Decorative turtles: care, types and features of the content

Start a turtle as a pet -this is a great idea for people who have little free time. However, note that the peculiarity of these animals is not that they do not need care, but that it takes a minimal amount of time. Really, with turtles it is not necessary to walk, they do not demand complex hygienic procedures, but the basic rules of feeding and requirements to conditions of an environment should be remembered. It is advisable to choose the type of animals you are interested in in advance, but if the pet is presented to you, consult with a specialist for the correct breed definition. Central Asian, marsh, red-eared and many others - all these are decorative turtles. Care must be carried out for each species.

Prepare the habitat

All species of these animals can be divided into twolarge groups: water and land. For representatives of each of them it is necessary to create special living conditions. It is necessary to begin with the debunking of a widespread myth - even land decorative turtles, which care is considered to be the most simple, should be kept in a special terrarium. The mistake of many novice lovers is the release of the tortoise to freedom, that is, to the floor. This is unacceptable, as in an ordinary apartment or house the animal will be traumatized, do not forget about drafts and small debris that can be mistakenly eaten. Aquatic species require an aquarium, in which most of the "lake" will take, and a smaller one - a dry platform. Tortoises require a terrarium with soil and shelter.

Temperature and special conditions

In addition to a glass box,content of turtles and special equipment. Like all reptiles, these animals need air and water heating, ultraviolet lamps are also needed (more powerful for land species). The minimum volume of aquarium for aquatic species is 100 liters. Keep in mind that even decorative small turtles care required with observance of all rules. And if the seller promises that animals will not grow more than 5 cm in length - this is not true. The normal size for all "dwarf" turtles is up to 13 cm inclusive. Species that grow larger are considered large and more complex in content.

Types of food and schedule of feeding

Turtles can not be fed by people's habitsproducts and feed for other animals. Among those who have recently purchased an animal, the question of what the decorative tortoises eat is popular. Care for reptiles should include the formulation of the right diet. Aquatic species are mostly predators, they should be fed with seafood and nonfat fish, the insides and bones removed from it completely unnecessary. It is necessary to introduce in the diet and vegetable food, a small percentage of the total. There are also special ready-made feeds, they are recommended to be given no more often than once a week. Periodically, you can feed animals with nutritional supplements. Land reptiles eat salads, various plants, vegetables and fruits. They should be fed with vitamins once a week. A drinking bowl is not needed in the terrarium, only some tropical species of turtles drink water.

Decorative water turtle: care and special needs

For these animals, the landscape in the aquarium is important. From the water there must be a special gangway to the dry platform, along which the turtle can descend and rise. These animals are important to communicate with the owners, give at least 10-15 minutes to your pet per day. Keep these reptiles in pairs is not worth it. Almost all species of turtles react negatively to their own kind, the second individual is only interested in them during the breeding season. Avoiding the same fights and injuries will be difficult. Red-bellied decorative turtles require special care. They need to cut their claws, but the beak should be shortened only when absolutely necessary.

Features of land tortoises

Animals living outside the water space,it is recommended to let go for a walk. The warm floor of an apartment (the main thing - that there were no drafts) or a natural landscape will do. Note that almost all species are able to burrow into the sand, so during walks do not leave the pet unattended. Viruses are a big danger for animals. If your pets are decorative turtles, care should be standard - pruning claws and beaks is also necessary. If possible, the animal should be bathed, only once a week. Water should not get into the eyes and ears of a turtle. During molting it is useful to lubricate the shell with a special cream. Keep the animal from excessive heat and direct sunlight, do not place the terrarium near the heating appliances, during a walk release the turtle in the penumbra. A useful thing for land species, often taken for a walk, is a special beacon that allows finding a reptile that has disappeared from sight.