Pet turtles care and feeding. Caring for a decorative red-eared turtle. How to determine the sex of a land turtle

Recently, red-eared turtles are increasingly being chosen as pets. These unpretentious animals long years become true friends and full members of many families. The lifespan of red-eared turtles can exceed 30 years. Of course, life expectancy is affected strong influence accommodations pet. In this article we will tell you how to properly keep a red-eared slider.

Usually caring for red-eared turtles does not cause much trouble, but there are still some guidelines that should be followed. Pond slider - this is an amphibian animal. For a comfortable existence, she needs to spend some part of the day in the water, periodically going out onto land. The turtle is breathing atmospheric air. It is best to keep turtles in a spacious aquarium, which is filled with enough water for swimming. The water must be left to stand for several days. Change the water as needed, usually once every two weeks. Turtles need fresh air, for which an island is made of stones. You can use special floating islands sold in stores. The red-eared turtle loves warmth and light, so a brighter lamp is installed above the aquarium. A water filter, thermometer and heater will not be superfluous. Turtles are predators, so fish and other animals should not be kept with them.

Red-eared turtles grow quite quickly, they can grow 20-25 cm in the first years of life. It is worth understanding that the larger the aquarium for your turtle, the better. A turtle 13-15 cm long requires an aquarium with a volume of 100-150 liters. The water needs to be filled so that the turtle can easily stick its head to the surface.

You can use a heater that will be immersed in water. The temperature for keeping red-eared turtles is 24-27° C.

Also make a dry area in the aquarium where the turtle can come out of the water to bask or sunbathe. This is very necessary for turtles, as the warmth keeps them healthy.

Nutrition

A turtle's diet directly affects its well-being. As a rule, they are very unpretentious in food. However, it is very important to choose the right feeding for her. Stores sell special mixtures based on bloodworms and gammarus, which turtles really like. Don't limit yourself to just this food. Turtles need a variety of foods. Periodically you should feed turtles with boiled and raw meat, fish. You can also give plant foods, spinach, lettuce, and cabbage leaves are suitable. It is enough to feed turtles every other day or two. The amount of food is given so that it can be eaten in a few minutes. Remains of food are removed using a net.

Features of care

To prevent turtles from causing trouble, you need to follow some rules:

• give meat no more than 3 times a week;
• include vitamin supplements in the diet;
• maintain a comfortable temperature in the aquarium;
• replace aquarium water promptly;
• do not let out of the aquarium onto the floor;
• Do not clean the shell with a brush.

Diseases of red-eared turtles

Your turtle may get sick, then you should definitely seek help from an experienced doctor. But if you know the exact cause of the disease, then you can cure the turtle yourself.

If your animal swims exclusively on the surface of the water and cannot dive, does not want to eat and is inactive, then most likely he has pneumonia. For treatment, you need to raise the temperature in the terrarium to 29-30 degrees. You can use a solution pharmaceutical chamomile. To do this, you need to dilute the solution in water (follow the instructions on the package) and put the turtle in it for 40-60 minutes once a day. Also try to feed your pet as varied as possible.

If the turtle's shell has become too soft, loss of appetite, lethargic behavior. To do this, make sure that the temperature in the aquaterrarium is from 27 to 30 degrees, the turtle receives enough vitamins and its diet is varied.

With proper care, red-eared turtles practically do not get sick and are very mobile. These pets are able to remain loyal friends for many years and give good mood. It is best to consult an experienced doctor if you suspect any illness in your turtle.

Proper diet for red-eared turtles - video

Place furry pets and feathered pets in our families Lately The area is increasingly occupied by wild reptiles, including land turtles. Their main difference from the usual vertebrates is their cold-bloodedness, sluggishness, and slowness. This must always be taken into account when caring for a land turtle at home.

The family of land turtles has 40 species. The Central Asian (steppe) tortoise is more often kept at home due to its low cost and dimensions suitable for apartments. This species is characterized by a rounded shell of dark olive, reddish or yellow-brown color, up to 25 cm long. In nature, they live in arid steppes Central Asia, where they live up to 50 years.

At proper care The lifespan at home can be forty years. Despite their relatively cheap and easy care, land turtles require careful attention. They need to be carefully looked after.

Caring for a land turtle requires the following:

• terrarium
• soil
• house
• feeders
• drinking bowls
• UV lamps

Correct content land turtle at home requires the presence of a terrarium. He can be:

• glass (an ordinary aquarium will do);
• wood;
• plastic.

Its size should be 2–3 times the size of the animal for a comfortable existence. Minimum size– 60x40x40. For a 12 cm turtle, the volume of the terrarium should be approximately 80 liters. Place the terrarium above the floor at a height of at least 20 cm.

Important! Turtles do not tolerate drafts, so at home they should not be kept on the floor, where they may also be stepped on or swallow debris from the floor.

Fill the terrarium with soil, the layer thickness is 4 cm. The following are suitable as soil:

• hay;
• sawdust without flavoring;
• pebbles or stones, combine them with sawdust or hay. Choose smooth and flat stones. The pebbles should be slightly larger than the pet's head.

Not suitable as a primer:

• Earth;
• sand;
• cat litter.

It is necessary to care for the soil and clean it daily.

It is useful to place a bathtub in the terrarium as a pool for the turtle, where it should fit entirely. The water level is no more than half the height of the shell. The reptile must be able to get in and out of the pool on its own. There she will happily spend part of her time.

Proper care of a land turtle involves the constant presence of water in the terrarium. There should be a drinking bowl and a feeding trough. A flat plate, bowl, or even a jar lid can be used as a feeder. Do not place the feeder under a lamp, fill it with food for 2 hours a day, then clean it.

The optimal habitat temperature for a land turtle is +20-30C. In winter, reptiles need additional light. Illuminate it with a UV lamp. In pet stores you can choose a special lamp for terrariums. A regular incandescent lamp will also work. The lamp power is calculated as 1 W per liter of aquarium volume. Position it so that the space under the lamp does not heat up above +32C and the turtle can go into the shade. Turn on the lamp in the morning and evening for 2 hours.

Walks

IN summer months When the outside temperature is at least +20C, your pet can be walked outside. At the same time, do not forget to closely monitor the turtle so that it does not eat anything or get injured. To avoid overheating, provide shelter from direct sun rays. It is optimal if the turtle is outside in an enclosure or in a bird cage.

House

A turtle at home requires a house where it can hide from human eyes or take shelter from the sun. Choose a shelter that matches the size of the reptile so that it can easily get in and out of it. Regular will do flower pot or an upside down box. Place the house in the terrarium.

Feeding

The land turtle is a herbivore. Her diet should consist of 90% plant foods and 10% animal foods. At home, just chop up a green salad from:

• dandelions
• clover
• plantain
• lettuce leaves
• vegetables: carrots, cabbage.

Apples are suitable fruits; you can also give some berries, bran and seaweed.

Feed an adult turtle once every 2-3 days. More frequent feeding can cause problems with the digestive tract. A turtle under 2 years of age must receive food daily. Animal food in the form of ground beef should be added to the animal's food once a week.

Not suitable for feeding turtles:

• potato
• fruit seeds
• citrus peel
• dry food for cats and dogs.

Proper care should include vitamin-mineral complexes and supplements, for example, Reptilife. It is better to purchase vitamins in powders - they allow you to avoid mistakes with the dosage. Calculate the required dose according to the instructions and add it to the food once a week. You can simply put a piece of chalk in the terrarium. If a reptile lacks calcium, it will begin to consume it on its own.

How to bathe and water a land turtle

In addition to cleaning the terrarium, you need to care for and monitor the cleanliness of the pet itself. To do this, bathe your turtle regularly (at least once a week). Pour into container warm water(30-36C) up to 2/3 of the animal’s height. It is recommended to add chamomile solution to the water. In case of bowel movements, change the water.

Soap can be used only if the pet is heavily soiled and no more than once a week. Do not use a brush to remove dirt. Use a soft sponge or cloth. Wash the neck and head with your finger without putting pressure on your pet.

The optimal duration of bathing is 30 minutes. After removing the turtle from the water, wipe it dry with a dry cloth and place it in the terrarium.

Attention! After bathing, you should not leave your pet on the floor, otherwise he will catch a cold.

While swimming, the turtle absorbs water through its skin. Immediately after purchase, it is recommended to bathe your pet at home every day for a week until it is saturated with water, and only then switch to weekly bathing.

Possible problems and illnesses

Careful care of a turtle can extend its life at home to 40 years. The main mistakes in care that shorten the life of a pet:

A common problem that occurs in turtles at home is the development of rickets. The main difficulty lies in the early detection of symptoms of the disease, the obvious signs of which are noticeable only at a late stage.

With rickets, the bones and shell of the animal become deformed. The cause is usually a lack of calcium and vitamin D. If you notice a concave or convex shell, swollen, reddened eyes in your pet, then the disease has been going on for a long time.

To care for a turtle with signs of rickets you need to use medicines, appointed by a specialist. Add calcium and vitamin D to your reptile's diet and irradiate it with a UV lamp. These same elements are necessary for the prevention of rickets.

No treatment ends fatal for an animal.

With proper and sufficient care, a happy inhabitant of your apartment will delight you with companionship for many years.

The choice of a pet is decided long before going to the pet store. Some people like active animals, but slow animals also have many adherents.

Their unusual appearance and emphasized phlegmatic nature attract lovers of wildlife.

The “guest” of our review is the red-eared turtle. Let's consider caring for her at home and proper feeding.

Short description

This one is also known as yellow-bellied. Basic natural habitat- northern and central regions North America, as well as southwest South America. IN large quantities distributed on the Iberian Peninsula and South Africa.
The species got its name because of the noticeable red (optionally orange) stripe that runs from the eyes and down to the neck. Note that the colors are very varied, and instead of a stripe there may be large bright spots, complemented by a narrow “ribbon” at the chin.

The top of the shell (the so-called carapace) is round in shape and smooth to the touch. Its olive green color is “diluted” with yellow and black lines. The bottom of the shell (plastron) is yellowish in color, interspersed with blue spots. Young individuals have a bright green carapace, which begins to darken as they grow. The same goes for spots and “signature” stripes.

By size this type refers to the average: the length of the carapace ranges from 19–30 cm (in “domestic” specimens the carapace is larger, usually 25–28 cm). Females are much larger than males.
At the "red girls" perfectly developed sense of smell and vision- it has been proven that they distinguish colors and the smallest details at a distance of 35–40 m. The sense of touch is also in order - if there is a choice, the turtle will easily settle on more tasty food. This is a kind of compensation for not particularly developed hearing. The ears are closed, and a layer of skin muffles the sound. The reptile can only distinguish vibrations or dull sounds.

Important! Often purchased copy- not the only one in the “collection”. Such newcomers are housed in community aquarium not immediately, but after a 2-month quarantine in a separate container with all the conditions. If it turns out that he was never accepted, then the “temporary building” becomes a permanent home.

Such pets are “taciturn”; the most that can be heard from them is a weak squeak, a quiet snort or hiss.

They prefer leisurely swimming, which alternates with long rests on various kinds of snags. There they love to “catch” the sun’s rays.

Purchase rules

If you decide to purchase such an “armadillo,” be patient and take your choice seriously.

The best place to purchase would be a pet store, where they can give sensible advice. Unfortunately, there are not many such establishments, so you have to rely on your own knowledge.

Pay attention to the following points:

1. Condition of skin and shell. There should be no blood, scratches or unnecessary stains on them.
2. Take a closer look at your eyes. In a healthy individual, they open normally, without traces of “sourness” or cloudiness.
3. Don't forget to inspect your nose (for discharge). Bubbles mixed with saliva, as well as strange and frequent sniffles are excluded.
4. Turtle activity. Cheerful movements indicate excellent health.
5. It is advisable to arrange another “exam”. Check if the selected specimen dives in the water. If not, it may be a consequence of pneumonia.

Unscrupulous sellers often assure newcomers that “reds” are decorative dwarf species. In fact, this is not so: they are not that small, and they are also quite aggressive relative to other turtles.

Once you have made your choice, be sure to ask for a receipt. It may come in handy if the animal turns out to be sick and a return follows. And when crossing the border, it obviously won’t be superfluous.

If it is possible to buy a turtle from a nursery, then this will be at least some guarantee that it was kept in normal conditions and is healthy.

Did you know? In Australia, this species is recognized as...pest! Large “herds” of these turtles deprive many species of local animals of their food supply.

How to determine age and gender

The main parameter by which age is calculated is the length of the shell. It is measured “from edge to edge”, with a ruler or tape measure. The circumference is not taken into account.
There is one nuance here. The fact is that the figures obtained can only indicate the approximate age of the animal. With proper care, growth is very intense and large in appearance. pet may in fact turn out to be the same age as a smaller reptile living in slightly worse conditions.

If you keep this fact in mind, then the indicators will be as follows:

• 6 cm is the norm for a one-year-old individual;
• at 2 years, females “grow” up to 9 cm, while males begin to lag behind, reaching 7.5–8 cm;
• “three-year-olds” grow, respectively, to 14 and 10 cm;
• 4 years: 16 and 12 cm;
• the five-year-old “celebrator” is indicated by shells of 18 and 14 cm;
• a six-year-old female barely fits within 20 cm, while males remain at 17 cm.

No less important are the questions of how to determine the sex of the red-eared slider you like and what to look for in this case. We have already mentioned the more impressive “dimensions” of females. They can also be recognized by short tail. A closer examination will indicate the characteristic location of the cloaca - in males it is much closer to the edge of the tail. Among the indirect sexual characteristics are the length and shape of the claws (“men” have large and curved ones), as well as the bend of the plastron - in females this edge is straight, while in the opposite sex there is a small internal “hollow”.

Important! Having bought such a handsome man in warm weather, deliver it home in a box with holes for ventilation. In cold weather, you will have to put a heating pad there or even hold the animal close to you. But wrapping it in rags is useless.

Lifespan in captivity

With attentive owners, such “yellow bellies” can survive 35–40 years. Rarely, but still there are 45-year-old “centenarians”. If there have been short-term disturbances in light or thermal regime, then this period is reduced to 30.
A good food supply and care (and, if necessary, treatment) - all this affects how long the popular red-eared turtles live in normal home conditions. In nature, they last much less, on average 17–20 years.

Choosing and arranging housing

First you will have to acquire a voluminous one. For adult you will need 120–150 liters, and if there are two pets, then 200. For kids, 50 liters will be enough for the first time. The container is selected not too wide and high, but at the same time large in length.

To turn an aquarium into a full-fledged turtle “housing” you will need:

1. Water heater (they try to use 100-watt ones).
2. 40 or 60 W incandescent light bulbs placed at a height of more than 25 cm. With a lower “landing” the light will hit your eyes.
3. Special ultraviolet lamp for reptiles (UVB 5–7%). For little ones they need 10%.
4. External (for adults) or internal filter suitable for young animals.
5. Thermometer.

It is necessary to have an equipped bank. In terms of area, it will occupy a little more than a quarter of the entire area. Of course, warming up is needed - that’s where the light bulbs are directed. The temperature difference between such an island and the water is usually 7–10 °C in favor of land.

Did you know? Leatherback turtles are considered true giants. At 2 m in length, they can weigh more than half a ton! This miracle lives in the east of Australia or on the northern coast of Brazil and Venezuela.

The following requirements are put forward to him:

1. Convenient descent and ascent. One of the sides always smoothly goes into the water.
2. Safety. The turtle should not get stuck between the land and the wall of the aquarium. Stability is no less important - a fairly strong reptile can turn over an unsecured “island”.
3. The presence of a slightly rough surface on which it is convenient to move. On flat surfaces the paws will slip.
4. The material from which the “rest area” is installed must be safe, not overheat and not pollute the water and air with toxins.

Singles or need neighbors

These turtles are not very friendly in nature. Fights for them (especially in mature age) - The usual thing. Dividing up territory or trying to resolve the “sexual issue” often ends in wounds varying degrees or severed tails. The risk of such serious injuries forces owners to distribute representatives of this species in different aquariums.

When this is not possible, and a couple of individuals end up in the same “vessel,” you have to resort to a trick. Barriers or plastic walls are placed through which aggressive inhabitants simply will not see each other.

Important! Remind children to wash their hands after playing with the family pet. Still, “shellfish” live in a different environment, and various bacteria can accumulate on their skin.

If they do spot a competitor, but are physically unable to reach him, this can result in stress. You can smooth out its consequences with abundant feeding.

What do they eat

It will be useful for beginners to know what to feed the predatory red-eared turtle living at home. Yes they - omnivorous carnivores, and in at a young age The basis of the diet is food of animal origin. A gradual transition to plant foods occurs as we age, and in the future its share increases.

The diet, as well as the amount of food, depends on age:

1. Up to 1 year of age, a single daily feeding is required. Both soft animal food and special food along with plant foods are used. Take 2-3 small pieces (1 cubic cm).
2. An adult “tenant” can be fed after 1–2 days. During this period, 50% is considered the norm. plant feed. Although this proportion may vary slightly, turtles also have individual tastes. The dosage is reduced to the same 2-3 pieces, but already up to 3 cubic meters. cm.

Feed is given raw and not too warm (room temperatures are enough).

The “menu” can include the following products:

• any lean river fish;
• carrots and lettuce leaves;
• various insects - usually woodlice, small locusts or legless crickets, bloodworms, woodlice, earthworms and daphnia crustaceans;
• liver - beef heart or liver is considered a delicacy (as are chicken hearts);
• small mice and frogs, tadpoles or;
• dandelion, clover and mallow, suitable aquatic fauna include pistia and duckweed.

Here is a list of prohibited foods:

• bread;
• fruits;
• cheeses;
• meat in the form of minced meat and sausages; chicken and pork (along with lamb and beef) are also “taboo”;
• fatty fish.

Did you know? A turtle named Big Head predicted the outcome of one of the World Cup matches in 2014. The animal confidently chose the feeder under the Brazilian flag, and the national team of this country confidently beat the Croats a little later.

Dry food, which is so actively offered in pet stores, requires careful use; its share in the diet is reduced to a minimum (and only if the diet is somewhat disrupted). But ground bone meal will come in handy - kids are given a pinch every day to hold the bone skeleton and shell together. Their older “colleagues” are given a teaspoon, but once a week.

Care and hygiene

Of exceptional importance in the content is water. Animals sleep in it, eat and “relieve their needs” there, so a filter alone is not enough - the liquid is changed. A complete replacement (with 3- and 4-fold “rinsing” of the walls) is carried out once a month, and a less thorough one - at intervals of 2 weeks.

It happens that the filter is broken. Then cleaning is done twice as often. In any case, baking soda will be used for wiping. More aggressive means are not suitable. Naturally, during this treatment the turtle is temporarily transferred to a container filled with water. All snags, bushes and stones are removed. Dirt from them is washed off or wiped with a rag.

Capacity with clean water filled so that the pet can calmly roll over, suddenly finding itself on its back.

The optimal water temperature is +23…+28 °C. If you turn it up more, your pet will begin to overheat. The lower limit is +20 °C, but it is better not to let it get to that level. To stably maintain the required “degrees”, turn on the heater.

Important! It is advisable to leave a fresh portion of tap water for at least a day. During this time, the most harmful compounds will have time to “evaporate”.

Now about light mode. Both lamps are turned on all day, for 10–12 hours. At the same time, on the shore equipped for recreation it should be +32…+33 °C. At night the lamps are turned off.
Take into account the fact that glass and plastic absorb some of the heat, and you need to set the light so that the reptile receives more rays.

You can often hear about sunbathing. The procedure is good and useful, but with its own subtleties. So, the first stay on fresh air in warm weather (at least +20 °C) it should be limited to 5 minutes. This time can be gradually increased. Only in this case should the turtle be able to go into the shade - keeping it in the sun for a long time will only overheat it.

Hibernation period

IN natural conditions“Red-eared birds” actually go to sleep when it gets cold. But for domestic specimens this condition may not be required. Many owners, due to inexperience, miss this nuance, which leads to sad results. Let's figure out why.

When hibernating, “wild” individuals burst into a layer of silt or leaves at the bottom of a shallow, but large-area reservoir. This achieves a balance between temperature and air access. Oxygen enters through membranes located in the mouth, cloaca or pharynx.

Did you know? Representatives of the species box turtles They love mushrooms, and not only edible ones. Perhaps that is why there are so many of them - Mexicans are afraid to eat the meat of these small and rather nimble “countrymen”.

It is extremely difficult to achieve such balance in an aquarium, and there is no need for it. Pets, receiving plentiful food and constant access to warmth, simply do not require long sleep. In addition, hibernation significantly weakens their body.

For young individuals, hibernation is even harmful - growth stops, and it will no longer be possible to “catch up” with its pace. The conclusion is simple: you cannot forcibly “euthanize” a turtle; without proper experience, this will cause more harm than good.

Diseases: prevention and treatment

Almost all diseases are the result of errors in care or nutrition. To avoid such problems, do not forget about preventive measures. These include:

• balanced diet appropriate for age;
• keeping in clean and warm water;
• daylight hours lasting a maximum of 12 hours;
• If possible, separate keeping of several individuals to prevent injury;
• regular operation of the filter.

The procedures are simple, but there are different situations, which can result in all sorts of illnesses. Let's look at what diseases there are in red-eared turtles, how to recognize them by symptoms and what to consider for treatment. For clarity, these data are supplemented with photographs.

Important! Upon contact with a person, a sick animal can transmit dangerous salmonellosis. The risk of such infection is small, but it should not be discounted. In addition, a seemingly harmless turtle can also spread ascariasis.

Often, as a result of a fight or contact with a sharp corner, snags appear wounds. They are immediately treated, followed by a change of water. If you are late, there is a risk of infection or sepsis.
Sepsis- This is blood poisoning. A sharp decline in activity should be alarming. Inspect immediately, paying particular attention to the plastron and paws (these areas may become red). Treated with strong antibiotics.

Refusal to eat and constantly closed eyes indicate the appearance ulcerative formations in the mouth. Gram-negative bacteria “worked” here. Primary processing comes down to cleaning the problem area with gauze soaked in an antimicrobial composition. Diseased tissue is removed. The veterinarian prescribes a course of antibiotics. Difficulties may also arise with the shell. Various kinds bacterial infections , introduced after an injury or as a result of a burn, reveal themselves by softening the “armor” with hemorrhages against the background of a noticeable stench. The scheme is the same - treatment, removal of dead tissue and subsequent isolation. At large area lesions use different drugs.

Lack of calcium leads to deformation of the shell and weakening of the paws. In the early stages, injections of compounds saturated with this element, a change in diet and thermal regime help. In advanced cases, the outcome can be tragic.
If the red-eared turtle has become lethargic, does not eat for a long time and most sleeps for a day, it may come down to treatment pneumonia. Among its other signs are copious discharge from the nose and mouth, characteristic “chest” wheezing, and an unnaturally raised head. Here everything is decided by the veterinarian who prescribes intramuscular or intravenous injections.

Did you know? Aborigines from tropical islands attributed to shells magical properties. Moreover, they tried to read the prophecies that were allegedly written on the “armor”.

Dirty water can lead to abscess ear. It can be recognized by noticeable swelling on the head. This is one of the most difficult diseases - a competent operation with a long recovery is required.

Reproduction at home

Females are considered sexually mature at the age of 2–5 years, whose shell has grown to 12 cm. For males, these figures are 3–4 years and 10 cm, respectively.

As expected, the games begin with courtship - the male swims for a long time near his partner, turning his muzzle towards her. At the same time, he quickly moves his paws. The time of year doesn't matter.

Take a closer look at the female: if she has become overly active and is trying to leave the aquarium, you need to probe her immediately. Having felt the eggs between the hind legs and the shell, prepare a place for laying, not forgetting to isolate the “father”. The need for ultraviolet radiation and calcium increases.

The nest is usually located on land, having prepared a small hole. Seeing that the turtle began to spend a lot of time there, you can calm down - so far everything is normal. There can be up to 20 eggs in a clutch.
“Extraordinary situations” also arise. For example, having laid 1-2 eggs, the female may delay the clutch, at the same time becoming weaker and losing her appetite. Then you will have to contact a veterinarian, otherwise they will simply harden. Another nuisance is discharge into the water. The masonry breaks much less often, which is immediately noticeable by the smell.

Important! It is better to rinse the new “tenant” in a warm bath immediately after purchase. This will prevent the occurrence of certain diseases.

During the season there may be 3-4 clutches. If the process is successful, crumbs of 2.5 cm are born. A yolk mark is visible on their shell. It is not removed - at first the baby feeds on it. The offspring are separated from the adults by pre-heating the water and land by a couple of “above-plan” degrees. The diet focuses on food rich in calcium (it is advisable to take products for turtles).

Now you know how to deal with a brightly colored reptile. We hope that she will delight the whole family for many years without causing unnecessary trouble. More colors every day!

The ornamental red-eared turtle is one of the most popular species of freshwater reptiles kept at home. In this article, you will learn what equipment is needed to keep turtles, how to care for them, how to feed them, and much more.

Are red-eared turtles ornamental?

To answer this question, let's look at what the word "decorative" generally means when applied to pets. An ornamental animal does not perform any useful actions; it is kept only for the purpose of observation and communication. The decorative animal does not guard the house and does not catch mice.

Let's take a rabbit as an example. There is a wild rabbit, there is a domestic rabbit, which is used for food, and there is a decorative rabbit - for keeping in an apartment as a pet. The word "decorative" is often associated with dwarfism (as many dogs are called decorative small breeds), but this attribute is optional. Thus, to the question of whether a red-eared turtle intended for keeping in an apartment can be called decorative, we will answer in the affirmative.

Are red-eared turtles also dwarf turtles?

On the Internet you can find questions: “How to distinguish a red-eared turtle from a decorative one?”, “Are red-eared turtles dwarf?” etc. The fact is that some unscrupulous sellers, they can even be called scammers, sell ordinary red-eared turtles, passing them off as dwarf turtles and calling them decorative ones. They give recommendations for care - feed dried gamarus once every 4 days or feed young animals 1-2 times a week.

Indeed, turtles purchased from such sellers and living in recommended conditions do not grow. How long can a red-eared turtle go without eating? The animal may starve for up to several weeks, but the owner will consider that this is normal, because the seller advised feeding less often! Turtles live in constant hunger, they do not have enough energy to grow, only to maintain a semblance of life. Animals die after a few years from exhaustion.

If you bought a “dwarf ornamental” red-eared turtle, which, according to the seller, will never grow up and will remain the same small and cute, then know that you have been deceived. There are no such turtles. Now let's talk about what a red-eared turtle is, how to care for it and how to feed it properly.

Description

The ornamental red-eared turtle came to us from the northeastern part of Mexico and the southern states of the United States. Thanks to their unpretentiousness, the habitat of red-eared turtles has expanded quite significantly. It can be found today in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.

The turtle got its name because of the two red (sometimes orange or yellow) spots behind its eyes. Turtles grow relatively small - up to 30 cm in diameter, but giants can also be found - up to 60 cm. In the first 2 years of life, the turtle grows intensively - up to 10 cm per year! With age, growth slows down, and the animal's shell adds 1-2 cm per year.

The lower part of the shell is dark with yellow stripes and edging, and the color of the upper part changes with age and can be various shades of green - from dark green to olive and even yellow-brown.

Aquaterrarium

Turtles are often recommended as a simple animal for beginners, and they are inexpensive - 100-150 rubles. But is the red-eared red-eared so unpretentious at home that it will require both labor and material costs, because the purchase necessary equipment you will have to shell out 10-20 thousand rubles.

The decorative red-eared turtle can be kept either alone or in a group. It should be noted that to keep one individual you need an aquaterrarium with a volume of at least 110 liters. If you decide to purchase several turtles, they should be approximately the same age and size. In a group consisting of only males, conflicts will constantly arise, so pay attention to the gender of the animals in advance.

The water in the aquarium should be warm, 26-28 °C. The height of the water level must exceed the width of the animal’s shell, otherwise the turtle will not be able to roll over. You need to change the water 1-2 times a week; if you purchase a filter, you can do this less often - 1-2 times a month. An aquarium heater is required to maintain the temperature.

Land in the aquaterrarium should be at least 25% of total area. The shore of the island should rise at an angle from the very bottom. The land should be located so that even a grown turtle cannot get out into the wild - at least 25 cm from the top edge of the terrarium.

Lighting in an aquaterrarium

In nature, the decorative red-eared turtle spends a lot of time on the shore, under the rays of the sun. They are replaced in captivity by a UV lamp. It is installed at a height of about half a meter above the aquaterarium. At first, turn on the lamp 1-2 times a week for a few minutes, gradually increasing the time to half an hour daily. UV rays disinfect without a special lamp the animal begins to get sick.

The terrarium must also be equipped with a regular incandescent lamp for lighting and heating. The air temperature on the island should not rise above 30 °C.

Nutrition

How to feed a red-eared turtle? In order for a turtle to actively grow and be healthy, it needs to eat well. At a young age, turtles prefer animal food, but with age they begin to eat more and more plant foods.

Young animals are fed daily, after two years - 2-3 times a week. You can feed them either special food purchased at a pet store or natural food. It could be:

• Poultry, beef, horse meat (pork and lamb are not suitable due to their fat content).
• Offal (liver, heart, lungs, stomach, etc.).
• Lean fish (soaked for a few minutes in hot water) or small live fish, shrimp, squid.
• Snail meat.
• Insects. Not poisonous! Grasshoppers, caterpillars, beetles, bloodworms, coretra, large daphnia.
• Live or dried hamarus.
• Aquatic plants - duckweed, hornwort, ceratopteris, ludwigia.
• Vegetables and herbs - cucumber, lettuce, clover, dandelion.

Homemade food

You can make your own combination feed. Its composition may vary in different recommendations, but usually it is something like this:

1. Edible gelatin (30 g per half glass of water).
2. Fish fillet - 150 g.
3. Squid fillet - 100 g.
4. Milk - 150 ml.
5. Raw chicken egg - 2 pcs.
6. Carrots - 70 g.
7. Apple - 50 g.
8. Cabbage - 50 g.
9. - 10 tablets.
10. "Tetravit" - 20 drops.

The mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for a week. Before use, the cut piece must be warmed until room temperature. The indicated amount is enough for 7-10 days for an adult turtle. Bone meal or crushed eggshells should be given daily as a source of calcium.

If you choose a ready-made industrial product, carefully read its composition. Food consisting only of dried hamarus or bloodworms is not suitable.

Feeding turtles in the water. The remaining food should be removed from the terrarium 20-30 minutes after the meal.

The main mistakes of owners of red-eared turtles

So, a decorative red-eared turtle has appeared in your house. Caring for this animal is not as easy as it seems. Very often, new owners have little understanding of the peculiarities of keeping an animal. Let's look at their main mistakes.

1. "For a small turtle, a small aquarium." This reasoning is fundamentally incorrect. The animal must swim freely at any age, and turtles grow very quickly.
2. “An aquatic turtle can live in a regular aquarium without land” is another mistake. Without an island of land, a red-eared turtle will simply drown!
3. "UV lamp is optional." Once again, no, without UV rays, the turtle will suffer from vitamin D deficiency and begin to get sick.
4. You cannot feed your turtle the same thing, for example, only meat or only gamarus. The diet should be varied.
5. You cannot run water in the aquaterrarium. It must be clean, no turbidity or film! IN dirty water young animals may refuse food.
6. Do not remove peeling plates from the shell, and do not clean it with a stiff brush.
7. Do not buy two males or turtles that differ significantly in size at the same time, they will fight and conflict. And constant stress will lead to illness.
8. Do not hibernate your turtle yourself. At home, if the recommended temperature is maintained, the turtle will not hibernate.
9. All accessories for cleaning the aquarium must be separate; it is unacceptable to use sponges that you use to clean your room or kitchen.
10. Do not keep your turtle in the same tank as fish unless they are food for the reptile.
11. Do not let your turtle go for a walk on the floor, it can quickly catch a cold.

On the pages of our website we have already written about general points for keeping turtles at home - read about it. Today we would like to talk more specifically about red-eared sliders and how to properly care for these pets. Why, red-eared turtles? The fact is that they are the ones most often bred by lovers of such unusual living creatures. So, information on how to keep, what to feed and how to care for them will be very useful...

Features of red-eared turtles

By the way, red-eared turtles are also called yellow-bellied turtles - they are the ones most often offered by pet store sellers to their customers. However, it is also popular reverse side medals. Every year, thousands of these creatures die only because their owners did not know how to properly care for them. To prevent this from happening to your pet, we will describe everything in detail. important nuances their contents, which are definitely worth paying attention to.

• Red-eared sliders equally require both aquatic and dry habitats. At the same time, their aquarium must have an island where it will be warm and sunny (the sun will be replaced ultraviolet lamps). And here water environment for them it must be warm, clean and must be changed regularly. If you do not follow these points, you risk exposing the turtle to diseases, its calcium metabolism processes will be disrupted, its shell may be damaged, and ultimately the animal will die.
• If you are going to place a red-eared turtle with another species of turtle, or want to get several of them at once, you should take into account that sometimes these pets behave quickly, strongly and aggressively, therefore, they can attack, maim or kill their neighbor without much remorse his. By the way, in conditions wildlife red-eared turtles are considered invasive species and they are even subject to extermination.
• Red-eared turtles are hypoallergenic creatures, so you definitely won’t be allergic to them.
• Life expectancy of pets good care ranges from 20 to 40 years. Are you ready for the fact that you will have to take care of your turtle throughout this period?

Red-eared turtles in Nature

In order for you to understand who you have in your home, and why there are such special nuances in keeping these pets, we suggest getting to know these creatures in Nature. Yes, I'm from red eared turtles from North America, they are used to warm climate, and today they can be found in the south of America and in other warm places. True, now the population of these creatures has increased so much that researchers are talking about the need to exterminate colonies of red-eared turtles, as they harm the local fauna.

In order for the yellow-bellied turtle to feel comfortable in Nature, it needs fresh water, an island to warm up, dense vegetation. So, it is not surprising that these creatures settle in swamps, creeks and ponds. However, they do not like to move far from the shore, since females need hard ground for laying eggs. These creatures feed on fish, insects, snails and plants, which indicates their omnivorous nature.

What does a red-eared turtle look like?

Fortunately, the appearance of red-eared turtles is difficult to confuse with the appearance of other species. An orange or red stripe starts from the eye area and continues along the turtle's neck, top part its shell is oval, round and smooth, has an olive-green color with yellow and black lines, but the lower part of the shell is smooth with dark spots on a yellow background.

Depending on age, the color of the shell changes; in young turtles it is bright green, and in older turtles it is darker; the spots on the shell also darken, while the red stripe on the contrary becomes pale.

Depending on the size of the turtle's body (it is measured from edge to edge of the shell with a ruler, without taking into account curvature and convexity), the age of these creatures can be determined. Thus, newborn turtles are 2.5 centimeters long, and per year they grow to 5-7 centimeters. It is generally accepted that

when the male reaches 10 centimeters in length, and the female 12.5 centimeters, they are ready for mating and can be used for breeding.

On average, the size of a red-eared turtle can reach 30 centimeters, but this will depend on the conditions of detention and the species. By the way, Males of red-eared turtles are always smaller in size than females.

How to determine the sex of a red-eared turtle

Turtles of this species reach sexual maturity by the age of one year, and it is then that their gender can be accurately determined. Trying to guess this earlier is possible, but you are not immune to mistakes. When determining the sex, you should rely not only on the size of the turtles, but also on such main differences as the fact that Females have a shorter tail than males, and their cloaca is located closer to the base of the tail. But males have claws on their paws that are more curved and longer than those of females, and their plastron is slightly concave in the middle, which helps the animals during mating.

How to handle a red-eared slider

If you have never dealt with turtles before the appearance of this pet in your home, do not despair. There is nothing complicated, the main thing is to know how these creatures perceive our world. Thus, red-eared turtles have well-developed senses of vision and smell, they distinguish colors, notice movement at a distance of 40 meters, and have an excellent sense of smell, which helps them search for food. But what these creatures hear, due to the fact that their ears are covered with skin, is bad, these are only vibrations or dull sounds. Their shell is unusually sensitive to touch, as hundreds of nerves pass through it. These creatures have the ability to touch, and can refuse tasteless food in favor of their favorite delicacy.

As for the sounds they make, these include squeaking, snorting and even hissing. By the way, they cannot breathe underwater, and rise to the surface to take a breath of oxygen. As you can see, these are very sensitive and complexly organized creatures that require a special, and most importantly, the right approach. Therefore, get ready to get to know your turtle, get to know it and adapt. In the meantime... after acquiring it, it is better to show it to a veterinarian to make sure that it does not have a bunch of turtle diseases - read more about them. If you already have turtles living at home, you shouldn’t immediately add them to them. Quarantine the new arrival for 3 months to ensure she is healthy. Also, you should not place young turtles with old ones - the latter can injure the former.

And, of course, give your new pet time to adapt to new conditions, do not bother with your attention, do not cuddle in your arms.

Is it possible to pick up red-eared turtles?

Theoretically, yes, but in practice you must be prepared for the fact that the yellow-bellied turtle, slippery from the water, will desperately resist such contact with you, will begin to hiss and may even empty its intestines into your palm. Moreover, these turtles have powerful paws with sharp claws and can bite. So, once again weigh the need for tactile contact, and if it cannot be avoided, take the turtle with both hands, hold it gently but firmly, without allowing it to slip out or bite itself.

After you have held the turtle in your hands, you should wash them with soap. Especially keep an eye on your children - they love all sorts of tenderness with red-eared animals, but these cute creatures can be carriers of salmonellosis. For the same reason, you should not let your turtle wander around the kitchen or onto the dining table. It is not a good idea to wash her or her aquarium and its accessories in the kitchen sink or bathtub.

How to Handle Baby Turtles

Most turtle owners prefer to have turtles when they look like cute and funny babies. However, you should know that raising such a baby to the average size of a one-year-old turtle will not be so easy. The mortality rate among these babies is too high. And, very often - due to improper handling of them. That's why,

Under no circumstances should you remove the yolk sac on their plastron yourself, do not handle them too much, do not expose these creatures to stress, and make sure that the living conditions are as comfortable as possible for them. Place the aquarium, protecting it from direct sunlight and drafts, following all the recommendations that we will tell you about below. The only thing we note now is that temperature conditions keeping small turtles is different from temperature regime for adults and the water temperature is within 26-27 degrees, and 32 degrees for land.

Necessary accessories for keeping a red-eared turtle

Features of keeping a red-eared turtle

And now directly about how to create comfort for your pet.

When you look at a small red-eared slider, you might think that the requirement for a 200 liter aquarium is a bit high, but this is not the case. The turtle will grow and you will not need to buy it another aquarium in a year. By the way, do not believe those who say that if you want to preserve the miniature size of your pet, you should keep it in a small container. This is wrong. The turtle will still grow, but it will be sick and crooked.

artificial island

You will need to place an artificial island or shore in the aquarium for the turtle to crawl onto. The only requirements for it are a sloping rise, a textured surface, the absence of sharp corners and non-toxic material. Such an island should occupy at least a quarter of the aquarium, and it should be heated and the temperature on it should be 10 degrees higher than the water temperature. It is recommended that it be slightly submerged and not placed next to the wall of the aquarium, as the turtle may get stuck in the crack and injure itself.

Aquarium soil

In principle, you can do without it, as well as without other decorative elements. But, if you want to liven up the environment of the red-eared habitat a little, use large stones for this. Gravel is not suitable, as turtles can swallow it and die, and it will become more difficult for you to care for the aquarium with such soil.

Heat lamp and thermometer

IN natural conditions habitat, turtles come onto land to bask. They maintain this habit by living in your aquarium. Try to place the lamp in the center of the artificial island and monitor the temperature parameters. The distance from the lamp to the surface should also be chosen correctly, otherwise a closely located lamp may cause a burn to the turtle. Do not forget about safety measures, since when immersed in water, turtles splash water and this can cause an electrical short circuit of the lamp - it is better to protect the surface of the lamp from humidity and water. This lamp should work all day long.