Water Turtle Care Sheet

Aquatic turtles are very popular pets. They are easy reptiles to care for and can bring hours of enjoyment as they become part of the family. You should study and thoroughly familiarize yourself with the natural history and habits of any turtle species before acquiring one. This “homework” helps ensure the turtle will thrive in captivity.

Although most owners keep their pet aquatic turtle in a glass aquarium, a variety of captive habitats, such as plastic containers to outdoor ponds, can be used. The captive habitat should be easy to clean and should allow for easy maintenance of clean water. Frequently changing the water is the easiest method for maintaining clean water for aquatic turtles. Standard aquarium filters should be used to provide additional support for water quality maintenance. Outside filters are efficient, provide high flow rates, and are relatively easy to clean.

Any enclosure should provide adequate room for swimming and sufficient dry area for resting and sunning. Providing a dry, non-submerged area is very important. Water turtles, especially juveniles, can become exhausted and drown when no such dry area is provided. Very small water turtles can be provided with a piece of partially submerged wood or cork bark onto which they can crawl on for basking or under for hiding. Larger and heavier water turtles require a more solid and immovable basking area on which to completely crawl out of the water and rest. If an aquarium is used to house your turtle, one-third should be used for basking. Gravel can be used to fill the basking side. Green plants can also be planted or placed in this area.

The water level provided should be at least as deep as the turtle is long, preferable several times this measure. Tap water is acceptable provided it is allowed to stand undisturbed for at least 48 hours before the turtle is introduced. Bottled water is probably safest for delicate water turtles.

Many turtle species tolerate room temperature for both air and water. An incandescent light bulb or heat lamp can be installed directly above the basking area to provide supplemental heat. The temperature should stay between 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit with the higher temperatures being in the basking area. A full-spectrum light should be placed at least 2 feet above the basking area to provide supplemental heat and aid in vitamin D metabolism. The water temperature should also be in the same temperature range, which may require a submersible tank heater. Be sure that the temperatures in the tank do not exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Adult water turtles are, for the most part, carnivorous and juveniles are considered omnivorous. Water turtles usually change from a mixed vegetable-meat diet to an all-meat diet after the first year of life. Aquatic turtles must feed within the water and this can contaminate the water they live in. It is recommended that they be fed in an environment separate from their living environment to reduce contamination of the water. A small aquarium, hard plastic dishpan, or even a bucket works well for feeding. Your turtle should be fed a variety of foods. Commercially prepared pelleted diets for aquatic turtles or fish are best fed after soaking to soften. These pellets should be high in calcium and vitamin A. A variety of insects (such as mealworms, crickets and wax worms) can also be provided. Earthworms are also a good source of food. In addition, you should also offer a variety of dark green leafy vegetables. Remember that a varied diet is best, and these turtles should not be fed a steady diet of just one or two types of food. Water turtles can be fed daily or 2-3 times weekly, depending upon their age and size. Rapidly growing juveniles should be offered high-quality food daily, whereas adult water turtles do very well when fed 2-3 times a week. You do not want to over feed your turtle.

Not all turtles hibernate. In captivity, with constant temperatures and plentiful food, turtles may not go into hibernation at all. Only healthy specimens who have been eating well and who have not experienced recent or unresolved illness or stress should be allowed to hibernate. If you would like to find out whether your turtle should hibernate or not, have them checked by a veterinarian.