Having a turtle as a pet is a great idea for people with little free time. However, note that the peculiarity of these animals is not that they do not need care, but that it takes a minimum amount of time. Indeed, there is no need to walk with turtles, they do not require complex hygienic procedures, but you will have to remember the basic rules of feeding and environmental requirements. It is advisable to pre-select the type of animal you are interested in, but if you have presented a pet, consult a specialist to determine the correct breed. Central Asian, swamp, red-eared and many others - all these are decorative turtles. Special care should be carried out for each species.
Cooking habitat
All species of these animals can be divided into two large groups: water and land. For representatives of each of them, it is necessary to create special living conditions. It is necessary to start with the debunking of a common myth - even land decorative turtles, the care of which is considered the easiest, should be kept in a special terrarium. The mistake of many novice amateurs is the release of the turtle into the wild, i.e., to the floor. This is unacceptable, since in an ordinary apartment or house the animal will be injured, do not forget about drafts and small garbage, which can be mistakenly eaten. Aquatic species require an aquarium, in which most of the "lake", and the smaller - a dry area. Land turtles require a terrarium with soil and shelter.
Temperature and special conditions
In addition to the glass box, you will need special equipment for keeping turtles. Like all reptiles, these animals need heating of air and water, and ultraviolet lamps (more powerful for land species) are also needed. The minimum aquarium volume for aquatic species is 100 liters. Keep in mind that even decorative small turtles require care in compliance with all the rules. And if the seller promises that the animals will not grow more than 5 cm in length - this is not true. The normal size for all "dwarf" turtles is up to 13 cm inclusive. Species growing larger are considered larger and more complex in content.
Types of food and feeding schedule
Turtles can not be fed the usual human foods and food for other animals. Among those who recently purchased an animal, the question of what decorative turtles eat is popular. Reptile care should include making the right diet. Most aquatic species are predators; they should be fed with seafood and low-fat fish; it is completely optional to remove entrails and bones from it. It is necessary to introduce in the diet and plant foods, in a small percentage of the total. There are also special ready-made feeds, it is recommended to give them no more than once a week. From time to time, you can feed animals nutritional supplements. Land reptiles eat salads, various plants, vegetables and fruits. They must be fed with vitamins once a week. A drinking bowl in the terrarium is not needed, only some tropical species of turtles drink water .
Decorative turtles water: care and special needs
For these animals, the landscape in the aquarium is important. There should be a special ladder from the water to a dry platform, on which the turtle can go down and up. It is important for these animals to communicate with the owners, give at least 10-15 minutes to your pet per day. Keep these reptiles in pairs is not worth it. Almost all types of turtles react negatively to their own kind, the second individual interests them only during the breeding season. Avoiding fights and mutilations will be difficult. Ruby-eared decorative turtles require special care. They need to cut their claws, but the beak should be shortened only when absolutely necessary.
Features of the content of land turtles
Animals living outside the body of water are recommended to walk. The warm floor of the apartment is suitable (the main thing is that there are no drafts) or the natural landscape. Keep in mind that almost all species can bury themselves in the sand, so do not leave your pet unattended while walking. Viruses pose a great danger to animals. If your pets are decorative turtles, care should be standard - clipping of claws and beak is also necessary for them. If possible, the animal should be bathed, once a week is enough. Water should not get into the eyes and ears of the turtle. During molting, it is useful to lubricate the shell with a special cream. It is necessary to protect the animal from excessive heat and direct sunlight, do not place the terrarium near heating appliances, release the turtle in partial shade during a walk. A useful thing for terrestrial species that are often taken for a walk is a special beacon that allows you to find a reptile that has disappeared from sight.