How much water does a juvenile turtle need?
Aquatic turtle have webbed feet because it helps them swim. As a general rule, you should have at least 10 to 15 gallons of water for every one inch (2.5 cm) of a turtle. Fill the tank with enough clean water so that the turtle can swim comfortably. The water should always be deeper than the turtles are wide.
How many inches of water does a turtle need?
Red-eared sliders need an adequate amount of water in which to swim. At a minimum, the water should be about twice as deep as your turtle is long—a 4-inch turtle should have a minimum water depth of 6-8 inches.
Can my pond turtle be outside the water?
In warmer climates, aquatic turtles may be able to live outdoors year-round. It is also possible to hibernate some species in an outdoor pond, although this is not without risk.
How old can a 10 year old turtle be?
When it comes to dogs and cats, 10 years means old age. Not for turtles, a 10-year old turtle is still young, as most can and will easily live to be 30 years or more. Some like the eastern box turtle can even grow to be 100 years. As such, if you plan on keeping a turtle, be prepared for the commitment.
What’s the best way to keep aquatic turtles alive?
Oxygenation: Since hibernating aquatic turtles require high oxygen levels in the water, some method of adding supplemental oxygen is a good idea. Running a pump (to keep water moving) or air pump can increase oxygen levels in the water.
When is the best time to put aquatic turtles outside?
Depending on where you live, putting an aquatic turtle outdoors might be something you can only do for a few months during the summer. You need to consider the natural range of the species you have. For example, red-eared sliders are quite hardy and adaptable.
How big of a tank do you need for a turtle?
An adult should be housed in at least a 40-gallon tank. The water needs to be about 75 to 85°F. Because the species is semi-aquatic, they need a land area to bask, which should be about 90°F. The basking temperatures can easily be provided by a UV heat lamp. These turtles will eat an omnivorous diet of aquatic plants and meat proteins.
Oxygenation: Since hibernating aquatic turtles require high oxygen levels in the water, some method of adding supplemental oxygen is a good idea. Running a pump (to keep water moving) or air pump can increase oxygen levels in the water.
Depending on where you live, putting an aquatic turtle outdoors might be something you can only do for a few months during the summer. You need to consider the natural range of the species you have. For example, red-eared sliders are quite hardy and adaptable.
How old do red eared slider turtles get?
With the right care, though, they’re generally a hardy and healthy species that frequently surpasses 50 years of age. Common Names: Red-eared slider turtle, red-eared slider, red-eared terrapin, red-eared turtle, slider turtle, water slider turtle
How old do turtles have to be to hibernate in a pond?
Turtles should also have been in the pond since at least mid-summer to have time to adjust to the changing season to prepare for hibernation, and they should be older than six months. As the weather cools, the turtle will eat less and less which is normal. As the turtle stops eating and the temperatures approach 50 F, stop feeding.
