What do turtles eat at home? Types of domestic turtle.

The choice of a pet is decided long before going to the pet store. Some people like active animals, but slow ones also have many adherents.

Their unusual appearance and emphasized phlegmatic nature attract lovers of wildlife.

The “guest” of our review is the red-eared turtle. Let's consider caring for her at home and proper feeding.

Brief description

This one is also known as yellow-bellied. Basic natural habitat- northern and central regions of North America, as well as the southwest South America. IN large quantities distributed on the Iberian Peninsula and South Africa.

The species got its name because of the noticeable red (optionally orange) stripe that runs from the eyes and down to the neck. Note that the colors are very varied, and instead of a stripe there may be large bright spots, complemented by a narrow “ribbon” at the chin.

The top of the shell (the so-called carapace) is round in shape and smooth to the touch. Its olive green color is “diluted” with yellow and black lines. The bottom of the shell (plastron) is yellowish in color, interspersed with blue spots. Young individuals have a bright green carapace, which begins to darken as they grow. The same goes for spots and “signature” stripes.

By size this type refers to the average: the length of the carapace ranges from 19–30 cm (in “domestic” specimens the carapace is larger, usually 25–28 cm). Females are much larger than males.
At the "red girls" perfectly developed sense of smell and vision- it has been proven that they distinguish colors and the smallest details at a distance of 35–40 m. The sense of touch is also in order - if there is a choice, the turtle will easily settle on more tasty food. This is a kind of compensation for not particularly developed hearing. The ears are closed, and a layer of skin muffles the sound. The reptile can only distinguish vibrations or dull sounds.

Important! Often purchased copy- not the only one in the “collection”. Such newcomers are not placed in a common aquarium immediately, but after a 2-month quarantine in a separate container with all the conditions. If it turns out that he was never accepted, then the “temporary building” becomes a permanent home.

Such pets are “taciturn”; the most that can be heard from them is a weak squeak, a quiet snort or hiss.

They prefer leisurely swimming, which alternates with long rests on various kinds of snags. There they love to “catch” the sun’s rays.

Purchase rules

If you decide to purchase such an “armadillo,” be patient and take your choice seriously.

The best place to purchase would be a pet store, where they can give sensible advice. Unfortunately, there are not many such establishments, so you have to rely on your own knowledge.

Please pay attention to the following points:

Condition of skin and shell. There should be no blood, scratches or unnecessary stains on them.
Take a closer look at your eyes. In a healthy individual, they open normally, without traces of “sourness” or cloudiness.
Don't forget to inspect your nose (for discharge). Bubbles mixed with saliva, as well as strange and frequent sniffles are excluded.
Turtle activity. Cheerful movements indicate excellent health.
It is advisable to arrange another “exam”. Check if the selected specimen dives in the water. If not, it may be a consequence of pneumonia.

Unscrupulous sellers often assure newcomers that “reds” are decorative dwarf species. In fact, this is not so: they are not that small, and they are also quite aggressive relative to other turtles.

Once you have made your choice, be sure to ask for a receipt. It may come in handy if the animal turns out to be sick and a return follows. And when crossing the border, it obviously won’t be superfluous.

If it is possible to buy a turtle from a nursery, then this will be at least some guarantee that it was kept in normal conditions and is healthy.

Did you know? In Australia, this species is recognized as...pest! Large “herds” of these turtles deprive many species of local animals of their food supply.

How to determine age and gender

The main parameter by which age is calculated is the length of the shell. It is measured “from edge to edge”, with a ruler or tape measure. The circumference is not taken into account.
There is one nuance here. The fact is that the figures obtained can only indicate the approximate age of the animal. With proper care, growth is very intense and large in appearance. pet may in fact turn out to be the same age as a smaller reptile living in slightly worse conditions.

If you keep this fact in mind, then the indicators will be as follows:

6 cm is the norm for a one-year-old individual;
at 2 years, females “grow” up to 9 cm, while males begin to lag behind, reaching 7.5–8 cm;
“three-year-olds” grow, respectively, to 14 and 10 cm;
4 years: 16 and 12 cm;
the five-year-old “celebrator” is indicated by shells of 18 and 14 cm;
a six-year-old female barely fits within 20 cm, while males remain at 17 cm.

No less important are the questions of how exactly to determine the sex of the red-eared slider you like and what to look for in this case. We have already mentioned the more impressive “dimensions” of females. They can also be recognized by their short tail. A closer examination will indicate the characteristic location of the cloaca - in males it is much closer to the edge of the tail. Among the indirect sexual characteristics are the length and shape of the claws (“men” have large and curved ones), as well as the bend of the plastron - in females this edge is straight, while in the opposite sex there is a small internal “hollow.”

Important! Having purchased such a beauty in warm weather, deliver it home in a box with holes for ventilation. In cold weather, you will have to put a heating pad there or even hold the animal close to you. But wrapping it in rags is useless.

Lifespan in captivity

With attentive owners, such “yellow bellies” can survive 35–40 years. Rarely, but still there are 45-year-old “centenarians”. If there have been short-term disturbances in light or thermal regime, then this period is reduced to 30.
A good food supply and care (and, if necessary, treatment) - all this affects how long popular animals live. red-eared turtles in normal home conditions. In nature, they last much less, on average 17–20 years.

Choosing and arranging housing

First you will have to acquire a voluminous one. For an adult, you will need 120–150 liters, and if there are two pets, then 200. For kids, 50 liters will be enough for the first time. The container is selected not too wide and high, but at the same time large in length.

To turn an aquarium into a full-fledged turtle “housing” you will need:

Water heater (they try to use 100-watt ones).
40 or 60 W incandescent light bulbs placed at a height of more than 25 cm. With a lower “landing” the light will hit the eyes.
Special ultraviolet lamp for reptiles (UVB 5–7%). For little ones they need 10%.
External (for adults) or internal filter suitable for young animals.
Thermometer.

It is necessary to have an equipped bank. In terms of area, it will occupy a little more than a quarter of the entire area. Of course, warming up is needed - that’s where the light bulbs are directed. The temperature difference between such an island and the water is usually 7–10 °C in favor of land.

Did you know? Leatherback turtles are considered true giants. At 2 m in length, they can weigh more than half a ton! This miracle lives in the east of Australia or on the northern coast of Brazil and Venezuela.

The following requirements are put forward to him:

Convenient descent and ascent. One of the sides always smoothly goes into the water.
Safety. The turtle should not get stuck between the land and the wall of the aquarium. Stability is no less important - a fairly strong reptile can turn over a loose “island”.
The presence of a slightly rough surface on which it is convenient to move. On flat surfaces the paws will slip.
The material from which the “rest area” is installed must be safe, not overheat and not pollute the water and air with toxins.

Singles or need neighbors

These turtles are not very friendly in nature. Fights are a common thing for them (especially in adulthood). Dividing up territory or trying to resolve the “sexual issue” often ends in wounds varying degrees or severed tails. The risk of such serious injuries forces owners to distribute representatives of this species in different aquariums.

When this is not possible, and a couple of individuals end up in the same “vessel,” you have to resort to a trick. Barriers or plastic walls are placed through which aggressive inhabitants simply will not see each other.

Important! Remind children to wash their hands after playing with the family pet. Still, “shellfish” live in a different environment, and various bacteria can accumulate on their skin.

If they do spot a competitor, but are physically unable to reach him, this can result in stress. You can smooth out its consequences with abundant feeding.

What do they eat

It will be useful for beginners to know what to feed the predatory red-eared turtle living at home. Yes they are omnivorous carnivores, and in at a young age The basis of the diet is food of animal origin. A gradual transition to plant foods occurs as we age, and in the future its share increases.

The diet, as well as the amount of food, depends on age:

Up to 1 year of age, a single daily feeding is required. IN progress is underway both soft animal food and special food along with plant food. Take 2-3 small pieces (1 cubic cm).
An adult “tenant” can be fed after 1–2 days. During this period, 50% plant feed is considered the norm. Although this proportion may vary slightly, turtles also have individual tastes. The dosage is reduced to the same 2-3 pieces, but already up to 3 cubic meters. cm.

Feed is given raw and not too warm (room temperatures are enough).

The “menu” can include the following products:

any lean river fish;
carrots and lettuce leaves;
various insects - usually woodlice, small locusts or legless crickets, bloodworms, woodlice, earthworms and daphnia crustaceans;
liver - beef heart or liver is considered a delicacy (as are chicken hearts);
small mice and frogs, tadpoles or;
dandelion, clover and mallow, from aquatic fauna Pistia and duckweed are suitable.

Here is a list of prohibited foods:

bread;
fruits;
cheeses;
meat in the form of minced meat and sausages; chicken and pork (along with lamb and beef) are also “taboo”;
fatty fish.

Did you know? A turtle named Big Head predicted the outcome of one of the World Cup matches in 2014. The animal confidently chose the feeder under the Brazilian flag, and a little later the national team of this country confidently beat the Croats.

Dry food, which is so actively offered in pet stores, requires careful use; its share in the diet is reduced to a minimum (and only if the diet is somewhat disrupted). But ground bone meal will come in handy - kids are given a pinch every day to hold the bone skeleton and shell together. Their older “colleagues” are given a teaspoon, but once a week.

Care and hygiene

Of exceptional importance in the content is water. Animals sleep in it, eat and “relieve their needs” there, so a filter alone is not enough - the liquid is changed. A complete replacement (with 3- and 4-fold “rinsing” of the walls) is carried out once a month, and a less thorough one - at intervals of 2 weeks.

It happens that the filter is broken. Then cleaning is done twice as often. In any case, it will be used for wiping baking soda. More aggressive means are not suitable. Naturally, during such treatment the turtle is temporarily transferred to a container filled with water. All snags, bushes and stones are removed. Dirt from them is washed off or wiped with a rag.

Capacity with clean water filled so that the pet can calmly roll over, suddenly finding itself on its back.

The optimal water temperature is +23…+28 °C. If you turn it up more, your pet will start to overheat. The lower limit is +20 °C, but it is better not to let it get to that level. To stably maintain the required “degrees”, turn on the heater.

Important! It is advisable to leave a fresh portion of tap water for at least a day. During this time, the most harmful compounds will have time to “evaporate”.

Now about light mode. Both lamps are turned on all day, for 10–12 hours. At the same time, on the shore equipped for recreation it should be +32…+33 °C. At night the lamps are turned off.
Take into account the fact that glass and plastic absorb some of the heat, and you need to set the light so that the reptile receives more rays.

You can often hear about sunbathing. The procedure is good and useful, but with its own subtleties. So, the first stay on fresh air in warm weather (at least +20 °C) it should be limited to 5 minutes. This time can be gradually increased. Only in this case should the turtle be able to go into the shade - keeping it in the sun for a long time will only overheat it.

Hibernation period

IN natural conditions“Red-eared birds” actually go to sleep when it gets cold. But for domestic specimens this condition may not be required. Many owners, due to inexperience, miss this nuance, which leads to sad results. Let's figure out why.

When hibernating, “wild” individuals burst into a layer of silt or leaves at the bottom of a shallow but large reservoir. This achieves a balance between temperature and air access. Oxygen enters through membranes located in the mouth, cloaca or pharynx.

Did you know? Representatives of the box turtle species love mushrooms, and not only edible ones. Perhaps that is why there are so many of them - Mexicans are afraid to eat the meat of these small and rather nimble “countrymen”.

It is extremely difficult to achieve such balance in an aquarium, and there is no need for it. Pets, receiving plentiful food and constant access to heat, simply do not require long sleep. In addition, hibernation significantly weakens their body.

For young individuals, hibernation is even harmful - growth stops, and it will no longer be possible to “catch up” with its pace. The conclusion is simple: you cannot forcibly “euthanize” a turtle; without proper experience, this will cause more harm than good.

Diseases: prevention and treatment

Almost all diseases are the result of errors in care or nutrition. To avoid such problems, do not forget about preventive measures . These include:

balanced diet appropriate for age;
keeping in clean and warm water;
daylight hours lasting a maximum of 12 hours;
If possible, separate keeping of several individuals to prevent injury;
regular operation of the filter.

The procedures are simple, but there are different situations, which can result in all sorts of illnesses. Let's look at what diseases red-eared turtles have, how to recognize them by their symptoms, and what to consider for treatment. For clarity, these data are supplemented with photographs.

Important! Upon contact with a person, a sick animal can transmit dangerous salmonellosis. The risk of such infection is small, but it should not be discounted. In addition, a seemingly harmless turtle can also spread ascariasis.

Often as a result of a fight or contact with acute angle driftwood appears wounds. They are immediately treated, followed by a change of water. If you are late, there is a risk of infection or sepsis.
Sepsis- This is blood poisoning. A sharp decline in activity should be alarming. Conduct an immediate inspection, paying attention special attention plastron and paws (these areas may turn red). Treated with strong antibiotics.

Refusal to eat and constantly closed eyes indicate the appearance ulcerative formations in the mouth. Gram-negative bacteria “worked” here. Primary processing comes down to cleaning problem area gauze soaked in an antimicrobial composition. Diseased tissue is removed. The veterinarian prescribes a course of antibiotics. Difficulties may also arise with the shell. Various kinds bacterial infections, introduced after an injury or as a result of a burn, reveal themselves by softening the “armor” with hemorrhages against the background of a noticeable stench. The scheme is the same - treatment, removal of dead tissue and subsequent isolation. At large area lesions use different drugs.

Lack of calcium leads to deformation of the shell and weakening of the paws. In the early stages, injections of compounds saturated with this element, a change in diet and thermal regime help. In advanced cases, the outcome can be tragic.
If the red-eared turtle has become lethargic, does not eat for a long time and sleeps most of the day, it may come down to treatment pneumonia. Among its other signs are copious discharge from the nose and mouth, characteristic “chest” wheezing, and an unnaturally raised head. Here everything is decided by the veterinarian who prescribes intramuscular or intravenous injections.

Did you know? Aborigines from tropical islands attributed magical properties to shells. Moreover, they tried to read the prophecies that were allegedly written on the “armor”.

Dirty water can lead to abscess ear. It can be recognized by noticeable swelling on the head. This is one of the most difficult diseases - a competent operation with a long recovery is required.

Reproduction at home

Females are considered sexually mature at the age of 2–5 years, whose shell has grown to 12 cm. For males, these figures are 3–4 years and 10 cm, respectively.

As expected, the games begin with courtship - the male swims for a long time near his partner, turning his muzzle towards her. At the same time, he quickly moves his paws. The time of year doesn't matter.

Take a closer look at the female: if she has become overly active and is trying to leave the aquarium, you need to probe her immediately. Having felt the eggs between the hind legs and the shell, prepare a place for laying, not forgetting to isolate the “father”. The need for ultraviolet radiation and calcium increases.

The nest is usually located on land, having prepared a small hole. Seeing that the turtle began to spend a lot of time there, you can calm down - so far everything is normal. There can be up to 20 eggs in a clutch.
“Extraordinary situations” also arise. For example, having laid 1-2 eggs, the female may delay the clutch, at the same time becoming weaker and losing her appetite. Then you will have to contact a veterinarian, otherwise they will simply harden. Another nuisance is discharge into the water. The masonry breaks much less often, which is immediately noticeable by the smell.

Important! It is better to rinse the new “tenant” in a warm bath immediately after purchase. This will prevent the occurrence of certain diseases.

During the season there may be 3-4 clutches. If the process is successful, crumbs of 2.5 cm are born. A yolk mark is visible on their shell. It is not removed - at first the baby feeds on it. The offspring are separated from the adults by preheating the water and land by a couple of “above-plan” degrees. The diet focuses on food rich in calcium (it is advisable to take products for turtles).

Now you know how to deal with a brightly colored reptile. We hope she will delight the whole family for many years without causing unnecessary hassle. More colors every day!

Turtles living in wildlife, find their own food. Their menu includes both animal and plant foods in various proportions, always natural vitamin components, and various microelements.

Only humans can provide a reptile living in captivity with a complete diet.

The diet of pets should include multivitamins and minerals necessary for their full life. Immediately after purchase, it is advisable to feed the turtle the same food that the seller previously fed it, gradually introducing new components. The optimal feeding time is during the day, when the pet is most active. Before feeding, the animal must warm up enough for it to develop an appetite. Therefore, it is best to feed your pet 1.5-2 hours after turning on the heating device. When turtles feel hungry, they begin to move restlessly around the terrarium or along the bottom of the reservoir.
To understand what food is right for your pet, you need to determine its type. Turtles are divided into 3 main subgroups, depending on the type of food:

Predatory. They often eat meat; only 10% of their menu consists of plant-based foods. This subgroup includes almost all aquatic species - trionics, red-eared - young animals, swamp - young animals. Their menu is based on seafood and lean fish.
Herbivores. They eat plants, vegetables, fruits, only occasionally trying meat products. This includes land species– Central Asian breed, Mediterranean.
Omnivores. Meat and vegetable crops are consumed in approximately equal proportions. The last subgroup includes land turtles of certain breeds, red-eared, marsh, and red-footed turtles.

Please note that you should feed your pets exclusively according to their species, since an incorrectly formulated diet will contribute to improper metabolism, a deterioration in the quality of life of these animals, and various diseases of the digestive organs.

Principles of feeding aquatic turtles

Main set of products:

River and sea low-fat fish (pollock, hake, cod, navaga, perch);
Liver (beef, chicken, fish) - about once a week.

For adult animals big fish you need to cut it into pieces, crush the ridge, grind it, small fish can be fed whole. For young fish, the fish should be cut into small pieces along with the bones, after removing the ribs.
Addition to the main menu:

Various raw seafood (shelled shrimp, squid, octopus - tentacles only, mussels, oysters);
Meat (crabs, frogs, fodder hairless mice, baby rats);
Snails (helix aspera terrestrial, large pond snails, apple snails, coils) - feed small ones whole, large ones - without shell;
Some insects, other living microorganisms (bugs, food cockroaches, earthworms and mealworms, hairless caterpillars, daphnia, fillies, bloodworms, gammarus, tubifex, woodlice);
Some plant components (aquatic plants, fruits, vegetables, some types of cabbage);
Special industrial food for certain types of freshwater turtles (loose, granular, in the form of tablets, sticks, flakes, capsules).

Components of plant origin should not predominate over meat food. For aquatic reptiles, plants are only one of the sources of vitamins, useful microelements. During cold seasons, it is recommended to introduce specialized vitamin complexes for aquatic and sea turtles.
Under no circumstances should predator turtles be fed beef, pork, lamb meat, their derivatives - sausage, minced meat, pate and others. In addition to these prohibitions, you should not feed reptiles cheeses, dairy products, baked goods, or food intended for other animals. Such products can have a detrimental effect on their well-being and health.

Main set of products:

Fresh greens - plants that are not toxic to turtles (lettuce, cabbage, dandelion leaves, various flowers, grass) - approximately 80% of the menu;
Vegetables (zucchini, cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes) - about 15% of the menu;
Fruits (bananas, apples, pears) – the remaining 5%.

Addition to the main menu:

Champignons and other easily digestible mushrooms;
Vegetable crops (a small amount of sorrel, plantain, coltsfoot, lawn grass, thistle - leaves, clover, peas, timothy, sprouted oats, speedwell);
Fruits (citrus fruits - orange, tangerine, mango, plum, apricot, peach, melon);
Vegetables ( bell pepper, beets, onions, carrot tops, squash, pumpkin, artichoke, horseradish - a small amount, legumes)
Berries (watermelon, strawberries, wild strawberries, raspberries, edible wild berries);
Bran, sunflower seeds (not fried), dry yeast, dry seaweed;
Special dry food for land breeds (Wardley, Tetra, Sera);
Hard-boiled chicken egg – once a week;
Snails, slugs, insects - once a month.

Periodically add calcium supplements to your pet's menu, and during the cold season, special multivitamins.
Pay attention! All plant food should be fed exclusively raw. Do not use heat treatment.
Never overfeed your pets, but also do not limit the list of products to 1-2 components. The food must be balanced and must include everything essential vitamins, otherwise there is a high risk of dangerous diseases, growth disorders, development, obesity or exhaustion, and death of the animal.
Many breeders have a question: should a turtle be given water?
Land turtles are not adapted to take in water. Usually, when you try to give reptiles water, liquid flows out of their mouths. If dry food predominates in your pet's diet, animals may experience thirst more often than their relatives, who eat mainly vegetables and fruits.
To prevent dehydration, experienced owners advise using two methods:

It is necessary to include succulent plant foods in your pet’s menu as often as possible.
Another way to give an animal water to drink is to bathe it. The optimal bathing time for land turtles is 30-50 minutes. The water should not reach the level of the nostrils. At proper bathing The reptile's body is sufficiently saturated with moisture.

It should be borne in mind that in markets and also in pet stores, turtles usually experience dehydration, so after purchasing, the first thing it is recommended to do is give your new pet a bath so that it receives the required amount of water.

The main menu of omnivorous reptiles includes food of plant and animal origin in equal proportions.
It is important to select a menu depending on the subspecies of reptile. For example, animal food consisting of terrestrial inhabitants (feeding mice, baby rats, frogs, insects, snails, slugs) is suitable for land animals, and fish and seafood are suitable for aquatic animals.
The situation is the same with foods of plant origin. Land breeds should eat terrestrial plants, vegetables, and some fruits, while aquatic breeds are more suitable for algae and other aquatic plants.

Distinctive feeding features of small and adult individuals

There are some differences in feeding between small and adult reptiles. Young turtles grow very quickly, so you need to feed them daily, while adults need to eat 2-3 times a week, eating all the food to the end.
The diet of young animals should be as varied as possible, be sure to include vitamin D, which prevents the development of rickets, calcium, necessary for proper shell growth, multivitamins, and minerals.
There are situations when a pet is forced to go without food and moisture for some time. Here, too, there are distinctive features regarding the age of the individual. Adults can go without food for up to two weeks without experiencing any discomfort. Young turtles, including three-day-old babies, can go without food for up to a week.

You need to feed your pets regularly. You cannot starve them for no apparent reason (such as moving, forced absence of the owner, etc.);
Under no circumstances should you overfeed your turtle. If your pet is full and refuses an additional portion, do not insist!
Pregnant individuals need to be fed at least once a day, similar to young animals. They require vitamin D, calcium, and multivitamins appropriate for their species;
You cannot give a land animal specialized food for aquatic turtles, and vice versa!
Food is not recommended to be given cold; it must be brought to temperature environment before feeding your pet;
For aquatic turtles, food can be thrown directly into the aquarium, but be sure to make sure that there is no excess that will force you to change the water.
Land animals can be taught to eat from tweezers.
If your pet refuses to eat for more than two weeks, you should take him to the vet immediately.
If possible, it is advisable to put turtles in the aquarium aquarium fish(guppies, goldfish, swordtails) to maintain the hunting instinct.
In the absence of algae, it is permissible to feed aquatic reptiles with lettuce or dandelion leaves.
Young individuals prefer mainly food of animal origin, while older individuals are more inclined to eat plant foods.
To maintain sufficient level turtles are given minerals daily bone meal, which is sold in pet stores. For an adult reptile, the daily dose is 5 g of flour;
To maintain the shell in a healthy condition, it is sprayed with a special spray “Nature’s vita-sprey reptile” once every two days;
Dry food should be selected based on its composition. Low quality feed is not recommended due to the lack of vitamins. Feeds consisting of fishmeal, buying is not recommended. You can give dry food to your pet no more than 3 times a day;
It is preferable to feed vitamins before the main meal, when the reptile feels hungry;
Oil vitamins can be dripped onto dry food. After it is saturated with the solution, throw it into the water.

Video

Novice animal lovers incorrectly believe that aquarium turtles can withstand any conditions, making a lot of mistakes when arranging their habitat. Divided into land, sea and freshwater creatures, these reptiles have completely different habits, before purchasing exotic pet it is necessary to study all the nuances of his behavior.

Create houses for giant reptiles that live in ocean waters, problematic. In an apartment it is advisable to keep land species of creatures, their swamp counterparts or small reptiles that are accustomed to a freshwater environment. Keeping turtles cannot be considered an extremely difficult task. Hobbyists need to know the basic rules for selecting soil and suitable containers for pets, be able to maintain the correct water balance and purchase good food.

In order for a funny creature with a shell to delight its owner with its company for ten years or more, it is necessary to create suitable conditions for it. An ignorant approach leads to disappointment and death of the acquired reptile. short period. Saving money and buying low-quality small containers in this issue unacceptable. To keep large land creatures, enclosures with dimensions exceeding 250 liters are generally required.

What kind of aquarium is needed for a turtle:

To calculate the capacity, use a formula where the length of the aquarium is determined by multiplying the length of the reptile by 7. The width of the tank is approximately two times less than its length.
A small or medium-sized turtle will need a living space with dimensions of 60x40x50 cm, and a large creature or several medium-sized reptiles need an aquaterrarium with minimum dimensions of 120x50x50 cm.
The minimum width of the aquarium must exceed 2 times the length of the reptile's shell.
A 40-liter container is suitable exclusively for children; for them, purchase a vessel of an elongated horizontal shape with a height of 35 cm.
Large aquarium turtles are considered to be those that reach 13 cm in length and require a living space of 150 liters.
Amphibian animal species need coastline for relaxation. Containers where water occupies 75% of the total volume, and the land area optimally matches the size of the shelled inhabitants, are best suited.
Aquarium turtles should not touch the bottom while swimming. It is advisable to equip a vessel with a pool depth of 20 cm or more.

This device is necessary when arranging a container where aquatic species of reptiles will live. There are also . The design of the external filter resembles a canister with a pump placed outside the tank. Its body contains several compartments filled with filter media. This device is connected to the aquatic environment of the aquarium using tubes. The advantage of external filters is that they do not occupy useful space inside.

Internal filters are smaller in size and look more modest. They are equipped with pumps and a diffuser, doing a good job of cleaning liquids. Water is filtered using a cartridge with a sponge, carbon or other elements. The structure is attached to the wall from the inside of the container at different angles. If you make a list of what a turtle needs in an aquarium, then the filter should be on the first line.

Aquariums and terrariums must contain soil, an artificial pool, a backlight lamp, and ultraviolet lamps. The ambient temperature in a warm corner reaches 30-40 degrees, depending on the type of reptile. Creatures from hot countries, like Libyan tortoises, are extremely thermophilic. Ultraviolet light is important for small aquarium turtles, proper care and the maintenance of which is impossible without vitamin D. UV lamps help the body absorb this element; with its deficiency, animals suffer from curvature of the shell and rickets.

The soil is made for aquatic creatures from gravel and fine sand. For land aquarium turtles, soil from the garden without impurities and chemicals and a coconut substrate are suitable. Reptiles often damage plant roots; you can plant them in pots or limit them to floating algae. Islands made of stones and decorative look driftwood.

When it comes to what aquarium turtles eat, they are not particularly demanding. Land creatures They eat succulent and dry vegetation, pieces of vegetables, fruits, slugs, and caught insects. In aquariums they are offered leaves of fruit trees and grapes, lettuce, dandelions with alfalfa and clover. Aquatic species reptiles eat shellfish, shrimp, snails, and pieces of beef. In addition to live food, sea turtles need plant foods - lettuce, cabbage and greens. Include vitamin supplements and minerals, eggshells, and bone meal in your pet's food.

Types of aquarium turtles

There are hundreds of types of reptiles different sizes having a shell. Some have chosen sea spaces for life and amaze the eye with their size, others live on continents in fresh waters, sands and swamps. Aquarium turtles are considered the species of creatures that are best suited in size to be kept in captivity. The long-term experience of most lovers of exotic animals suggests that land and freshwater reptiles require the least special habitat conditions.

Sea turtle in an aquarium

We will not consider species of marine reptiles living in the ocean here. Large leatherback, green and olive turtles require large tanks with sophisticated equipment. The houses are mostly inhabited by freshwater creatures, which successfully replace the huge marine aquarium turtles. For this purpose, you can find inhabitants in pet stores aquatic environment moderate in size, not requiring high maintenance costs.

Common types of turtles for marine aquariums:

Aquarium land turtles

Create and maintain a quality aquarium for land turtle Simply, the main condition is that the size of the container must correspond to the size of the purchased reptile. It is advisable to buy a tank with a reserve, choosing it “for growth” that is 2 or 6 times more spacious than what is required for a baby at at the moment. It is undesirable to use thermal mats for heating reptiles; the heat generated from below is harmful to the pet’s body. It is better to install a simple incandescent foot, adjusting the temperature by the height of the lighting device in relation to the ground.

Popular land aquarium turtles:

Swamp turtle in an aquarium

The appearance of this reptile is not too bright, but it lives well in an artificial environment, without causing problems in its owners. big problems. The color of the shell of the Sicilian subspecies of reptiles is yellow-green, while animals from Europe and America are predominantly black. Breeding aquarium turtles of marsh species is not difficult. In nature, they eat woodlice, frogs, fish, various larvae, and aquatic plants. Lettuce, duckweed or cabbage are eaten mainly by adult individuals.

Keeping reptiles together with fish is a troublesome task. Many of their species are predators, eating small animals in their habitat. In addition, reptiles require a special area with land, which other aquatic creatures do not need. The exception is the smart two-clawed (pig-nosed) turtle; in an aquarium with large fish, it behaves normally. She eats plant foods, squid meat, and small fish of non-fatty varieties. The pig-nosed turtle does not require arrangement of an island.

Aquatic turtles - widespread inhabitants of home aquariums. The most popular type is red-eared turtle , but also often keep marsh, caiman, tuberculate, spotted, matamata turtles, European shield-footed turtles, soft shell turtles. This is not the entire list, but not a single species can be called unpretentious to the conditions of detention. For aquatic turtle Maximum comfort and careful adherence to all rules of care and feeding are always required. Then this animal can live in your aquarium for about 30 years.

Aquatic turtle - maintenance and care

For a comfortable stay aquatic turtles you need a fairly large aquarium, the area of which should be at least four times larger size shell of an adult turtle. For feeding turtles It is recommended to have an additional container so that the water in a residential aquarium is not contaminated with food debris. The water level must be maintained below the edge of the aquarium by 15-18 cm. Or cover the aquarium with a net, but in no case with glass, which interferes with oxygen exchange.

In addition to the water area, for aquatic turtles (excluding Cayman And fringed) they need a small area of land where they could warm up and dry out. Here you can install an incandescent or infrared lamp, under which the turtles can rest and warm up if necessary. The gently sloping shore of the island or the exit step should be comfortable and not slippery.

Main factors for successful maintenance aquatic reptiles at home - this is the purity of the water, the temperature and illumination of the aquarium.

The purity of the water in the aquarium is ensured by constant filtration through a sufficiently powerful filter. Periodically it is necessary to clean the inner walls of the aquarium with an abrasive sponge. As it gets dirty, despite constant filtration, the water in the aquarium is replaced partially or completely at least once a month. Replacement water can be used from the tap, but only after settling.

The water temperature using an aquarium heater must be maintained within 24-28 degrees. Never release a turtle into the water without making sure it is warm enough.

Additional ultraviolet lighting will protect these residents southern countries from various diseases. Don't skimp on lighting; use commercially available special UV lamps for reptiles.

Feeding aquatic turtles

Usually aquatic turtles feed in water. Individuals that periodically crawl onto land are sometimes gradually taught by their owners to take food on the shore. Or they feed the animal in a separate reservoir, for example, a basin with a small amount warm water. Aquatic turtle food quickly deteriorates in water and clogs biofilters with fat, because the main food of these carnivores is meat, fish, shrimp, squid, shellfish, earthworms and raw liver. They also eat carrots, cabbage, lettuce, some fruits and algae. Menu different types turtles need to be adjusted: some require more fruit, others require algae, and others prefer a meat diet. The food must be fresh, of high quality and heated to room temperature. Most of the diseases of aquatic turtles are associated with poor nutrition, so choosing a diet for each individual is very important.

Young turtles under two years of age are fed daily, adults - once every 2-3 days. Remove excess food that is not eaten by the turtles within half an hour from the aquarium and throw away. And don’t be surprised by your pets’ appetite; at any age they love to eat.

Perhaps by purchasing aquatic turtle, you have not thought about the difficulties of its content. But by gradually adjusting the turtle’s life, creating comfortable conditions for it, you will be able to enjoy communication with this exotic inhabitant of the aquarium for decades.

If you love aquariums and animals, but fish don't excite you, then you can get an aquatic turtle. An aquatic turtle is not as active and inquisitive as a land turtle, but it is less troublesome to keep. Plus she moves so gracefully! If properly kept at home, an aquatic turtle will live 20-40 years. Contrary to the belief that turtles have longevity, aquatic turtles rarely live longer than two decades in the wild. If you manage to create close to ideal conditions for her at home, then she will delight you with her presence twice as long. So, when compared with other pets, the aquatic turtle is a long-liver. However, experience shows that many of them die “before adulthood.” Therefore, before you get an aquatic turtle, study the rules for keeping it at home. If you are sure that you can provide your “tortilla” with a decent life, then you can go to the pet store for an unusual pet.

Types of aquatic turtles

There are many species of aquatic turtles, but not all of them can live at home. Most often they start at home:

Chinese Trionix, which has a leathery rather than horny shell;
American or European marsh turtle, which requires a particularly large area of land;
red-eared turtle, distinctive feature which are bright spots near the ear, which can be either red, yellow, or orange.

The latter type of aquatic turtle is especially popular because in nature it has a relatively small size (usually up to 30 cm in adulthood), a long life span (up to 40 years), and keeping representatives of this species of turtle at home does not cause too much trouble.

What you need for a red-eared turtle in your home

Before you bring home a red-eared turtle, you need to purchase everything you need to keep it. This:

an aquarium (or more precisely, even an aquaterrarium) with a volume of 150 to 250 liters with a piece of land occupying at least a quarter of its surface - turtles will climb onto it to bask “in the sun”;
an ultraviolet lamp, which will play the role of a “sun”, it should work in the daytime for 12 hours a day, without it the turtle will have difficulty absorbing calcium, which it needs to form a shell;
a heater for sushi, with its help on land you will maintain the temperature from 32 to 36 degrees (you need to stir it so that splashes do not fall on it, directly above the land, but at a sufficient distance so as not to burn your “red-eared” pet);
a heater for water in the aquarium - if you do not maintain the temperature in it from 24 to 26 degrees, the turtles may get sick or go into hibernation, which is extremely undesirable to allow at home, since in this case there is a high risk that the pet will fall asleep forever;
a water filter of sufficient power to purify the water in an aquarium of the appropriate volume (it is better to give preference to an external one);
thermometer.

You need to think in advance about where the aquarium will be located. After all, it is very heavy, and not every table can withstand such a load.

The aquatic turtle will spend most of its time in the aquarium, but sometimes you can take it out and give it the opportunity to walk around the apartment. You need to hold the turtle with both hands, as it can slip out. In addition, red-eared turtles bite and scratch painfully. After you have taken the turtle in your hand, its shell needs to be washed with soap.

An aquatic turtle can live without water even for several days, but it will suffer from drying out, so it is better not to remove it from the aquarium for more than a couple of hours.

How and what to feed an aquatic turtle

Proper maintenance of a turtle at home also requires proper feeding. The menu will depend on the age of the turtle.

If you take a very small turtle into your home, then it will most likely refuse the food you offer until it has eaten everything that is in the yolk sac. If you notice something incomprehensible on the plastron of your turtle, do not delete it, this is what it is yolk sac: it will dissolve on its own when its contents run out.

In the future, it is advisable to use artificial food specially created for turtles. Young turtles can be supplemented with snails, shrimp, and calcium, which is necessary for the formation of a strong shell.

In adult turtles, 75% of the diet should be plant foods: vegetables, aquarium plants. Therefore, artificial food should make up only 50% of the menu, as it contains about 40-60% protein.

Small turtles should be fed daily, portions measured according to the instructions on the food package. Adult turtles can be fed every other day or even two.

It is important to know that a turtle cannot swallow food without water, so there is no point in feeding it far from water. Food can be placed in the aquarium, or you can give it while keeping the turtle in another container of water, so as not to contaminate the water in the aquarium.

If you follow the rules for keeping and feeding an aquatic turtle at home, your handsome turtle will delight you for a long time. After all, good conditions red eared turtles live up to 40 years.