Aquatic turtles: husbandry, care and food
In addition to land turtles, water turtles are also popular as pets. As a result, these aquatic reptiles are frequently found in domestic garden ponds and aquariums.
When it comes to keeping water turtles, there are some differences to consider depending on the species. However, these fascinating animals also share many similarities. In the following, we will explain what you need to pay special attention to when acquiring and caring for a water turtle.
Popular Species of Water Turtles
There are numerous different species of water turtles that may appear similar to inexperienced eyes, but they can differ significantly in terms of their needs. Therefore, it is important for the welfare of the turtle to know its specific species for proper care.
By knowing the species, you will understand the required temperature, appropriate turtle food, whether your water turtle is a good swimmer, and how much time it typically spends on land.
Apart from these considerations, the expected adult size of the water turtle species is crucial for setting up an appropriate aquarium or aquaterrarium.
Some popular species of water turtles include:
- Red-eared Slider
- Yellow-bellied Slider
- Musk Turtle
- European Pond Turtle
- Painted Turtle
- Snapping Turtle
- Map Turtle
- Common Snapping Turtle
- Florida Cooter
- Ornate Wood Turtle
- Mississippi Map Turtle
- Eastern Box Turtle
- Chinese Stripe-necked Turtle
- Chinese Three-keeled Turtle
General Considerations for Keeping Water Turtles
A crucial point to remember when keeping water turtles is that they are not fish. Despite being excellent swimmers and spending a lot of time in the water, they cannot breathe underwater.
Therefore, it is essential to provide them with a sufficiently large land area even in captivity. They use this area for resting, basking, breathing air, and laying eggs.
Keeping Water Turtles in an Aquarium
Depending on the species, an aquarium can be suitable for keeping water turtles. However, it is not a traditional aquarium filled entirely with water like those used for ornamental fish. Instead, it is called an aquaterrarium, which is a combination of an aquarium and a terrarium. This setup allows water turtles to spend time both in water and on land.
How much space does a water turtle need in an aquaterrarium?
The size of the aquaterrarium depends primarily on the size of the water turtle. It is advisable to consider the expected growth of the turtle when making the initial purchase. Otherwise, the aquarium may become too small in a short period, requiring the need for a larger one.
As a general rule, the aquaterrarium for water turtles should be approximately five times the length of the turtle's shell. The width is typically half the length. The water section should account for about two-thirds of the entire aquaterrarium and provide an easy exit for the turtle.
However, it goes without saying that a larger tank will be more enjoyable for your water turtle. The more space you can provide, the more natural the turtle's behavior will be.
Setting Up an Aquaterrarium for Water Turtles
An aquaterrarium consists of both a land and water section. Depending on the species, the turtle may spend more or less time in the water. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain good water quality to prevent health problems.
The land area should include a feeding spot and a place for basking. For female water turtles, a suitable area for egg-laying is also necessary, even if the turtle never encounters a male. Without such an area, they may experience egg retention, which can lead to health issues.
What Temperatures Do Water Turtles Need?
The required temperature for keeping a water turtle depends on the species and the temperatures in its natural habitat.
However, all water turtles need warmth. As reptiles, they are ectothermic animals, meaning their body temperature is directly influenced by the ambient temperature.
Outside of the water, the temperature should typically be at least 30 degrees Celsius. Some turtle species prefer even higher air temperatures. To ensure the appropriate temperature in the aquaterrarium and avoid health problems due to excessive heat or cold, it is essential to research the specific temperature needs of your water turtle.
Keeping Water Turtles in a Garden Pond
Depending on the species, water turtles can also be kept in a garden pond. In some cases, this may be limited to the warm summer months. However, certain species can be kept in the pond year-round, even hibernating there. In such cases, the garden pond should have a minimum water depth of one meter.
Similar to keeping them in an aquaterrarium, providing a sufficiently large land area is crucial when keeping water turtles in a garden pond. For female turtles, a suitable area for egg-laying is also important.
Ideally, the garden pond should be located in a sunny spot to allow the turtle to absorb enough warmth. Furthermore, it is essential to fence the turtle enclosure to prevent your water turtle from wandering off. For young turtles, it is recommended to cover the outdoor enclosure with wire mesh to protect them from potential predators.
Do Water Turtles Hibernate?
Depending on the climate in their natural habitat, water turtles may enter a period of hibernation for some time. If this is the case for the species you have, it is important to allow your water turtle to hibernate even in captivity. Otherwise, various health problems may arise.
The necessary temperature for hibernation in water turtles can vary slightly depending on the species. Generally, hibernation occurs at temperatures below eight degrees Celsius. The duration of hibernation can also vary, usually ranging around four months for many species.
How Long Do Water Turtles Live?
The lifespan of water turtles varies depending on the species. In general, these reptiles can live for a very long time. Red-eared sliders, for example, live up to 30 to 40 years, while European pond turtles can live up to 70 years.
What Do Water Turtles Eat?
Proper nutrition is crucial for the long and healthy life of water turtles. Most water turtles are omnivorous, meaning they eat both animal and plant-based foods.
The proportions of animal and plant-based food in a water turtle's diet can vary depending on the species. Some species primarily consume animal-based food, while others mainly eat plants. Additionally, the age of the turtle also plays a role in the composition of its diet. Young turtles often consume more animal-based food, while adult turtles rely more on plant-based food.
Some suitable plant-based foods for water turtles include:
- Duckweed
- Water Lettuce
- Water Lily
- Water Hyacinth
- Dandelion
It is important to note that vegetables and fruits should not be included in the diet of water turtles. These seemingly healthy foods are generally poorly tolerated by reptiles and can cause significant digestive issues.
Some suitable animal-based foods for water turtles include:
- Water Snails
- Earthworms
- Water Fleas
- Insects
- Mosquito Larvae
- Fish
- Crustaceans
- Mollusks
Aquatic Turtle Food from Aquaris
Aquaris offers a selection of high-quality food specifically designed for water turtles. With its carefully balanced composition of natural prey animals and (depending on the variety) plant-based components, this food is ideal as part of a well-rounded diet for various species of water turtles.
Buying Water Turtles
If you are considering buying a water turtle, there are several things to consider. Firstly, keep in mind that turtles can live for many years, so your pet will likely be with you for several decades.
Additionally, keeping water turtles requires significant effort. Before making a purchase, ensure that you can provide a suitable and species-specific environment for your new companion in the long term.
Furthermore, legal regulations must be considered for many species. Water turtles are often protected, and their ownership may require registration.
Therefore, it is crucial to approach a reputable breeder who possesses all the necessary permits and genuinely cares about the well-being of their water turtles.
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