Aquatic Turtles: Good Pets Or Not?

Aquatic turtles are fascinating creatures that can make great pets for the right person. They are popular pets, especially the red-eared slider, but they are not ideal for families with very young children. They require elaborate housing, including large tanks, special lighting, good filtration, and regular cleaning. They are diurnal, so they are active during the day and need access to ultraviolet (UV) light to stay healthy. They can recognise their owners and are fun to watch, but they are not good playmates and can carry salmonella, so good hygiene practices are important when handling them. They can live for a long time, so they are a serious commitment, but with the right care, they can be healthy and terrific pets.

Turtles can carry salmonella and are not ideal for families with young children

Turtles are not ideal pets for families with young children as they can carry salmonella. In 1975, the US government made the connection between turtles and salmonella infections, especially in children, and banned the sale of turtles shorter than 4 inches long. The reasoning behind this ban was that children are more likely to put small turtles in their mouths, kiss them, or not wash their hands after handling them.

Salmonella can cause severe illness, and even death, in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. In 2007, a 4-week-old baby in Florida died from a salmonella infection linked to a small turtle. Since then, there have been other salmonella outbreaks linked to pet turtles, with a third of the patients being children under 5.

Turtles may carry salmonella germs on their bodies and in the water they live in, even when they appear healthy and clean. Surfaces that turtles come into contact with, such as countertops and tabletops, can also become contaminated with salmonella. Therefore, it is important to always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after touching a turtle or anything in their environment.

In addition to the health risks, aquatic turtles are not ideal pets for children because they are difficult to care for and are not suitable for handling. Younger children may not have the interest or ability to provide the necessary care and cleaning, so parents should be prepared to take on the responsibility. Turtles can also become stressed or aggressive if they are handled too much or improperly, so handling should be kept to a minimum.

Turtles require large tanks, special lighting, good filtration, and regular cleaning

Turtles require a lot of space and a lot of upkeep. They need large tanks, special lighting, good filtration, and regular cleaning.

The size of the tank depends on the size of the turtle. A good rule of thumb is that the tank should be at least 40 gallons to allow for growth to adult size. The tank should be about four to five times longer and three to four times wider than the turtle. The water inside the tank should be about one and a half to two times the length of the turtle. For example, a 4-inch-long turtle needs a 40-gallon tank that measures at least 20–24 inches in length by 16–20 inches in width. The water inside the tank should be 6–8 inches deep.

Turtles require a basking area in their tanks—typically a large rock—where they can climb up and hang out. The basking area should be easily accessible from the water. The recommended temperature for the basking area is 85–95°F, while the cooler end of the tank should be maintained at around 75°F. Turtles also require exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light to produce vitamin D in their skin, which is essential for absorbing dietary calcium and maintaining healthy bones and shells. They need about 10–12 hours of UV light daily to imitate natural sunlight.

Turtles are messy eaters, so it's best to feed them in a separate container from their home tank to contain the mess. Turtles eat a variety of foods, including commercially available aquatic turtle food, leafy greens and the occasional treat such as chopped apples or frozen shrimp. Juvenile turtles require more protein in their diet for healthy growth, while adults should consume more plant matter to prevent unhealthy weight gain.

Tanks should be cleaned regularly, even if you have a filtration system. A good filtration system is essential for any aquatic turtle’s habitat. In addition to keeping the tank clean, filters remove harmful toxins, such as ammonia, from the water. An aquarium’s filter should be powerful enough to process all of the tank’s water at least four times per hour. For example, a 40-gallon tank needs a filter with a flow rate of at least 160 gallons per hour (GPH).

To maintain the condition of your turtle’s tank, you should perform routine water changes—25% of the aquarium’s total water volume every week or 50% every other week. In addition to water changes, leftover food should be removed from the tank daily to keep the habitat clean. A deep clean of the tank should be done at least once every three to four weeks.

Turtles are not social or cuddly creatures, but they can recognise their owners

Turtles are not typically social or cuddly creatures. They are not ideal pets for young children, as they can become stressed or aggressive if handled too much or improperly, and they can carry the salmonella bacteria, which poses a risk to children who do not have good hygiene practices. Turtles are also not great playmates and are better treated as something to observe rather than touch.

However, turtles do have emotions and can form emotional bonds with their owners. They can express emotions by displaying playful behaviour, and they can be very friendly and affectionate. Turtles can recognise their owners through their sense of sight, scent, and hearing. They observe the person who provides them with food, water, and other basic amenities, and they can pick up their owner's scent when their owner puts their hand in the tank. They may also be able to hear their owner talking from another room.

Turtles can show affection to their owners in various ways. They may follow their owners around with their eyes or head, swim or walk over to meet their owner when they approach, or rub their head and neck against their owners. An affectionate turtle may also enjoy it when its owner pets its shell.

While turtles may not be social or cuddly, they can recognise their owners and form emotional bonds with them.

Turtles can live for a long time, with some species living for over 100 years

Turtles are one of the longest-living pets you can have, with some species living for over 100 years. This means that, if you decide to get a pet turtle, you are making a long-term commitment.

The lifespan of a turtle depends on the species and the care it receives. Some species may only live for 10 to 20 years in captivity, while others can live up to 150 years. In general, most turtle species can live well into their 50s if provided with appropriate care. For example, the common musk turtle (or "stinkpot") has a lifespan of up to and over 50 years, while the spotted turtle can live to be over 100 years old.

Aquatic turtles kept as pets will commonly live for 20-30 years, but many can live much longer. The red-eared slider, one of the most popular species of aquatic turtle to keep as a pet, has a lifespan of 15-30 years.

It is important to note that turtles can be difficult to care for, and improper care can lead to health issues and a shortened lifespan. They require a lot of space, a suitable environment, and a nutrient-rich diet. It is crucial to work closely with a reptile veterinarian to ensure you are meeting the specific needs of your turtle.

Turtles require a specific diet, including vegetables and supplements

Turtles require a specific diet that includes vegetables and supplements to meet their nutritional needs and prevent health issues. While their dietary preferences may change throughout their lives, most aquatic turtles are omnivores, and their diet should reflect this.

A well-balanced diet for a turtle consists of protein-rich foods, leafy greens, and vegetables. Protein sources can include mealworms, earthworms, freeze-dried krill, aquatic snails, silkworms, and even small bits of cooked chicken. However, it is important to note that rosy reds and common goldfish are high in fat and should only be given as an occasional treat.

Dark, leafy greens are an essential part of a turtle's diet, as they are a great source of vitamins and support a turtle's overall health. Some recommended leafy greens are kale, collard greens, romaine lettuce, dandelion greens, and parsley. It is also beneficial to include red, orange, or yellow veggies like bell peppers, carrots, squash, and green beans, as they are rich in vitamin A, which turtles need in their diet.

Turtles also require calcium supplements to maintain healthy bones and shells. Cuttlebones, or the internal shells of cuttlefish, are an excellent natural source of calcium and other trace minerals. These can be affixed to the side of the tank or left to float in the water. Additionally, turtles need vitamin A in their diet, as they do not store this vitamin in their bodies. A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to swollen eyelids and difficulty seeing.

It is important to note that turtles should be fed according to their age. Juvenile turtles require more protein in their diet for healthy growth, while adults should consume more plant matter to maintain a healthy weight. Turtles over one year old should be fed every two to three days, unless otherwise instructed by a veterinarian.

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