When you buy a land turtle, you get a pet for life. In fact, land turtles can be very entertaining animals. Before choosing yours, remember that they often need both indoor and outdoor environments to stay healthy. Also keep in mind that aquatic turtles can live for more than 30 years, while land turtles can live for more than 50 years (some even exceed 100 years).
Have you been thinking of getting a turtle but not sure what factors you should take into consideration? Well not to worry! In this article, we give you a few tips on how to choose a tortoise and how to take care of it.
1.Choosing a Turtle
Consider the Climate of the Area You Live In
Land tortoises need to stay outside for a while when properly cared for. Choose a species that is adapted to the climate in your area. This means that if you live in a humid area, you should choose a turtle that likes those conditions. If you live in a desert, choose a species that thrives in arid places. This makes it much easier to care for the animal, as you don’t have to create a new outdoor environment and constantly monitor it.
Look for Native Turtles
In addition to making it easier to care for the turtle, choosing a turtle that is suitable for your outdoor environment also helps to select species that are native to your country and region. Not all places have native species, but you can ask around and try to find the ones that are most likely to fit.
Consider the Different Options
Are you ready to own a tortoise? They live a long time, can get very large, are not ideal pets for children and can be very expensive to care for and feed. Because of the longevity issue, you should also be aware that a turtle can easily outlive you if you take good care of it.
Choose Smaller Species
This is essential if you plan to change the environment the turtle is exposed to. Trying to create a new outdoor environment in cold weather for a turtle that prefers humidity can be difficult and expensive.
Go to Turtle Breeders and Talk to the Owners Online
Look at the animals and see pictures of several options. Which one do you like best? What do experienced breeders recommend? If this is your first turtle, you should also ask yourself which turtles are easiest to care for and which are best for new owners.
2.Create the Environment of Your Turtle
Make an Indoor Pond for the Turtle
It must be waterproof. There are several ways to make a pond, but it needs to be large enough, even for small turtles – many sources indicate that you can start with a large, deep plastic tub, but larger ponds are needed to support its growth. You can make a wooden terrarium, adapt a bookshelf without shelves, or use a plastic kiddie pool. The final choice depends on the type of land tortoise.
Maintaining a Suitable Temperature for the Species
You may need to purchase a heat lamp that is appropriate for your turtle’s environment. Especially if the animal is not native to your area, heat can be key.
Buy Special Lamps for It
Turtles need lamps that emit UVB rays so they can get vitamin D. Keep in mind that you need to change the bulbs every six months or once a year as they lose their ability to emit UVB rays.
Create a Place to Hide
This is an important part of the turtle’s interaction with its environment. It can be a simple box or a plastic container with a hole open on one side.
Have you decided which kind of turtle you will get? Share it with us in the comments below.
If you need more advice, come back to check the second part of our article.
