles are omnivorous, so you can feed them whatever you eat on your own. A general rule, which applies to all omnivorous animals: if you would not eat it, do not feed it to your animal.
Common diseases in turtles
It is important to know that turtles carry salmonella, a disease that is dangerous for babies. It is therefore not recommended to keep a turtle if you have small children. Otherwise, be sure to keep your pet in a room inaccessible to children.
Other than that, the most common ailments in turtles are:
- superficial wounds: use a little disinfectant
- respiratory infections: unless their surroundings are too cold (and yes, the heat lamp is necessary!), there is unfortunately not much to do; it is often a sign that they are old and approaching the end of their life
- diarrhea: this may be due to the presence of intestinal parasites, take her to the vet
- constipation: often due to poor hydration; make sure to renew the water daily
A clear clue to your turtle’s good health is the shine in its eyes. If you see that his eyes are getting dull, swollen, dirty, or half-closed, there is a concern and a visit to the vet is necessary.
Other frequently asked questions
How long does a turtle sleep?
Turtles sleep a lot, especially babies. Don’t be surprised if you don’t see them moving around a lot, especially early in their life.
How long does a turtle live?
It all depends on the hope, but the average longevity of a turtle is very long. All the more reason to ensure that we are readily available to assume such a responsibility.
From what age does a turtle eat?
Coming out of the egg, the turtle will begin to feed on its own after a week or so, don’t be surprised if you don’t see it eat before that.
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