Turtles are often a source of fascination for young children, and can make great pets as long as you and your family understand how to raise them safely. Before bringing a turtle home, there are a few things to consider. Turtles can live for decades, so you must be committed to providing long-term care for your new reptilian family member. You will need to spend at least one hour per week cleaning your turtle's home and about 10 minutes a day feeding them. Additionally, you must be prepared for your turtle to grow significantly over time, so make sure there is enough room for them to grow.
If you plan to go on vacation, you will need to arrange for someone to care for your turtle in your absence. It's important to remember that turtles are watch pets more than touch pets, as they do not like to be disturbed. Some turtles may enjoy having their head petted or shell scratched, but be cautious and observe their behavior to ensure they are comfortable.
Turtles require a warm environment during the day, around 80 degrees, and cooler temperatures, around 70 degrees, at night. They need about 12 hours of direct sunlight or UV light each day to receive enough vitamin D3 to stay healthy. Veterinary care for reptiles can be costly, so consider the additional expenses before bringing a turtle into your home. If you are unable or unwilling to provide proper care for a turtle, please do not bring one home.
Turtles can carry salmonella, so it's important to wash your hands with hot, soapy water after handling them or their habitat. Avoid housing your turtle near the kitchen or areas where your family eats, and do not eat or smoke while handling them. Also, it's best not to kiss your turtle.
If you decide to bring a turtle into your home, you will need to provide them with an appropriate habitat. If keeping your turtle indoors, you will need an aquarium or wooden box that can be kept fairly humid, with enough space for a basking area and a shaded area for your turtle to rest. Your turtle should also have a large water dish to soak in, and the water should be changed daily. Avoid using tap water, as the chlorine and fluoride can be harmful to turtles. It's better to use spring water or allow tap water to sit out for 24 hours to remove the chlorine. Do not use bark or wood chips in your turtle's habitat, as they can be ingested and lead to contamination. You will also need to clean and disinfect the entire habitat at least once a month.