by Jerica Collins

Created on: February 01, 2008

A turtle can make a fantastic and very interesting pet if you keep some things in mind. Someone looking to get a turtle must be sure they are willing to dedicate the possibly 50 or more years to their turtle pet, as their lifespan is incredibly long. A turtle owner also has to care enough about the pet to be sure they have the proper set up for a turtle and a proper diet. Depending on whether you get a turtle or tortoise you will have a different type of set up. This can be something very enjoyable to make for those who really care about the turtle. Providing land is a must for most pet turtles as well as water they can immerse themselves in whether they are a land tortoise or water turtle. They also require proper lighting.

Turtles have to have a very specialized diet. The land tortoise, those who have the stocky legs, rounded shell on top and thick rough skin, can not just live on earthworms as some people try to make them. A vegetarian diet as well as a commercial pelleted diet is the best way to go. Dark leafy greens (not iceberg lettuce) and yellow and orange veggies provide needed Vitamin A, without this vitamin turtles have eye and shell problems. These should be the base of their diet and pellets can provide extra nutrition. However, water turtles, those who have slimmer legs, flatter shells and smoother skin, can be fed a diet mostly of feeder fish and other little water animals as well as the pelleted diet.

When fed properly and given a proper environment to thrive in (including plenty of room) a turtle (or tortoise) can make a very enjoyable pet. Not only is watching them eat, swim and dig entertaining, but the initial set up of their home can be fun too. Finding edible plants to place around the enclosure (or put in the water), making interesting watering areas, and other eye catching add ins can make you enjoy your turtle even more. Turtles are intelligent and do have personalities if time is spent with them, many even enjoy being rubbed on the head, not to mention they can be pretty cute. Just be absolutely certain you are ready for the long term commitment and work it requires to keep them healthy.

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