Tag Archives: turtle care

Red Eared Slider Turtles

Several different types of slider turtles are kept as pets but the most common variety is the red eared slider turtle. If you’ve ever seen a tank of turtles at a pet store, you were probably looking at a pile of sliders. Red eared slider turtles are thought to be the same turtles behind the salmonella cases in the 1970s. If you will be handling any turtle, experts suggest you wash your hands with warm water and soap afterwards. In North America, the sale of slider turtles less than four inches long (carapace size) is prohibited — this is to … Continue reading →

Turtle Health and Handling

If you’ve got your tank ready… it’s time to pick out a turtle! The best time to buy a turtle is in the late spring and summer months. The rest of the year is hibernation time for turtles — so those you see in pet stores may be stressed during the fall, winter, and early spring. How to pick out a healthy turtle: Pick up the turtle — support the body in your hands. It should feel weighty, not like an empty shell. Gently tug on a back leg. The turtle should strongly pull his leg away. Look at the … Continue reading →

Preparing Your Turtle Tank

Planning to keep your turtle indoors? Here are some tips to help you prepare your turtle tank. Make sure the tank capacity is forty gallons or more. Think of forty gallons as your minimum size. Your turtle will need a land area and a water area. Your turtle will need a sun lamp and basking spot. Try to place the tank in a room where the lighting does not change often. In general, the tank should be a kept at around 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and around 70 degrees Fahrenheit at night — however, specific temperature requirements will … Continue reading →