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Set up two-thirds of your turtle's aquarium for swimming and one-third for basking, using a full-spectrum ultraviolet light source. Basking is critical for drying and preventing shell problems. And since turtles can't store vitamin D 3, they must be exposed to UVB light for absorption.
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Keep the temperature at 77 to 95 degrees F for aquatic and semi aquatic species. Use an aquarium heater when needed; turtles and terrapins become sluggish and stop eating in low temperatures.
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Keep the water clean to prevent health problems. Use an aquarium filtration system to maintain optimal water quality.
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Prevent your turtle's environment from becoming soiled by either netting or siphoning off all fecal matter as soon as possible. Fecal buildup can cause health problems.
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Clean the entire aquarium (including the filtration system) at least once a month. Clean ponds or large enclosures where the animal spends time at least every three to six months.
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Offer a complete commercial diet made specifically for turtles and terrapins. Check with experts for exact dietary requirements and amounts for your species.
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Supplement the diet with appropriate snacks: Earthworms, crustaceans, small fish, mouse pups, algae, leafy green vegetation and fruit are examples of suitable foods for terrapins. Semi aquatic species tend to be herbivorous - they tend to eat plants only.
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Feed your pet two to three times a week in a small holding tank that is separate from its normal enclosure; uneaten food can attract disease - causing microorganisms.
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Rinse off your turtle after a feeding with slightly warm water before returning him to his enclosure.
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Find a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles, amphibians and other exotic pets to provide care for your turtle.
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What else can I help you with?
What do tortoises drink?
Tortoises drink water.
Can tortoises live entirely in water?
No ! Tortoises are LAND dwellers - only seeking out water to drink !
Can a tortis swim?
Yes, tortoises can swim, although they are primarily land-dwelling reptiles. When in water, they can paddle using their legs, but they are not as agile or fast as turtles, which are adapted for aquatic life. Tortoises typically prefer to stay on land and only enter water for drinking or cooling off.
How do desert tortoises stay safe?
Desert tortoises spend about 95% of their lives in underground burrows, safe from predators and the hot sun.
Tortoise can stay in the water sometimeHow does tortoise do that?
Tortoises can hold their breath underwater for extended periods of time by slowing down their metabolism and conserving oxygen. They can absorb some oxygen through their skin and cloaca while submerged, which helps them stay underwater for longer periods. Additionally, tortoises are able to store oxygen in their body tissues, allowing them to survive underwater for extended periods.
Do tortoises move?
Tortoises do move on dry land, but very slowly. They also do not move in water.
Is a tortoises an offspring?
No a tortoise is like a sibling of a turtle... The difference? Tortoises can be on land and in water, however , turtles cannot.
Where do tortoises stores their water?
They put it in the refrigerator they store in their shell.
What do pet tortoises drink?
The same as their naturally-occurring relatives... water !
How heavy do tortoises get?
Tortoises can vary widely in size and weight depending on the species. On average, tortoises can weigh anywhere from a few pounds to several hundred pounds. The heaviest tortoise species is the Galapagos tortoise, which can weigh up to 900 pounds.
What is the difference between turtles and tortoises?
While similar (both have shells) the tortoise lives on land, and is a herbivore. The turtle lives in water, and is an omnivore. They can be distinguished by the shape of their shells- turtles are streamlined for swimming and diving, tortoises are dome shaped.
Do all turtles live by the water?
No some are desert tortoises and such, so not all turtles live by water
