Skip to Main Content

Open 6 Days a Week - Monday Through Saturday

How to Take Care of Your Pet Turtle

Turtles are water-friendly companions that many exotic pet owners love building a bond with. In this post, our Greensboro vets list the different types of turtles share tips for taking care of your turtle and more. 


Your Turtle Tutorial

Looking for an out-of-the-ordinary pet that will be happy in your home? A turtle may be for you. These cute, water-friendly companions offer a unique opportunity to bond that you won’t find with a dog or cat. 

Turtles are great for pet owners who are just starting their journey into more exotic pet ownership. Though they require different considerations than your average furry friend, those who do own them, love them!

Types of Turtles

Did you know there are about 270 types of turtles? Many will require a long-term commitment, as they can easily live about 20 years. These are generally considered ideal for exotic pet owners looking for a reptilian companion:

  • African Aquatic Sideneck
  • Caspian Pond Turtle
  • Central American Wood Turtle
  • Greek Tortoise
  • Painted Turtle
  • Red-Eared Slider
  • Russian Tortoise

A note on distinction: tortoises live on land. While terrapins are turtles, they typically split their time evenly between land and fresh water.

Living Environment

Turtles need a few elements in their living environment to thrive. These include:

Terrarium

Since your pet will need both land and water environments with lots of room to explore, an appropriately sized terrarium is likely an ideal environment for a turtle. Because they do everything in the water — including going to the bathroom — a turtle’s environment must be closely monitored. Ensure you are using a high-quality filtration system and change the water a few times each week to ensure it stays clean.

Clean water will go a long way to keeping your turtle healthy and preventing infections.

Contrary to what you may think, though they’ll need a heat lamp and a spot to bask in addition to thermometers for both the air and water, water temperature is not as high of a priority. However, keep in mind that the environment should be kept as close as possible to what your turtle would gravitate to in the wild.

Learning the right air temperature may take some research, but is time well spent as the wrong air temperature can lead to respiratory infection. Some sunlight will also aid in the proper development of your turtle’s shell and prevent metabolic bone disease from developing.

Lighting & Heating

You may be interested to know aquatic tools are most active during daylight hours. If they're kept away from daylight, their tank should be lit with a UVA or UVB bulb for 12 hours every day. 

A heat bulb should be hung over the dry side of the terrarium. If tank temperature goes under 70 F overnight, we recommend getting a night-specific heat lamp. To maintain water temperature, use an underwater heater. 

Here are the best temperature ranges for turtles: 

- Water temperature: 72 to 77 F (22 to 25 C) day and night

- Wet side of tank: 75 to 85 F (24 to 29 C)

- Dry side of tank with basking spot: 85 to 90 F (29 to 32 C)

- When basking light is turned off: Temperature inside tank should remain 65 to 75 F (18 to 24 C)

Decorations

We recommend creating a sloped area above water level for your turtle to bask. This can be done with aquarium gravel or by using a landing dock. 

Diet

Though diet will vary depending on the type of turtle, most eat fish (comet goldfish), leafy, dark greens, canned or pelleted turtle food, insets and/or freeze-dried mealworms.

While turtles don’t need to be fed every day, they should eat 4 to 5 times per week (except for young water turtles, who should eat every day). Your vet may also recommend a calcium supplement to provide your turtle with twice per year.

Safely Caring for Your Turtle

Like most pets, turtles need good, consistent care, including sticking to a proper feeding schedule, along with providing access to both water and land, having their water cleaned regularly and the right temperature for air and water.

Health risks include parasites, abscesses, shell fractures and infections and respiratory disease due to vitamin deficiencies.

In addition, we always caution turtle owners to prevent salmonella (which can be transmitted and cause serious disease in humans) by maintaining good hygiene practices and adding conditioner to the water to help prevent salmonella and other diseases from occurring.

Here are some more tips:

  • Lift your turtle at its midsection, not its legs. Always wash your hands before and after touching your turtle, and watch kids closely around your pet. 
  • Regularly check for signs of illness. Is your turtle avoiding food? Are its eyes swollen or is its shell discolored? Time to call a vet who specializes in exotic and reptile care.
  • Keep the water about 1 inch deeper than the width of your baby turtle’s shell — deep enough for a growing reptile that’s learning to swim.
  • The smallest terrarium or aquarium should not be shorter than 4 feet long, 18 inches wide and 18 inches tall. Look for one under 29 gallons.
  • Baby turtles should eat up to two times daily.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

Book an appointment today for your pet. Our Greensboro vets can help you ensure your pet stays healthy.

How to Take Care of Your Pet Turtle | Greensboro Vet

Looking for a vet in Greensboro?

We're always accepting new patients, so contact our veterinary hospital today to book your pet's first appointment.

Contact Us

Related Articles View All

What happens during a routine pet exam?

Routine wellness exams are a proactive way to help safeguard your pet's long-term health and vitality. Why should you take your healthy pet to the vet? What happens during a pet health wellness exam? Find out.

How much does an emergency vet visit cost?

Emergency veterinary care can be costly, but planning ahead allows you to make decisions about your pet's care based on their needs rather than financial restrictions. Today, we look at the cost of emergency vet care, and how to be ready if your pet needs emergency treatment.

Kidney Failure in Dogs

Chronic and acute kidney failure are serious health problems commonly seen in dogs. Here, you will learn about the differences between chronic and acute kidney failure in dogs, the signs to watch for and how these conditions are treated.

Signs of Bladder Infections in Dogs & How They Are Treated

Many dogs suffer from bladder infections and other issues affecting the urinary tract system. What causes bladder infection in dogs? What signs should you watch for? How do vets treat bladder infections in dogs? Read on to find out.

Vet in Greensboro

Looking for a vet in Greensboro?

We're always thrilled to welcome new patients into our veterinary family! Contact us today to get started.

Book Online

Book Online (336) 852-0200