Turtles As Pets: Uk Law And Ownership

Turtles are becoming an increasingly popular pet in the UK, with approximately 700,000 tortoises and turtles being kept as animal companions. However, before taking the plunge and committing to this fantastic animal, it is important to consider the impact they will have on your life and how to care for them. Turtles can live for decades, so keeping one is a lifetime commitment. They also require a lot of space, a specific diet, and a well-functioning water filtration system.

Turtle species and their unique traits

There are over 350 species of turtles, and they are becoming an increasingly popular pet choice in the UK. Here is a look at some of the species that are commonly kept as pets, along with their unique traits:

Red-Eared Slider

The red-eared slider is one of the most popular aquatic turtle species. They are sociable, active, and widely available. Males are particularly easy to care for. They can be kept indoors or outdoors, but they require a large tank with adequate basking areas, UV lighting, and a good water filtration system. They are messy and have a decent adult size, so they can be expensive to care for. Red-eared sliders can live for over 50 years and grow to around 12 inches in length.

African Sideneck Turtle

The African sideneck turtle has a unique appearance with a long neck that cannot retract fully into its shell. They are curious and won't scuttle away when observed, but they should not be handled. Their care is more complex than some other turtles, requiring a large tank (at least 75 gallons), a varied diet, and very clean water with weekly changes. They typically cost $50 to $100.

Eastern Box Turtle

Eastern box turtles are adaptable and can be kept indoors or outdoors, but they require a lot of space and a humid environment with a shallow pool of water. They are shy but not aggressive and can live for 40-50 years in captivity. They cost $50 to $300 on average.

Western Painted Turtle

The Western painted turtle is distinctive and attractive, with detailed shell markings. They require a large tank or outdoor space, a good water filtration system, and basking lights. They can be quite shy and are not fans of frequent handling. They are also more expensive, typically costing $100 to $200.

Mississippi Map Turtle

The Mississippi map turtle has a distinctive dorsal fin on its shell and is sometimes called the "sawback". They are more wary of people than some other turtles and are prone to stress, so handling should be kept to a minimum. They are generally hardy and healthy, with a lifespan of 15-25 years, but some can live for over 30 years. They typically cost $30 to over $100.

Common Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)

The common musk turtle is a popular aquatic species, and while they are small, they are feisty and will release a foul odour if they feel threatened. They are not strong swimmers, so the water in their enclosure should not be too deep. They typically cost under $100.

Spotted Turtle

The spotted turtle is one of the smallest species that can be kept in captivity, with a pretty spotted shell. They can be kept indoors or outdoors but require a varied diet and warm basking platforms. They are a long-term commitment, with some living to be over 100 years old. They typically cost $100 or more.

Yellow-Bellied Slider

The yellow-bellied slider is another popular aquatic species, similar to the red-eared slider. They are active during the day and relatively hardy when given the right care. They can be stressed by handling and will bite if they feel threatened. They are affordable, with hatchlings costing around $20 and adults up to $100 on average.

Reeve's Turtle

The Reeve's turtle is one of the most sociable aquatic turtles and can even enjoy being stroked with the right handling. Their care requirements are similar to the red-eared slider, but they are smaller and have a shorter lifespan of 10-20 years. They typically cost $50 or more.

Wood Turtle

The wood turtle is known for being friendly and hardy. They are not aquatic, so they should not be kept in deep water as they could drown. They require a high-protein diet and a decent-sized enclosure, so they are often kept outdoors. They can be difficult to source and may be illegal to keep in certain states. They can cost hundreds of dollars.

Russian Tortoise

The Russian tortoise, also known as the Horsfield's tortoise, can be housed indoors or outdoors but requires time outdoors to burrow. Their enclosure should have a sandy or soil substrate, UVA/UVB light, and a basking spot. They hibernate and have a lifespan of up to 50 years. They typically cost around $200.

Red-Footed Tortoise

The red-footed tortoise is easy to care for and not considered high-maintenance. They are docile but shy and do not like being handled. They require a large, escape-proof outdoor enclosure as they like to burrow. They are a long-term commitment with a lifespan of up to 50 years. They are expensive, typically costing between $150 and $500.

Hermann's Tortoise

The Hermann's tortoise does not get too large and is docile and rarely bites, but it does not like being handled. It is best suited to an outdoor enclosure in a Mediterranean-like climate. It has a lifespan of 75 years or more and costs $150 to $500 on average.

Turtle lifespans

Turtles are known for their long lifespans, which can vary significantly depending on the species. While some turtles may only live for a few decades, others can live for over a century.

The average lifespan of a turtle is dependent on the species, with smaller species living about a quarter of a century, and larger species typically living longer. Most aquatic turtles can live into their 40s, while terrestrial box turtles can live between 40 to 50 years but have been known to reach the age of 100.

• Red-eared slider: 15-35 years
• Map turtle: 15-25 years
• Wood turtle: 40-55 years
• Eastern box turtle: 50 years and beyond
• Painted turtle: 25 to 50 years
• Russian tortoise: 40 years or more
• Greek tortoise: 100 years or above
• Leopard tortoise: 100 years or more

The oldest living tortoise is Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise, who recently turned 191 years old.

Turtles have slower metabolisms than other animals, which contributes to their longevity. They also have the ability to survive for long periods without food and water and can enter hibernation-like states underwater for months.

If you're considering a turtle as a pet, it's important to be aware of the long-term commitment involved. With proper care and commitment, turtles can be lifelong companions.

Salmonella in turtles

In the UK, it is important to consider the impact of keeping turtles as pets on your life and how to care for them. Turtles can grow up to 8-12 inches long and require significant space in your home to house them in a tank. They also have specific dietary, lighting, and heating needs.

Now, let's focus on Salmonella in turtles:

Salmonella is a common bacterial infection spread by turtles. People, especially children, can get Salmonella by coming into direct contact with turtles or their habitats. Small turtles pose a higher risk because children are more likely to put these animals in their mouths, kiss them, or forget to wash their hands after handling them.

Turtles may carry Salmonella bacteria on their bodies even when they appear clean and healthy. The germs can be present in the water they live or swim in and can contaminate their cages, aquariums, or any surfaces they come into contact with, such as countertops, tabletops, or carpets. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain good hygiene practices when handling turtles and their habitats.

To reduce the risk of Salmonella infection:

• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water immediately after handling a turtle or anything in their living area. Use hand sanitiser if soap and water are not available.
• Supervise handwashing for young children, and ensure older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems practise good hand hygiene as well.
• Keep turtles away from children under 5 years old and individuals with compromised immune systems.
• Clean turtle habitats outside the home whenever possible.
• Avoid letting turtles roam freely in areas where food or drinks are prepared, served, or stored.
• Do not bathe turtles or clean their habitats in kitchen or bathroom sinks; instead, use a separate plastic tub dedicated to animal use.
• Refrain from purchasing turtles less than 4 inches in length, as the FDA has banned their sale due to health risks.

By following these precautions, you can help reduce the risk of Salmonella infection while enjoying your pet turtle.

Creating a turtle habitat

Choose the Right Tank

The size of the tank is crucial, as turtles require ample space to swim and explore. The tank should be 4-5 times longer than the turtle's length, 3-4 times wider, and 1.5 times deeper. It's important to choose a tank that can accommodate the turtle's adult size, especially if you're starting with a young turtle, to reduce the need for frequent upgrades. Glass aquariums are a popular choice due to their visibility and durability. Ensure that the tank is sturdy enough to hold water and withstand the weight of its inhabitants and decor.

Ensure Proper Filtration and Water Quality

Maintaining clean water is vital for the health of your turtles. Invest in a high-quality filtration system that can handle at least twice the volume of your tank. Canister filters are recommended for larger tanks, while an Aquatic Reptile Internal Filter with SmartClean technology is suitable for smaller tanks. Regular water changes are necessary, regardless of the filter type. Change 25% to 50% of the water every two to four weeks to maintain safe levels of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. Use a water conditioner to treat tap water before adding it to the tank to remove harmful chemicals.

Maintain Consistent Water Temperature

Aquatic turtles are ectothermic, relying on external sources to regulate their body temperature. Keep the water temperature between 73-84°F (22.7-28.8°C) at all times. Use an aquarium heater with a built-in thermostat to maintain a consistent temperature.

Provide an Accessible Basking Area

Turtles need a dry basking area to regulate their body temperature and absorb UVB rays for calcium metabolism. Create a platform that is easily accessible and allows your turtle to dry off completely. Maintain the basking area's temperature at 85-90°F (29.4-32.2°C) with a heat lamp. Use a UVB bulb that covers at least 50% of the tank's length, positioned 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) above the basking area. Replace the bulb every six to 12 months, as UVB output decreases over time.

Choose Enriching Habitat Decor

Provide hiding spots and enrichment items to keep your turtles mentally stimulated. PVC pipes and commercial turtle hides are excellent choices. Offer a variety of foods and feeding methods, such as live prey or turtle sticks, to keep your turtles active and interested. Use artificial or live plants, such as duckweed, water lettuce, or moneywort, to create visual barriers and enrichment. Ensure that the plants are safe for your turtle to eat and take measures to prevent them from being uprooted. Choose an appropriate substrate, such as play sand, river pebbles, or medium-sized gravel. Avoid small gravel, as turtles might ingest it, leading to impaction.

Consider Dietary Needs and Feeding Times

Aquatic turtles are omnivores and require a balanced diet of animal protein, vegetables, and commercial turtle pellets. Offer a variety of foods, such as earthworms, insects, fish, and leafy greens, to limit nutritional deficiencies. Young turtles should be fed daily, while adults can be fed every other day. Remove any uneaten food after a few hours to maintain water quality and prevent overfeeding.

Turtle diet and nutrition

Turtles have specific dietary requirements that need to be met to ensure they remain healthy. It is important to research the natural diet of the species you are keeping as a pet, and to consult a veterinarian for advice.

Commercial Turtle Food

Commercially available turtle pellets are an important part of a turtle's diet. These pellets contain the protein, vitamins, minerals and micronutrients that turtles need. It is recommended to feed turtles a mix of different commercial foods to ensure they get a variety of nutrients.

Live Food

Live food is an important source of protein for turtles, especially when they are young. As turtles age, the amount of live food in their diet can be reduced. Common live food includes feeder fish (such as goldfish, guppies and smelt), insects (such as earthworms, waxworms, mealworms and bee moth larvae) and crustaceans (such as crickets, locusts and slugs).

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are also an important part of a turtle's diet, especially as they age. Vegetables should make up most of an adult omnivorous turtle's diet, and it is important to offer a variety of vegetables to avoid nutritional deficiencies. Leafy greens, such as aquatic plants, and shredded carrots are good options. Fruits can be offered occasionally and should be cut or shredded to prevent choking. Some fruits and vegetables that turtles enjoy include bananas, melon, apples, berries, mushrooms, strawberries, pears and green, leafy vegetables.

Supplements

It is recommended that adult turtles receive a vitamin and calcium supplement a few times a week.

Foods to Avoid

There are several foods that should be avoided when feeding turtles. These include frozen vegetables, frozen or freeze-dried fish, raw chicken or ground beef, avocados, and toxic plants such as amaryllis, azaleas, lilies and marijuana.

Frequently asked questions