Facts About Turtles
Turtles and tortoises have fascinated people particularly now as they make good pets. Unfortunately as this interest has grown it has lead to many turtles becoming targets of unscrupulous collectors that endanger the population and health of native turtles. Additionally as a responsible owner it is important that you become an expert in caring for these creatures, if you are to avoid many of the pitfalls that may come your way.
If you have a genuine interest in owning a turtle or tortoise as a pet there are things you can do to protect them from extinction or harm. There are precautions you can take to ensure that when you find baby turtles you can be sure they are being sold legitimately.
Can I own a turtle or tortoise legally?
Yes you can. Owning a turtle or tortoise is legal unless you obtained it illegally. Laws to restrict the selling of turtles and tortoises are two-fold.
Baby turtles once commonly sold as pets were targeted as a health risk because of the Salmonella bacteria present.
Because of this the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) banned the sale of
turtles with a shell less than 4 inches (10cm). This included
their eggs and hatchlings of all species.
Many turtle species are becoming endangered and most states have laws in place restricting the selling of turtles captured in the wild. If you do go on to own or purchase a turtle or tortoise you may have to obtain a permit. Not having the proper permits could be considered as a crime
Where can I go to find baby turtles to buy?
To begin with never buy a baby turtle or terrapin from another country. Dealers are unlikely to be concerned with your situation and at the airport you will be held responsible for illegally importing a turtle from another country.
Unfortunatly there will be times that baby turtles available in pet stores have been illegally captured in the wild. These reptiles have undergone extreme stress by being captured, held captive in small, crowded spaces with other turtles and often neglected, subsisting on meagre food and unclean water.
The baby turtles for sale here may have enjoyed decades of life in the wild and will be lucky to survive longer than two years in captivity due to the ill health caused by their capture and lack of care. Individuals who buy baby turtles from these commercial sellers are inadequately informed on the proper care and cost of owning a turtle. Serious health problems may arise, often undetected until beyond recovery or requiring expensive intervention.
Joining local or online groups that are interested in the propercare of turtles will put you in touch with hobbyists and placement agencies that find homes for captive turtles and hatchlings. These are not covered by the law binding on commercial sales. By investigating these organisations you will be in contact with individuals knowledgeable about the care required by your unique pet.
So you have found baby turtles for sale how to take care of them? A turtle must have enough room to live along with light and shade. Clean water is important and a basking lamp is useful, all of these steps will go a long way in keeping your turtle healthy.
Turtles are usually more at home outdoors so setting up an enclosure of some sort is often the best course to take. Here you can more closely mimic the turtles natural habitat which means your turtle will hibernate in the fall which is its natural life cycle. It is best not to disturb your turtle from hibernation as this could be fatal, its best to leave it alone until it emerges in the Spring.
Species of turtle, like Terrapins for example, that can be kept indoors should have a large tank having both land and water areas. Temperature control is important, there should be a place where they can bask under a heat lamp too. The ideal temperature
will depend on the species but try to keep the tank at around 80 degrees by day and 70 degrees by night. Avoid sudden changes in
temperature if possible, reptiles are cold blooded and take time to adjust to temperature cages. Water should be filtered or spring water. Chlorine and fluoride is present in mains water which may effect the Ph balance. At the very least make sure that spring water is provided for drinking.
Try to create natural lighting conditions in the tank by using a room where the lighting is mainly governed by natural daylight. Turtles need around 12 hours of daylight each day and a UV light will help. Turtle’s spend much of their time basking in sunlight in the wild which maintains the vitamin D3 they need to stay healthy.
Make sure that there is a shelter built into the tank so that your turtle can retreat to it as it needs to. If you include vegetation check to see that it is not poisonous as it is bound to get nibbled. Avoid using any type of bark or chippings, this material will harbour bacteria and is difficult to keep clean.
Last but not least since most baby turtles sold (or terrapins) are bought as pets for children make sure that they understand their responsibilities. These reptiles make
interesting pets but they are not toys and should be treated with respect. Doing so will provide not only a healthy habitat for your turtle but will give pleasure for years to come.
Baby turtles have excess energy
Although baby turtles face a very dangerous dash from their nests to the ocean, researchers have found that they have more than enough energy.
How To Make A Wonderful Life For Your Baby Turtles
You might want at some time to breed your turtles. Or you will buy a baby turtle.
A Basic Guide to Healthy, Happy Turtles
One reason turtles bask is to get warm – that is why you see them basking in the middle of the day.
Mail this post