Water Turtle Habitat

Having a good idea on the water turtle habitat lets hobbyists set up a perfect growing environment for the creature, when they want to keep it as a pet. Setting up an identical habitat of the turtle takes off the pressure which can brim up when the animal is taken out of the wild and introduced to an enclosure. So, in this article we will discuss how to go about setting up various things which can mimic the actual habitat of the water turtle. Apart from this, we will also study about what other aspects go into a water turtle care.

Water Turtle Facts

The commitment of raising a water turtle as a pet involves providing it with a perfect mimic of its natural environment, as closely as possible. The habitat of this reptile, in the wild, mainly comprises areas, where there is a large swimming area with water of good quality and accompanied by an area where it can bask. The habitat also involves good hiding places, proper temperature and adequate quantity of food. Such conditions can be addressed to by using an outdoor enclosure which has all the adequate setups. However, during the winter months, it is advisable not to allow the animal to hibernate outdoors.

Providing a warm environment indoors does best for the health and well-being of the turtle. So, starting off with setting up a duplicate habitat for a water turtle, the aquarium must be filled up by 5 gallons of water. The amount of water must be per inch of upper shell length. Maintaining the water at 80 degrees F is considered ideal for the survival of the turtle. However, it may vary according to the species. For this, you can get a good quality heater for the turtle's aquarium and a thermometer. This set up is required during the colder months and in the spring the reptile can be moved to an outdoor setup.

Basking is also an essential part of the water turtle's lifestyle. The main purpose of basking in the sun is to keep the shell dry and free from any fungus or bacterial attacks. So, build a secure pile of rocks which can make up for a high and dry area. When kept indoors, the turtle must be provided with a light of sufficient UV energy. Note that, in the wild, a female water turtle has easy access to land to lay any eggs. So even this aspect must be considered when keeping a female turtle as a pet. Constructing a pond on high ground prevents flooding. It must not be too shallow as there is a risk of overheating. A depth of 18 inches is the minimum measurement that must be kept for the pond. Fence the pond area and bury stuffs along the fence line to prevent digging out. Also, in order to prevent the water turtle from climbing, treat the top of the fence with an inward lip.

Water Turtle Care

The water turtle enjoys live foods more than frozen ones. Earthworms, insects, snails and tadpoles happen to be the favorites of this reptile. However, scrambled eggs, carrion, catfish chow, etc, can also be fed occasionally. Foods low in calcium such as earthworms must not be fed exclusively, nor pinkie mice which are low in calcium and high in fat. It is a good idea to place some calcium block in the water. Dandelion, chard, kale, collard, etc, do good when giving the turtle vegetarian food. Feed hatchlings every two days and adults, twice a week. This is to prevent overfeeding. Before your turtle goes for hibernation, feed it well, and so also, immediately after the hibernation is over.

You may not be aware about any water turtle diseases, as these creatures, unlike mammals, stay remarkably free of any ailments when they receive proper care. However, frequent medical checks must be done to detect any signs of diseases. Symptoms to watch out for include swollen and runny eyes. These may be accompanied by ear lumps, difficulty in breathing, loss of appetite and loose stools. You can suspect the possibility of a fungus or a bacterial infection when the shell of the skin becomes white, brown, soft or flaky.

Before I conclude this fact sheet, remember that if you are bringing a wild caught turtle home, then do not forget to get it treated by a reptile vet. This is because such wild specimens most likely play host to internal parasites.