Can a turtle drown? Can a turtle drown? I know it sounds like a silly question – but sadly the answer is yes! When watching our Chelonian friends swimming around gracefully, perfectly controlling their buoyancy and speed, it can be hard to imagine the risk that drowning poses to them. The truth of the matter […]
Turtle Shell Shedding The peeling or shedding of the shell is normal and is something that happens to all turtles. Like other reptiles, turtles also shed. However, unlike other reptiles, the turtle has a big shell that is part of its body. As such, the shedding process is different. As you may already know, the […]
Parasites In Turtles Unlike other pets such as dogs, cats, birds and other reptiles, turtles are less prone to parasites, both internal and external. However, when they do occur, parasitic infestations need to be taken seriously as they can lead to serious complications and even death when left untreated. Pet turtles are particularly affected by […]
Can turtles live with fish? A lot goes into a turtle’s set up. The basics include the aquarium, heating and lighting, and filtration. Many turtle keepers also prefer to have a tank mate or two in the same enclosure as the pet turtle. These tank mates can be other turtles, other reptiles, and even fish. […]
Turtle Fungus Fungal infections are quite common among pet turtles. While they may be an issue, they can be easily avoided through proper sanitation. The keyword here is persistence. In order to keep the turtle’s aquarium clean, you have to stick to a strict cleaning schedule. Of course, a water filter goes a long way […]
Turtle & Tortoise Beaks Yes, both turtles and tortoises have beaks. Aquatic turtles don’t need their beaks trimmed like turtles, but box turtles may need theirs trimmed. If you look at the above tortoise, you can see that its beak is extending down past its jaw and is overgrown. Additionally you can also see its […]
Turtle Claws – How To Trim Them If you have turtles then you have to consider all their needs including your turtles nails. It is not enough to simply provide an enclosure and food. There is a lot more you need to consider. For instance, you also have to ensure their nails and beaks are […]
All About Turtle Basking Humans aren’t the only species that enjoy sunbathing on a sunny day. Turtles sunbathe too. However, they do so for very different reasons. While humans may sunbathe as a way of receiving a tan, turtles sunbathe (scientifically known as basking) to regulate their internal body temperature. Unlike mammals, reptiles are cold-blooded. […]
How To Make A Turtle Basking Area Providing a basking platform for your turtle is a task you need to complete even before you acquire a turtle. Most turtles need to bask several hours a day and need a basking area to do so comfortably. Basking enables the turtle to dry off (this retards fungal […]
Turtles like any other animal need to rest. Most pet turtles are diurnal and as such sleep at night. To ensure the turtle sleeps well, turn the lights off during the evening. Try and maintain a day-night cycle. This means that the lights in the turtle’s aquarium need to be on for 10-12 hours each […]
