Water Turtles, Characteristics and Care

Nearly 300 species of turtles are known, with freshwater turtles being the most abundant in the world. The water turtle is one of the varieties with the greatest presence in our homes, since its striking appearance, its clumsy and slow movements and its peaceful temperament make it a highly appreciated animal, perfect for the little ones in the house. Find out much more about the Water Turtles below.

water turtles

Characteristics of Water Turtles

Turtles or turtles are a variety of reptiles that have adapted to live both in the sea and on land. Its most outstanding feature is its wide and short body, which is protected from the outside by a strong convex shell. This armor is attached to his spine and forms part of his skeleton. About 356 species of turtles are known throughout the planet, both from land (with the exception of Antarctica) and from marine or fresh waters.

Of all of them, the most recognized are the giant tortoises native to the Galapagos Islands, which were part of the studies carried out by the English naturalist Charles Darwin when he passed through Ecuador. Although there were not many species of turtles throughout their evolutionary process, today they are very diverse, which is expressed in the design of their shells, their colors, their limbs or the appearance of their heads.

Turtles are regularly classified according to the habitat to which they have adapted from the evolutionary point of view. They have stable legs on which to stand, slow metabolisms and compact, rounded bodies, which allow them to shelter in their shell against any threat. Some have been domesticated and serve as pets for humans, despite the fact that they are slow, cold-blooded animals with a somewhat boring character.

Food

Tortoises do not have teeth but a very powerful coriaceous beak. Their diet is essentially omnivorous. The land ones are primarily vegetarian, since they eat leaves, stems, flowers, fungi and fruits, but also earthworms and insects. The marine ones eat algae, corals, modest molluscs or porifera. Not having teeth makes them unable to hold onto prey or tear its flesh violently.

water turtles

Habitat

The turtles have occupied both the terrestrial habitat and those of marine and fresh waters. Species that have adapted to dry and desert climates can be found, enduring the harshness of the environment like a tank. They can also be found on the seabed or on the banks of lakes and rivers, where they live an essentially amphibious existence.

Reproduction

Turtles, like all reptiles, are oviparous, that is, they lay eggs. Fertilization takes place inside the female, which the male mounts taking advantage of the concave profile of her belly. Subsequently, the female digs a nest in which she places her eggs, which she covers so that they can benefit from the heat. Sea turtles travel hundreds of kilometers following highly complex migratory patterns to find the beaches where they can lay their eggs. From these eggs hatch young that instinctively seek water.

Customs

They are cold-blooded creatures, which use the sun to heat their bodies, so they are usually exposed to it for long periods of time. In temperate climates, turtles hibernate to escape the cold, or migrate to other regions in the case of sea turtles. Regularly its posture is parsimonious, passive, with diminished fighting abilities, opting instead to hide in its shell to escape any form of aggression.

Caring for water turtles

The water turtle is one of the most preferred pets, particularly among children, a sector in which they have become very popular in recent years. There are many reasons to own a turtle as a pet, although parents have it as the first option for their children since they are easy to care for and make the little ones responsible. For all these reasons we have decided to comment on the care of water turtles.

water turtles

Fish Tank or Terrarium

The turtle needs to have its own habitat or environment, which could well be a fish tank or a terrarium, which must meet the following requirements:

  • A pool deep enough for them to swim in peace without clashing with the decoration you have at home
  • A dry section that is above the water level in which the turtle is exposed to the sun and allows it to dry off as well as rest.

The dimensions of the terrarium for the water turtle must be appropriate for the creature to swim without problems, being able to have a size that exceeds 3 to 4 times the length of the same turtle. The larger the terrarium, the better living conditions it will have.

Additionally, so that the turtle does not suffer from any disease due to lack of hygiene, you must keep the water as clean as possible, emptying and filling the aquarium every week. You can also decide to buy a filtering system and forget about cleaning the water. You can add accessories to your terrarium such as palm trees, castles or plastic plants and create an original and unique environment.

Temperature and Sunlight

The habitat of the turtle is of the utmost importance so that it does not get sick, for this we must bear in mind that:

  • The temperature of the water must be warm, from about 26ºC to 30ºC, and as we have previously mentioned in the dry section of the aquarium or terrarium, the sun's rays must be able to reach it so that the turtle can dry and keep its bones and shell healthy. It is relevant that the temperature of the water does not vary much due to the effect of the environmental temperature, since a sudden change is not beneficial for the turtle. They should not be allowed to withstand temperatures below 5 degrees or above 40, nor should they be placed in places where there are drafts.
  • They must be exposed to sunlight. If you cannot find a good location so that the place receives sunlight, you can choose to acquire a lamp that imitates its effect and that is directed towards some object or sector of dry land in the terrarium.

What do they eat?

You can get some type of conventional food for this creature at any pet store, which is sufficient for its diet. You can also alter their diet by introducing other foods such as raw fish with little fat, vegetables, crickets, larvae and even small insects. If you want to provide any of these foods, first seek advice from the specialist. If you notice that he loves raw fish but it does not adapt to the foods you get in stores, combine both and try to get him used to it.

Turtles should be fed according to their age: if they are small they will be fed only once a day and large ones three times a week, always according to what is indicated on the product's packaging. Keep in mind that you will have to remove all the remaining food from the terrarium to prevent it from getting too dirty.

More common diseases

Most of the pathologies of water turtles are due to ignorance of their basic requirements, such as, for example, the contribution of sunlight in their habitat or inappropriate diets. In case you get sick and you have others in the aquarium, you must separate the sick one from the other companions, at least for a month or until you see that she has healed.

Skin

If the turtle has any lesions on its skin, consult the veterinarian so that they can prescribe a cream to heal it. They will regularly be ointments with water-soluble antibiotics that contribute to healing and are not harmful. If it is an open wound, you should still leave them indoors to prevent flies from laying their eggs on them.

Shell

When the shell softens it is due to the lack of calcium and light. Sometimes small spots can also be shown on it. It is recommended to increase sun exposure. On the other hand, the discoloration of the shell is due to the presence of chlorine in the water or lack of vitamins. The white layer on the shell is caused by fungi that arise due to excessive humidity or lack of light. To prevent it, throw 1/4 of a cup of salt for every 19 liters of water. If the animal already has fungus, apply an antifungal medication that can take up to a year to heal.

Eyes

Eye infection is also a frequent problem in turtles, which can be recognized when they keep their eyes closed for prolonged periods. It is due to a lack of vitamin A or poor hygiene in the habitat. Add vitamins to your diet.

Respiratory

If we notice that the turtle excretes mucus from the nose, breathes with its mouth open and shows little activity, we should move its terrarium to a place without currents and increase its temperature to 25ºC.

Digestion

The turtle's constipation is due to the food we provide. If you have a lack of vitamins and fiber, you will be predisposed to this problem. Put the turtle in a container of warm water and change its diet. Diarrhea is caused by the excess of fruit, lettuce or the ingestion of a food in bad condition. Possible solutions are to offer less hydrated foods and clean water.

Anxiety or Stress

If you notice restlessness in his behavior, move the tortoise to a quieter area so his immune system isn't harmed.

Egg Retention

This happens when they break inside the turtle, which is caused by lack of vitamins or nutritional deficiencies, advanced age, etc. It should be taken to a specialist as soon as the turtle could perish.

Prolapse

This is the name given to the fact that your reproductive system moves from its natural cavity. It regularly reintroduces itself or with help, but if the prolapse is caused by a bite or tear it may require amputation.

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