8/12/2019 Turtle Aquatic

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2004, PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc.All rights reserved. (0315) 1 of 2

Aquatic turtles are fun to watch swim. They like a peaceful and warm climate.Over time and with proper handling, turtles learn to recognize you as youapproach. They are gentle creatures that like to be in or near water all the time.

Is an aquatic turtle the right companion animal for you?

If you answered Yes to these statements, an aquatic turtle may be the right choice for you! Continue readingabout how to care for an aquatic turtle and consult with a PETCO associate to learn more. PETCO is committed

to responsible companion animal care.

Average Size 5 to 14 inches long Life Span Up to 50+ years with proper care

Diet Live feeder fish, earthworms, meal worms, blood worms, snails, crickets

Turtle pellets; dark, leafy greens, chopped or grated carrots, squash

Feeding Juveniles can be fed daily; adults every other day

Consider a separate feeding tank to keep the main tank more clean; turtles are messy eatersand may defecate shortly after meals; uneaten food can contaminate their water

Turtles require calcium for healthy shells and bones; add a calcium and vitamin/mineral

supplement to food

Housing Size Appropriate size habitat with a screened lid so the turtle cannot escape; adult turtlesneed more room; consider a second tank for feeding to reduce cleanup of the main habitat

Substrate Slate, rock, or large smooth gravel, too large to eat, is optional; water forswimming with an area shallow enough for the turtle to rest in with its head sticking out; dryland area for basking; create slopes for easy entry and exit to swimming area

Temperature Temperature gradient (100 F. for the warm end and 70 F. for the cool end);recommend radiant heat; use an incandescent light or ceramic heater as primary heat source

Lighting Provide needed UVB rays with full spectrum fluorescent light for 10 to 12 hours aday; incandescent light is needed for basking area

Water Aquatic turtles drink the water they swim in, so it needs to be changed frequently;water should be clean, fresh, filtered, and chlorine-free

Do not house different species of reptiles together

RecommendedSupplies

Depending onspecies

Yes No Check Yes or No after reading the following statements:

1. I know that choosing this turtle can be a lifelong commitment.

2. I have room for an appropriate sized habitat.

3. I can feed and clean up after a turtle daily.

4. I can commit to providing proper care for this turtle.

5. A mature person will provide responsible and primary care forthis companion animal.

Aquatic Turtle

Includes African side-necked, map, painted, and softshell

Habitat and screen lid Full spectrum light Smooth rocks, driftwood

Variety of fresh, livefood

Incandescent basking light Good mechanical waterfilter

Book about turtles Vitamin/mineral supplement Thermometer

8/12/2019 Turtle Aquatic

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2 of 2 SKU 926787 2004, PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc.All rights reserved. (0315)

NormalBehavior and

Interaction

Shy, calm, and tame; swims in water; basks on dry land

Some will bite when frightened; the musk turtle (stinkpot) releases a stinky yellow fluid whenpestered

Recommend against putting plastic plants and dcor in the tank as most will try to eat them

Adept at climbing and digging to escape

Some aquatic turtle species hibernate; check with your veterinarian to learn about thehibernation needs of your turtle (duration and housing changes)

HabitatMaintenance

Always needs access to a water environment and a warm temperature

Thoroughly clean the tank at least once a week: set turtle aside in a secure habitat; scrub thetank and furnishings; rinse thoroughly with water; add clean substrate;use a water filtrationsystem

Groomingand Hygiene

Always wash your hands before and after touching your aquatic turtle or habitat contents tohelp prevent Salmonellaand other infectious diseases

Signs of aHealthy Animal

CommonHealth Issues

Red Flags

If you notice any of these signs, please contact your exotic animal veterinarian.

Sources The ASPCA Complete Guide to Pet Care by David L. Carroll

Turtles & Tortoises: Caring For Them, Feeding and Understanding Themby Hartmut Wilke

Turtles and Tortoises for Dummiesby Liz Palika

Note: The information on this Care Sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. If you need additionalinformation, please refer to the above sources or contact your veterinarian as appropriate.

Eye, nose, or mouth discharge Discolored, bumps or spots on shell or skin

Open-mouth breathing

Frantic swimming

Abnormal feces Sneezing, runny nose

Aquatic Turtle

Includes African side-necked, map, painted, and softshell

Active and alert Eats regularly

Healthy shell Clear, bright eyes

Healthy skin Clear nose and vent

Health Issue (alpha) Symptoms or Causes Suggested Action

Fungus A white fuzzy growth caused from areaction to the water.

Keep water clean; addaquarium salt. Consult yourexotic animal veterinarian.

Respiratory Disease Labored breathing or runny nose.Can be caused by cold, damphabitat, or incompatibility withanother species.

Ensure habitat isappropriately warm. Consultyour exotic animalveterinarian.

Shell Rot/Ulcers Lesions on the shell caused by anunclean habitat or improper diet;can become infected.

Daily cleanings; diet changes;antibiotics. Consult yourexotic animal veterinarian.

Swollen Eyes Vitamin A deficiency; infection. Give a vitamin supplement.Consult your veterinarian.