How to distinguish terrestrial aquatic turtles. The red-eared turtle is terrestrial or aquatic. Better to take a female or a male

The shell of a fairly mature turtle is usually wrinkled. Its length depends on a specific subspecies and, as a rule, reaches 28 centimeters. has a small spot near the eyes. A feature is that their colors are diverse and tend to change over the years. Thus, in youth they have a green color, and in old age they are completely black. The abdominal shield of the carapace has a bright yellow color with darkish round spots. The turtle grows as follows: for the first year and a half of life, their growth reaches 7.5 cm, then the rate becomes slower and per year it increases by only 1.25 cm.In two years, growth can be more than 20 cm, that is, it is mistaken to consider it dwarf. And you shouldn't listen to sellers who convince you otherwise.

Scripta Scripta is about 27 cm long. This turtle has a bright yellow postorbital speck. Her plastron is deep yellow.

Another subspecies - Elegant, has a length of 28 centimeters. The reddish postorbital stripe is located on the head, and there are narrow stripes on the chin. The abdominal shield of the carapace has large specks on all the scutes.

The third species of turtle - Scripta Troostii, has the smallest length of all - about 21 centimeters. On the head there is a narrow postorbital stripe of yellowish color, and on the chin there are wide stripes. And her plastron consists of unusual patterns in the form of "eyes", and sometimes from ordinary small black specks.

Habitat

Turtles live in shallow lakes with swampy low shores. You can find them in the United States in Florida, Virginia, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, as well as in Mexico, throughout Central America, in northern Columbia.

What to feed the Tinder turtle

As for young turtles, they need animal food for active vital growth of the body. In this regard, it should be given once a day, but no more. Also, the aquarium should contain a variety of algae and any other plants that are edible for turtles.

Adult turtles are individuals that are much larger than 12 centimeters. They should eat food every two or three days and half of their diet must be some kind of vegetation. Any edible plants should be kept in the aquaterrarium for turtles to eat between meals.

The amount of food given is determined based on the size of the turtle. For babies, the norm is two or three pieces of one cubic centimeter, and for older turtles, two or three pieces are several times larger in size.

It is necessary to ensure that the food is at a suitable room temperature and always of a raw consistency. It is important to remember that young turtles are, first of all, predators. Their main food is fish. You can add live fish to the aquarium, which you cannot eat. It is necessary to diversify the given diet and not feed only gammarus and dry food. And adult turtles are omnivorous. They eat both animal and plant food.

Types of feed

From fish it is useful for turtles to eat pollock, gobies, cod, blue whiting and any other, but not fatty. Liver can be beef, and you can also give liver, chicken heart. From insects and crustaceans: not dry gammarus, earthworms, daphnia crustaceans, crickets without legs, beetles. You can also diversify the food served with the help of small snails, mollusks, squids, frogs, small tadpoles, you should not get carried away with sea products, since any turtle itself is sea. Aquatic plants are not prohibited from plant food: duckweed, hyacinth and others. In addition, it can be dandelion, daisies and any non-poisonous meadow flowers and plants. And vegetables, except for carrots and lettuce leaves, are undesirable.

It is strictly forbidden to give meat turtles to eat: any minced meat, sausages, beef, sausage, lamb, chicken, pork and more. Fatty fish, cheese, fruits and bread are prohibited. It is best to avoid dry food.

If the aquarium is well equipped, has ultraviolet lighting, appropriate temperature conditions, then vitamins can be omitted from the diet. But, in the case when the conditions are far from ideal, then it is imperative to remember about the vitamin and mineral base. For this purpose, vitamins are already included in the feed.

Reproduction

Sexual maturity occurs in females and males in different ways and this is also influenced by their lifestyle. If they are in captivity, then this period begins from 4 years in males and from 5-6 years in females. And in the wild, they reach maturity by about 8 years. Mating season begins in the spring: in the month of March - April. Their process is as follows: the male crawls very close to the female, sticks his muzzle into her and tickles her chin with long claws.

The eggs laid do not exceed 4 cm in size. They are laid on land, not in water. But the place for the eggs must be wet, so the female moistens it with water from the anal bladders and then pulls out a small hole. In their nests, turtles - females lay no more than 10 eggs, which are subsequently buried. The incubation period is up to 150 days. An interesting feature with the temperature. If the temperature remains above 30 degrees, then females hatch, and if below 27 - males.

What should be an aquaterrarium for a turtles

It should be quite long, but at the same time not wide and low. The volume is not less than 120 liters. The water level must match the proportions of your turtle's shell so that it can roll over. A small shore should be equipped near the aquarium. Maintain the water temperature within 25 degrees, on land - 31 - 33 degrees. To keep the temperature at the same level, a special heater must be provided.

The water must be changed and cleaned depending on the degree of contamination. But you can also use a special filter. For young turtles, external is preferable, and for adults only internal. The ultraviolet lamp does not hurt either, but it should not be located low, the approximate height is 25 cm, so that the turtle does not get eye burns. Another option for arranging an aquaterrarium is an incandescent lamp with the same requirements. They both need to shut down for the night.

If the weather is nice and warm outside, then try to take out the turtles to bask more often. But remember that the first time you do not need to keep it in the sun for more than 5 minutes. And it is important to increase the time spent in the fresh air gradually. They also need a dark place where they can periodically hide from the sun, as they are prone to overheating.

So, for the other two turtles from January to March, the temperature should be 18 degrees, and the lighting duration should be 8 hours, April - 21/8, where 21 is the temperature, and 8 is the lighting duration, May - 24/10, June - 27 / 13, July - 28/13, August - 28/11, September - 25/10, October - 22/8, November and December - 18/8.

And for Trachemys scripta troostii the requirements are as follows: January - March - 18/8, April - 20/8, May - 21/10, June - 23/13, July - 26/13, August - 25/11, September - 20 / 10, October - December - 18/8.

Falling into hibernation

Some scientists have argued that Trachemys scripta goes into hibernation and that they need it. But it is quite difficult to imagine this process at home. It would be more logical not to create difficulties for yourself and not cause unnecessary harm to the health of the turtle, organizing hibernation for it.

Red-eared turtles live up to 45 years, and European swamp turtles can live up to 80.

Many fishermen use their eggs to bait fish.

Be careful, as turtles can bite not only their own kind, but also humans! But if they are accustomed to the hands, then there is nothing to be afraid of.

And do not forget that a balanced diet is the key to the active growth of the turtle and its longevity!

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Description of reptiles

Before you get an animal, you need to know as much as possible about it.

This type of reptile predominantly lives in water, which must be regularly changed and the terrarium washed, otherwise the dirt can provoke the development of infections. Also, so that the animal does not get sick, it is important to ensure that the water temperature is optimal for keeping the pet.

It should be borne in mind that turtles are quite aggressive, so they can arrange fights with each other, which can result in injuries, especially if individuals of different generations are kept in the same terrarium.

But compared to other pets, a reptile rarely provokes allergies.

Red-eared turtles have a red stripe that starts from the eyes and runs down the neck. It is because of her that the reptile got its name.

The pluck of the shell on its back is smooth, rounded. Its color is olive green with black and yellow stripes. Plastron is smooth, yellow in color, dark spots can be seen on it.

While the turtle has a small shell, its bright, as the reptile matures, it becomes darker, at the same time the red stripe turns pale.

When the reptile was just born, its length is about 2.5 cm. By 12 months, they reach 5-7 cm in length. The period of puberty in males begins when the animal grows up to 10 cm, in females - up to 12.5 cm. The average size of reptiles can vary from 25 to 30 cm. They depend on the type of reptile and the conditions for caring for it. At the same time, male turtles are smaller than girls. In captivity, the animal grows faster than in the wild. This is explained by the abundance of feed and proper care.

Before buying a reptile, you need to know how to determine the sex of the animal. Due to the fact that turtles grow faster in captivity, their maturity is observed earlier. Determination of sex is possible when the age of the animal is over 2 years old and its size is at least 10 cm.

The main differences are:

• females are larger than males, their tail is shorter and their cloaca is closer to the tail;
• in male turtles, the claws are longer, they are more curved (this is an indirect sign);
• in males, the abdominal part of the shell can be slightly concave inward, this helps him when mating.

Now you know how to determine the gender of your pet.

When the female lays eggs, the sex of the fetus is not laid, it directly depends on the ambient temperature. If it is above 30 degrees, then only females will hatch, when below 27 degrees, then only males will be born. If the temperature varies from 27 to 30 degrees, then both boys and girls will be born.

What does a reptile need?

In order for a turtle to live in captivity for a long time, you need to properly care for it:

1. The terrarium should be at least 150 liters. You should not buy a smaller aquarium, since the reptile grows very quickly and if there is not enough space for it, then its shell will bend and the animal will often get sick. It is believed that the larger the terrarium, the larger the turtle itself.


2. The terrarium must be provided with dry land, otherwise the reptile will drown.
3. A reptile does not live long without ultraviolet rays, so in the summer you need to walk with it, but only in the shade and be sure to purchase a UV lamp, which you turn on in winter 3 times a week for a maximum of 5 minutes. The terrarium should be at a distance of 30 cm from the ultraviolet lamp.
4. It is necessary to ensure that the water in the aquaterrarium is clean and that a film does not form on the surface. Change the water and wash the terrarium regularly. Before pouring water into the aquaterrarium, it must be defended for at least 24 hours.
5. The animal grows faster in clean water, so a pump filter can be placed in the aquarium.
6. The optimum water temperature for this type of reptile is up to 32 degrees.
7. Red-eared turtles are predators and if fish are introduced into the aquarium, then, as soon as the reptile becomes large enough, it will eat them. She can also bite the owner's finger.
8. The bridge to the shore should not be smooth, otherwise the animal will not be able to climb onto it. Also, he should not be closer than 30 cm to the edge of the terrarium, otherwise the reptile may get out.
9. The reptile loves warmth and the room temperature is too low for it. Therefore, an incandescent lamp should be installed 10 cm from the land. There is enough light from a 40 watt light bulb to make your pet feel comfortable.

Before buying a turtle, you need to know how to handle it.

If you decide to take the animal in your arms, then you need to be very careful, so the pet can slip out, go to the toilet, show aggression. He may start to hiss and fight back. It should be remembered that the reptile has sharp claws and powerful limbs, so it is worth holding them with both hands. Otherwise, due to improper handling, both the owner and the pet may suffer.

After the animal is released into the wild, it is necessary to wash your hands with soap and water, since turtles are carriers of salmonellosis, although they themselves do not get sick. The infection develops especially quickly in children.

Therefore, you should limit the pet's access to the kitchen and other places where there are products that are intended for feeding people. Also, you cannot wash the animal, and everything connected with it in the kitchen sink.

Little red-eared turtles - care and maintenance

It is not uncommon for people to buy small turtles. It is important to know how to care for babies, as they are not resistant to disease and there is a high mortality rate among them.

When the reptile has just hatched from the egg, then on the abdominal part of the shell you can see the gastric sac, which contains all the substances necessary for the animal. In no case should you touch it. Until this bag dissolves, the turtle may not eat the food offered to it.

It is undesirable to take babies in your arms. They are very shy and can get sick. You do not need to stand near the aquaterrarium for a long time and knock on the glass, let the animal get used to it and start eating.

Do not put babies with adult turtles, otherwise large individuals may cripple them.

It is important to ensure that the temperature on land is 27 degrees, and the water temperature is up to 32 degrees. Do not install the aquaterrarium in a draft.

It must be remembered that this type of reptile is omnivorous. Their diet should contain meat and vegetable products. You can feed the animal with beef, poultry, lean fish, carrots, zucchini, pumpkin. Also, the pet store sells special food for reptiles, you need to buy those that are suitable for age.

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Living in nature

The historical habitat is Central America and the United States, due to which the red-eared turtle is called American.

The red-eared turtle has a long life span in nature. It is important to know that water red-eared reptiles living in river conditions need land no less than other land ones, starting a red-eared house, you should create high-quality conditions for it, similar to living in nature. A small and large red-eared turtle lives not only in water, but also on land, where it must be necessarily warm.

Important to know before buying

It is not difficult to care for a red-eared turtle at home, it is enough to follow the rules and create appropriate conditions for keeping a red-eared reptile. The yellow-bellied turtle is suitable for beginners.

In winter, the turtle does not hibernate. A red-eared reptile spends a large period of time in water, so you should carefully monitor its purity, maintain the required temperature.

It is important to bear in mind that pets are very active and can be aggressive.

When buying small red-eared turtles in the size of 2 centimeters, it must be remembered that the size of red-eared individuals can reach the palm of a person, so the aquarium for them must be of the appropriate volume.

Sellers often cheat buyers and misinterpret the turtle's gender, so be sure to check this before buying.

Aquarium turtles in an artificial environment can live on average 30 years. This feature of the red-eared individual obliges the breeder to take the purchase seriously.

Distinctive features of the red-eared turtle

A distinctive feature of the American individual is the red stripe. The young individual has a brighter stripe than the adult red-eared turtle. The carapace is smooth and rounded. The shell color of the turtle is green with black and yellow lines. The older the freshwater individual, the darker it is.

The length of the shell is not an indicator of age, since the red-eared reptile grows rather quickly under domestic conditions. The dimensions that can be achieved depend on the environmental conditions, the quality of care and the health of the pet. The temperature of the water in the terrarium depends on the age and season. The highest temperature should be in summer and autumn. For young representatives, the water should always be warm.

For little representatives, the basis of nutrition is a completely plant-based diet. Upon reaching the size of 10 centimeters, animal food is proportionally added to the diet. In old age, the diet of an individual again becomes predominantly of plant origin. Read more about what to feed the red-eared turtle in a separate article.

Dimensions (edit)

The size of red-eared turtles is measured using a ruler, the shell is measured to determine the length, its irregularities are not taken into account. Newborns are born about 3 centimeters long. The average size of a sea turtle is 20 centimeters. Growth duration and maximum size depend on habitat conditions. As practice shows, the better the living conditions, the better the individuals grow.

A red-eared turtle in good home conditions not only grows quickly, but can grow several centimeters more, as much as it will also depend on environmental conditions.

Life expectancy varies, with good maintenance, a domestic individual will live longer than other representatives. On average, about 30 years.

How many years a pet will live at home, and to what size a red-eared turtle will grow, depends on its breeder.

Do you need neighbors

The reptile is not the owner of a friendly disposition. Often, turtles kept at home in the same container arrange fights, especially this behavior is observed in adulthood. It is recommended that representatives of the same species be kept separately from each other. If there is no possibility of settling pets in different terrariums, the space can be divided using partitions.

• the size of the individuals must be the same;
• there should not be more than one male in a group;
• individuals must be of equal age.

Frogs, toads, lizards and snakes and other similar individuals are perceived by turtles exclusively as food.

How to care for a red-eared turtle

The novice breeder should know how to properly care for his pet. Keeping a red-eared turtle requires high-quality regular care and a proper diet. Indoor red-eared turtle should not be disturbed often, especially small pets that have recently appeared in the terrarium. New individuals need time to adapt without the risk of stressful situations. To care for reptiles, it is recommended to carry out frequent cleaning, monitoring the purity of the water, bathing procedures, the habitat must be equipped with everything necessary. This little knowledge about care and maintenance will be enough for the longevity and health of a red-eared pet.

Necessary items and tools

To ensure good life, the red-eared turtle must receive not only high-quality care, but also have all the necessary items in the arrangement of its home.

The main list of what you need to keep a red-eared turtle:

• suitable capacity;
• water heater 100 watts;
• filter;
• incandescent lamp;
• lamp;
• island;
• thermometer;
• decorative stones.

It is not recommended to use aquarium plants, live or artificial. All flora is at risk of being eaten, and some plant species are deadly to turtles. The soil, if used, must be coarse.

Selection and arrangement of housing

Red-eared pets require a large terrarium or aquarium (at least 150 liters in volume). The height should be greater than the width of the carapace of an adult, since it needs to roll over freely. For a small individual, a small vessel can be used, within 50 liters. To keep a pet, water must be poured so that it can stand on its hind legs and stick out its muzzle.

If you plan to use wooden snags, then they must be kept in boiling water for some time. All plastic products must be of high quality and non-toxic. All elements of the interior space of the turtle's dwelling, such as the substrate, the island and other decorative elements, should be regularly washed under water from the tap.

An island of land should be installed inside the terrarium, on which the reptile can freely climb.

Incandescent bulbs 40 and 60 W should be located no higher than 25 centimeters, if the location is lower, then the light will interfere with the reptiles, getting into the eyes.

Aquarium water

The quality of care and the main condition for keeping a turtle is the condition of the water inside the aquarium. It is important to keep the fluid clean and at the correct temperature. Pets spend most of their lives in the aquatic environment, therefore, it should be replaced, filtered carefully in order to prevent the occurrence of diseases.

It is important for red-eared turtles to have free access to the coast, on a land plot it will be able to rest and warm up, this requirement applies to all individuals.

The water for the aquarium should be settled, free of chlorine. The temperature should range from 22 to 28 degrees. If the water drops below 20 degrees, it should be heated with a heater; for accurate measurement, a thermometer must be used.

It is important to change the water once a week, no more than 1/3 of the water. It is forbidden to replace the water completely, as the internal biological balance of the terrarium, favorable for life, will be disturbed.

Heater and filter

To properly keep pets at home, it is important to satisfy their natural need to bask on land. The shell should be heated to 35 degrees, for this it is necessary to install a lamp with an individual. It is important to monitor the temperature on the thermometer. Do not place the heat source too close so that the pet does not burn. The lamp must be hidden from splashing water and vapors. The heat source should work during the entire light period every day.

When choosing a filter, you should take into account all the features of internal and external cleaning elements. The filter is selected taking into account the volume of the terrarium. External elements require less maintenance, are safer for the reptile, since the pet's internal filter can be removed and damaged.

Features of handling a pet

Red-eared turtles must not be released onto the floor. They can bite, hiss and show aggression, you should handle it carefully, picking it up, it is recommended to hold the reptile with both hands, the shell can be quite slippery. After contact with pets, hands must be washed with soap, a large number of pathogenic bacteria accumulate on the shell.

Living in their natural environment, turtles independently extract all the vitamins and minerals necessary for health. In a home environment, the owner needs to add important elements to the feed himself.

Mandatory list of nutrients:

• vitamins d3, A and E;
• calcium;
• minerals.

All additives must be added strictly following the instructions and recommendations, any overdose is life-threatening for the individual.

Walking

The home-kept tiger-eared turtle needs walks during the summer. Thus, it becomes possible to receive a dose of ultraviolet rays, eat healthy grass, breathe fresh air. The place for walking should be clean, away from the road with the presence of lawn grass.

The temperature in the shade should not exceed 20 degrees, and the walking time should not exceed half an hour. When walking, there should be water in a visible, accessible place. In order not to lose your pet among the green grass, it is recommended to attach a bright mark, for example, an orange one, to the shell, it can be a sticker or a flag.

Care and hygiene

It is recommended to arrange water treatments for pets at least once a week. Water turtles need more frequent bathing or bathing containers in their terrarium. Bathing water should be warm, but not more than 32 degrees, boiled if possible. The liquid level is necessary for a comfortable stay with the head retracted.

During the first bath, you should carefully follow the procedure in order to prevent the fear of the animal. If the reptile does not feel well in the water and refuses to swim, it is recommended to limit yourself to spraying the shell and skin. If the bathing container is freely accessible inside the terrarium, the liquid must be changed every day.

It is recommended to use a cloth or sponge for washing, they must be soft. Do not use chemicals. For preventive measures against fungus, methylene purchased at a pet store is used. After each contact with water, the turtle should be able to dry out and warm up under an ultraviolet lamp. It does not tolerate temperature changes in the aquarium, and the risk of colds increases.

conclusions

Before you start a yellow-bellied reptile, you need to re-read the description of the article again in detail, the red-eared turtle may die if the environmental conditions do not meet its needs. Keeping turtles requires knowledge of care information and the availability of all the necessary equipment for a comfortable living of the red-eared representative. To keep a reptile, it is necessary to provide the aquatic environment and the surface of the land, the proper temperature, and also take care of the cleanliness of the home during home maintenance.

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Why a terrarium?

The red-eared turtle is an aquatic inhabitant. Letting it out on the floor or putting it in a box is the biggest mistake; with this content, it will not last long. Pet stores usually recommend a cute and comfortable turtle.

This is a small plastic basin with a convex bridge and a bank, on which a green palm is installed as a decoration. A pop-eyed turtle with a coin (and this is how they are sold) looks very nice on it and it seems that it will have enough space in the turtle for a long time.

Contrary to popular belief, coin turtles don't stay so tiny for life. Pygmy turtles do not exist in nature - and red-eared turtles, moreover, grow very quickly. Within a year, a healthy turtle can reach the size of the palm of an adult male. The most you can expect when buying a green pet is that it is will grow to about the size of a plate(30 cm in diameter). Naturally, an animal of this size cannot live in a small basin with an uncomfortable bridge and a minimum of water.

What should the dwelling of a red-eared turtle look like if the turtle does not suit her?

The best solution is to buy an aquarium and customize it specifically for your turtle. There are several ways here.

You can buy larger aquariums as your pet grows... This is a good option if there is little space in the house, there are not enough funds, or if you are planning to move.

In this case, the list of aquariums that the turtle will need looks like this:

1. 20 liters. Enough for the little turtle for the first time, about three or four months. She will be spacious and comfortable there.
2. 50 liters. In such an aquarium, the turtle will be able to live up to about a year and several months after, depending on the individual growth rate. 50 liters is enough for a turtle the size of a palm, however, once this size is reached, you need to think about buying the next aquarium.
3. 100-150 liters, depending on the possibilities. It is better that the third aquarium is the last one, as the turtle will reach its maximum size rather quickly. It is also necessary to take into account that the larger the turtle, the more land it needs, and it is quite difficult to fit all this in an aquarium of the wrong size.

You can go the other way and immediately buy a large aquarium with a volume of 150 liters or more. The pet will be able to live in it all its life, and such an aquarium can be easily turned into an interior object - provided with rocks, algae and other decorative elements.

The aquaterrarium must have a cover so that the pet does not get out and fall. Lamps are usually mounted in it.

Video: example of a terrarium

What to look for when buying?

The aquarium should be free of chips and cracks, not to cause a feeling of fragility. Round and semicircular aquariums are categorically not suitable - they rarely last long and are not designed for large volumes of water.

After buying the aquarium, you need to check for leaks - pour water into it and inspect it carefully.

How to make a terrarium with your own hands?

If the options available in the pet store did not fit, for example, if you want an interesting shape or contain several turtles at once, you can make an aquaterrarium yourself. This requires strong glass and special glue.

By making a terrarium on your own, you can bring to life the most interesting ideas, for example, arrange a full-fledged second floor that plays the role of the shore, or make several levels of water. With the help of partitions, you can make a compartment for fish or a convenient "box" for a filter and a heater.

You can also make a bridge yourself - hard wood and plastic will do. You can attach the bridge to the glass with suction cups, and sprinkle with pebbles on top if you wish and install decorative elements.

Water and land

As mentioned above, in addition to water, a turtle needs land, on which it will get out to warm up and rest.

Usually, the lower part of the aquarium is reserved for water, and the land area is attached or otherwise arranged above. The turtle will be able to swim and sleep below, and higher up just under the light of the lamps.

There should be so much water so that the pet can swim freely... For a large turtle, at least so much that when standing on its paws it barely sticks its muzzle out of the water. In a large aquarium, the red woman will always have something to do and will not make a lethargic, sleepy and inactive pet from her.

The berezhok should have a convenient inclined descent with ledges to make it easier for the animal to climb onto it. For a small turtle, you can make a shore from a board or plastic, for a large turtle, it is better to equip it with glass. You can buy a beach or island at a pet store - but most often they offer options that involve a small amount of water, for example, bridges, so they are not suitable for use in large aquariums.

Filling the aquaterrarium

The larger the area of ​​the turtle dwelling, the more opportunities for creating a beautiful decor. Stones are usually placed at the bottom of the aquarium, you can buy colored pebbles for aquariums - but be sure to choose all of them that are smaller in size than the pet's head so that it does not swallow them and choke. Strong shells without sharp edges look great too.

Turtles love to dig and dig., flip and drag everything that gets to them in the aquarium. Even plastic algae, usually sold with a base, peel free from it. Therefore, it will not work to arrange a beautiful, neat landscape - the turtle will quickly arrange everything the way it likes.

In this regard, it is better to place on the bottom either something that it can easily move and that changing places will not affect the overall appearance - for example, stones, shells and glass, or large objects that cannot be moved. These can be special driftwood, inside which, by the way, you can hide a heater, or ceramic elements. You should not buy hollow snags and caves, the turtle can climb into them, while small, however, it can just as likely get stuck there.

Photo wallpaper can be glued to the back of the aquarium. Planting algae for turtles is useless, very soon they will be torn out and most likely eaten. However, in general it is a good idea to put them in the aquarium, but they are specially edible and tasty for the turtle to feast on. Floating on the surface is most suitable.

Temperature

Turtles are cold-blooded animals. This means that their activity directly depends on the environment - when the temperature drops, the turtle will begin to move little and sleep a lot, and may even hibernate, which is extremely dangerous for domestic turtles. Cold water is also dangerous because the pet may develop pneumonia, in other words, he will catch a cold.

Lighting

In nature, red-eared turtles spend a lot of time basking in the sun. This is not only pleasant, but also useful - ultraviolet light helps them grow and develop correctly. At home, the turtle will not be able to get everything it needs from the sun, which means you need to recreate the sunlight yourself.

To do this, the pet needs two lamps - a special ultraviolet one, you can buy it at a pet store, and a regular one. You cannot take any UV lamp - not all types of llamas can tolerate a turtle's eye, for example, the one that grandmothers usually use to warm their grandchildren's noses to a cold, can lead to loss of the turtle's vision, but it will not bring any benefit.

An incandescent lamp creates the effect of solar heat - the turtle will be pleasantly warmed up under its light. It is not necessary to turn on both lamps for the whole day.

One of the problems of keeping red-eared turtles is the need to change the water in a rather large aquarium. This is solved simply by buying a filter. If the aquarium is small, a small filter, which is usually installed for fish, is suitable, and for a large one, an external filter with a higher power is needed.

Does the pet need neighbors?

Turtles grow well alone, so you don't have to worry that your pet is bored alone. Keeping several individuals at the same time is possible, but it has its own characteristics.

Turtles are very territorial animals - with a small aquarium, neighbors will fight and compete, which can lead to injury and mutilation on both sides. In order for turtles to coexist in the world, they will need a large aquarium, more than they need to keep one individual, and preferably several pieces of sushi.

If you really want the picture of the aquatic world to be complete, you can divide the aquarium into two parts with glass with holes, defining most of the place for the turtle, and placing fish and algae behind the hedge.

The holes are needed so that water penetrates equally into both parts of the aquarium, however, fish and even more so a turtle should not crawl through them. This method of keeping wins in decorative terms and allows two aquariums to be combined into one, however, the pet may not like the food that he can see but cannot grab, and he will constantly beat against the partition and try to get to the fish. This is unnecessary stress for both the turtle and the fish.

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An adult turtle needs an aquaterrarium with a volume of 100-150 liters, it is desirable that land occupies about 25% of its area. If possible, soil or rubble is poured on the shore. A gentle ascent with a rough, but not scratching surface is arranged on land. The water level should be greater than the width of the shell, so that being on its back, for any reason, the turtle can turn over and not drown.

The temperature of the water in the aquarium should not be dropped below 20 ° C, the normal temperature is 24-30 ° C (to maintain the temperature, it is desirable to install a heater). The water in the aquarium is changed as needed, 1 - 2 times a week. The water filter allows you to do this much less frequently. However, a complete water change should be done at least once a month. It is advisable to install an incandescent lamp above the island in the aquarium. Turtles love to bask on land. Also, for the normal maintenance of a red-eared turtle, a source of dosed ultraviolet radiation is required.

In captivity, the diet of red-eared turtles includes small crustaceans such as gammarus or shrimp. Small aquarium or river snails, small or sliced ​​fish, meat cut into small strips, liver, small frogs, tadpoles, various insects and their larvae, earthworms, bloodworms, tubifex are also suitable.

Do not forget that the diet of red-eared turtles should include foods rich in calcium: fish heads, bone meal, chalk, eggshells, etc. The diet of adult turtles includes additional plant foods. Pets eat well dandelion leaves, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, plantain. Duckweed, elodea, spirogyra, seaweed, anacharis, aquatic watercress, edogonium, etc. are well eaten from algae. Young red-eared turtles are fed 2 times a day. Later they switch to one meal a day. Turtles over 2 years old should be fed no more than 2 or 3 times a week.

You should not feed your turtle the same, the diet should be varied. The amount of food is selected so that the turtles eat everything without leaving anything in the water. The turtles should be fed at the same time. It's good if the turtle warmed up well before that. At a temperature of 28-30 °, the digestion of turtles is much more intense. You can also feed the turtles outside the aquarium, for example in a basin with water. This will help keep the aquarium clean. If the turtle's food is not very diverse, it should be given vitamins or vitamin complexes. You can find them in pet stores, choose with the mark "for reptiles". Vitamins are fed to hungry turtles with food. The dosage must be seen in the instructions for the drug.

Reproduction of red-eared turtles

Young red-eared turtles are almost the same regardless of gender. Determining the sex of animals becomes possible when they become adults. Already at the age of more than one year, turtles begin to show sexual differences. The sex of the red-eared turtle is easier to determine when compared to other individuals. Females usually grow much larger than males. Although, with a difference in the age of animals, this feature cannot be used. Males have longer claws on their front legs than females. They serve for mating dance and help to keep on the female during mating. The tail of the male is thicker and longer than that of the female. The lower part of the body is flat in females, and concave in males. The spots on the turtle's head are larger and brighter in males. In nature, turtles reach sexual maturity by the age of 5-6 years, in captivity this happens somewhat earlier.

The courtship period for red-eared turtles occurs in the interval from March to July, and in captivity conditions can occur at any time of the year. The male swims in front of the female, tail first, and gently touches her muzzle with its claws, as if trying to stroke it. If the female is ready for breeding, then she accepts courtship, otherwise the female drives the male away. In some cases, it comes down to a scuffle. Young turtles can also perform a mating dance, but under reproductive age they are unable to reproduce.

After successful mating, the female spends more time in the sun. She may change her eating habits, the amount of food eaten will change, it is possible to refuse some types of habitual food. This is a normal reaction, it is worth trying to feed her with other foods and adjust the amount of food.

Pregnancy lasts on average about two months, if the female cannot find a suitable place for laying, this period can be increased. During the last two weeks, the female spends a lot of time on land, sniffing and digging the ground. Having chosen a place, the turtle abundantly wets the ground from the anal bladders and digs the nest with its hind legs. A female red-eared turtle can lay from 1 to 22 eggs, on average 5-10. She has no instinct to take care of her offspring. After laying eggs, the female leaves the nest.

The incubation period lasts 100-150 days. Incubation time and sex of young turtles depends on the incubation temperature of the eggs. Females are born at temperatures above 29 ° C, only males are born below 27 ° C. To pierce the shell of a turtle's egg, an egg tooth is used, which falls off an hour after birth. After leaving the egg, a small sac is present on the belly of the newborn; it contains the remains of food from the incubation period. Soon it disappears, and a small wound that remains in its place will grow safely.

Diseases and treatment of red-eared turtles

The most common disease in red-eared turtles is pneumonia. Experts do not recommend keeping these exotic pets outside the aquarium. The owners of the turtle sometimes let it go for a walk around the apartment, thinking that it will be useful for the pet. In fact, it can be very dangerous, because the reptile can get into a draft and catch a cold. This also applies to the location of the terrarium, try to put it only in a place protected from wind and draft.

If you notice that the animal is lethargic, eats poorly, or has completely refused food, most likely it is sick with pneumonia. In an aquarium, a reptile swims only on the surface, it simply cannot dive. Your pet is probably overcooled. There are two ways to treat it.

The traditional drug method involves a course of intramuscular injections. Keep in mind that treating a red-eared turtle should only be done under the supervision of a veterinarian. Self-medication can cost your pet life. And do not forget about the important point: when you calculate the amount of medicine for the weight of the turtle, you need to subtract the weight of the shell. To do this, it is enough to divide the total weight in half.

Some turtle owners are afraid to use drugs and resort to traditional medicine. One of the ways is based on steam baths. You need to prepare a decoction of chamomile. Next, you should slightly warm the broth and hold the turtle for some time over the steam. Monitor the steam temperature. he should not burn his hand. Now we are preparing a warm bath. In a ratio of 1: 3, we dilute a decoction of chamomile in water, the temperature should be about 30 ° C. The turtle should take therapeutic baths for about an hour.

Diseases of the eyes of red-eared turtles... Observe the animal constantly. Examine your eyes. If you notice swelling of the eyelids, excessive discharge from the eyes, a purple color of the mucous membrane, be sure to go to a specialist. For the treatment of eye diseases in red-eared turtles, they must be kept on land. It is necessary to treat the affected mucosa with a veterinary agent. These can be antibiotics or sulfonamides. Take a clean bath at a temperature of 28 ° C once a day for several hours. The water must be absolutely clean. Treatment is carried out until the veterinarian confirms recovery.

Diseases of the shell of red-eared turtles... A symptom of disease in domesticated turtles is a soft-touch shell, sluggish behavior, and poor appetite. Most often, symptoms appear from a lack of ultraviolet radiation, poor absorption of calcium and vitamin D3. To eliminate these problems, irradiate your pets with a UV lamp every day. You can buy this lamp at your pet store.

To treat this disease of red-eared turtles, raw fish, preferably with small bones, should be present in the diet daily. Include calcium and vitamin supplements in your diet. Turtle shell diseases are dangerous and their treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. It is especially necessary to react quickly if the animal has a detachment of the horny plates from the shell. With active growth, this phenomenon is permissible, but with age it can only occur if the reptile is not properly kept. Disease prevention and treatment for red-eared turtles means careful care. This also applies to the diet. Perhaps such a violation is a consequence of drying out. Fungus or blue-green algae can provoke detachment.

And at the end, in a concise form, we present all the rules that must be followed when keeping red-eared turtles.

When keeping red-eared turtles, you must not:
keep in close quarters;
keep the turtle in an aquarium without sushi; the turtle is capable of drowning, despite the fact that it is aquatic;
keep the turtle unheated;
feed the turtles only raw meat;
feed the turtles only vegetable food;
if the turtle does not receive food rich in calcium, it is imperative to provide mineral feeding;
add oily vitamins to the feed "by eye";
keep turtles in dirty water, especially if a film forms on the surface;
clean the turtle with coarse brushes and even more so remove the horny shields if it is overgrown with algae;
keep several males in one aquarium and plant new animals without prior quarantine;
use only smooth materials (glass, plastic) for the construction of the gangway and the island;
wash the aquarium in the kitchen and use dishes for turtles in which food for humans is prepared.
irregularly clean the aquaterrarium;
hibernation for turtles is optional;

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American freshwater turtles

The name of the family also indicates the range of the species: red-eared (aka yellow-bellied) turtles can consider Central America, Mexico, northern Venezuela and Colombia, as well as the United States as their homeland.

Thanks to man, these reptiles have appeared in Guadeloupe, South Africa, Israel, Great Britain and Spain. In Australia, they were not happy about their invasion, declaring pests driving out native reptiles.

In recent years, red-eared turtles often emerge in the water bodies of the Southern Federal District and the Krasnodar Territory. They were seen in the ponds and reservoirs of Rostov-on-Don, Anapa, Gelendzhik and Yeisk. These are those unfortunate animals whose stay in a city apartment turned out to be an unbearable burden for their owners.

And it's good if the turtles released into the wild survive: these thermophilic creatures are absolutely not adapted to the Russian frosts. There is a chance only for those who are nailed to the pipe with hot non-toxic drains.

Do not be tempted by the toy size of turtles (they will turn into decent basins with age) and think a hundred times if you can endure all the hardships of caring for them before you buy this voracious and fastidious animal.

Exterior, description

A biologist will distinguish a male from a female by several characteristics, including size: males are noticeably inferior to females. Sexually mature red-eared turtle grows up to 30 cm, and some of its varieties - up to half a meter or more.

Turtle babies are like bright green convex leaves that darken as they grow older: carapace turns dark brown or black (with jagged yellow lines). The head, neck and limbs have their own ornament, where curved green and white stripes coexist.

The ventral part of the carapace is usually dark, but diluted (like the upper one) with yellow wavy stripes and the same color edging.

On the turtle's head, there are two stretched scarlet spots located near the eyes. These red "marks" gave the name to the species. Depending on the subspecies, the color of the spots changes and can be muted yellow, bright yellow or orange.

The absence of teeth will not prevent this tortoise from flattening any sturdy object: powerful jaws will help it in this. Another weapon of the "krasnushka" is the unusually strong and sharp claws with which it fights off enemies.

Red-eared turtles do not complain of smell or sight. The only thing that lets them down is rumor. Nevertheless, the reptile instantly reacts to extraneous rustles and always manages to dive into the water.

Lifestyle

The turtle lives in swampy and shallow ponds and lakes that are not distinguished by their purity. Demonstrates increased agility when hunting for prey (fish, crustaceans, tadpoles, snails and other aquatic fauna) or avoiding enemies. In other periods, she is inactive: she likes to crawl onto the shore, exposing her shell to the sun's rays. In cool water (below +18 ° C), the "red" loses its appetite and becomes lethargic.

Natural enemies of turtles include:

• Jaguars - skillfully knock out a reptile from the shell.
• Foxes - push turtles onto stones.
• Birds of prey - throw them on the rocks.
• Other turtles and crabs eat turtle babies.
• Sharks and large predatory fish eat newborn turtles.

Biologists believe that the red-eared turtle (contrary to the famous popular expressions) moves quickly both in water and on land. Speed ​​helps her to break away from her pursuers, deftly avoiding obstacles.

The reptile notices a dangerous object about 40 meters away, which gives it time to quickly slide under the water: thanks to this lightning-fast reflex, the turtle was nicknamed "slider".

If it was not possible to escape, she will defend herself: a rapid throw of the head will be followed by the closing of strong jaws on the victim's body. Seed turtles can not only bite, but also injure.

Injury can also be obtained by inadvertently taking the pet out of the water, when it kicks with its hind limbs, dotted with sharp claws.

Procreation

Even an experienced herpetologist will not tell who is in front of him (boy or girl) until the turtle is one year old. It is at this age that sexual dimorphism manifests itself.

The difference between the sexes

It is known that females are much larger than males, but this trait can be considered significant only for individuals born at the same time. Otherwise, it is hardly possible to determine the floor by size.

There are more remarkable traits to help you figure out your pet's gender. So, in males:

• the spot near the eye is brighter and larger;
• longer claws on the front legs, helping to cling to a partner during copulation;
• the lower part of the body is concave, while in females it is flat;
• thicker and longer tail.

Information about the sexual maturity of red-eared turtles is somewhat different. Usually, a reptile enters the puberty phase by 5-6 years, and much earlier in captivity.

Pairing

Turtles living in zoos and apartments mate, regardless of the season, but, being in their natural habitat, adhere to certain dates (March - July).

The male performs a mating dance, the main role in which is assigned to the claws stroking the chin of the chosen one. Young reptiles can also imitate mating games: but these "rehearsals" do not lead to procreation until the turtle has entered reproductive age.

The partner swims with his tail forward, being very close to the partner's head, tirelessly tickling her muzzle with his claws. If the female is not against mating, she accepts these flirting. When not ready for intercourse, the turtle drives away the boyfriend, applying physical force to the especially dull ones.

Offspring

If intercourse leads to fertilization, the female begins to bask in the sun and changes her eating habits. This is especially noticeable in domestic red-eared turtles and does not develop into a disaster: it is only necessary to adjust the menu, including the amount of food.

About 2 months are given for pregnancy, but the period increases if it is impossible to find a good place for laying. Two weeks before "giving birth" the female hardly leaves the ground, sniffing and digging it. Having decided on the site for laying, the reptile moistens it with liquid from the anal bladders and digs the ground with its hind limbs.

The red-eared turtle is a bad mother: after laying eggs (from 1 to 22), she completely forgets about the offspring. Incubation, the duration of which depends on the temperature, takes from 100 to 150 days. The temperature in the nest also affects the sex of the turtle babies: at 29 ° C and above, girls are born, at 27 ° C and below, only boys are born.

To get out of the egg, newborn turtles pierce the shell with an egg tooth, which falls off after an hour. All babies have on their abdomen a small bag with the remains of incubation provisions: falling off, it leaves a rapidly overgrowing wound.

The turtle only at a superficial glance creates the deceptive impression of an extremely unassuming animal. In everyday life, you will get a lot of problems that must be met fully armed.

Red-eared turtle dwelling equipment

At home, turtles are kept in specially equipped aquaterrariums.

It is advisable to purchase aquaterrarium with a volume of 100 to 150 liters, which is filled with water about 20-30 cm. This is done so that the turtle, if it rolls over on its back, would be able to take a normal position without assistance. It is also advised to build a kind of beach equipped with a heating lamp and a UV lamp that will disinfect.

The beach should have a slope from the bottom of the aquaterrarium, with a rough land surface, but not causing scratches. It is advised to place the embankment no higher than 20-30 cm from the top of the aquarium, since some mobile pets are able to get out of their home. The temperature on land should be around 29-30 ° C.

The aquatic part can be decorated with algae, but before planting them, you should find out if they are poisonous, since turtles love to taste everything. Fish, by the way, do not eat poisonous algae. In addition, the algae must be suitable for the light and temperature levels in the aquaterrarium.

In addition to ornamental algae, you can also plant vegetation for food. Spirogyra, hornwort, anacharis, duckweed, ludwigia are suitable for these purposes.

The water should naturally be clean and warm around 26-28 ° C. It should be changed as it gets dirty or once a month.

Feeding

Turtle feeding is an interesting thing. First, juveniles are fed daily, while adult turtles are fed about 2-3 times a week. Secondly, with age, the content of plant food should prevail. Therefore, if an adult turtle lives in the aquarium, then the algae are eaten.

Proper nutrition- an important component in maintaining the health of pets. For this reason, you should carefully approach the composition of the diet. Its composition must necessarily include plant food, vitamin and mineral supplements and, of course, fish (cod, hake, thalass) and meat.

Plant food may contain: abutilone, basil, aloe, oregano, peas, balsam, figs, rudbeckia, clover, coleus, calendula, nettle, onion, alfalfa, nasturtium, arrowroot, daisies, dandelion, petunia, purslane, tradescantia, rose petals, chlorophytum, fuchsia, barley, rose hips, cyperus, Kalanchoe, fern, calathea, hibiscus, gloxinia, lawn grass, coffee, plantain.

In summer, “free” food is available in the form of vegetation: carrot and beet tops, potato tops cannot be given, branches of fruit bushes and trees.

It is forbidden to feed turtles plants such as monstera, epipremnum, philodendron, anthurium, keep quiet, akalif, croton, jatrophe, azalea, delphinium, crocus, morning glory, lily of the valley, lupine, periwinkle, oleander, juniper, nightshade, ficus, philodendrn, sheflera. The listed plants are so poisonous that even from a simple touch, the turtle has long-lasting wounds and ulcers. If the juice of these plants gets into the eyes of an animal, it causes conjunctivitis.

In some cases, the use of prohibited plants contributes to the disruption of the nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract.

Therefore, when choosing components for nutrition, one should be careful, since it is nutrition that is the key to the health of a pet.

Buy red-eared turtle

Red-eared turtle farms are located in the United States and Malaysia. From there, both illegal and legal exports of these heat-loving animals go.

Smuggled bright green turtles are sold "for 5 kopecks a bunch" right on the street. They are very nice and disperse under the brisk lies of merchants about the unpretentiousness of turtles.

Nobody knows what the kids are sick with, most of whom will die in the first months after moving to an apartment. As a rule, pneumonia (the most common turtle ailment) is the cause of death of these poor fellows.

Of course, you can buy a reptile in a pet store for 200-250 rubles, but why, if the sites are filled with groans of the current owners who dream of getting rid of the once acquired turtles?

These people may not even take money from you and will gladly give you not only their tortilla, but also its rich dowry (lamps, siphons, filters, aquaterrarium).

And the last thing. With careful care, red-eared turtles live at least 40-50 years, and especially persistent specimens live up to 80. If you are ready for such a long-term communication with the "red-eared", look for your future pet in social networks and forums.

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they need a large volume of water and a shore that occupies at least 1/3 of the entire surface of the water. read in more detail the basic requirements for the maintenance of red-eared turtles. all this must be observed!

A pair of red-eared turtles can be kept up to 1 year old in aquaterrariums about 50-70 years old. , then you need from 200 liters. Sushi should be at least 1/3 of the entire surface. It is better if there is a smooth slope of the coast into the water, but a flat surface is also necessary. The water level should not be too high, it is better that the aquarium has a large bottom area.
Keep in mind that a one-year-old turtle has a shell about 10 cm long, an adult about 30 cm! And they live for about 30 years, so think carefully before purchasing such a pet.

Equipment:
1) a filter designed for a volume of water 3 times more, since the water in turtles quickly deteriorates. Water is changed as it gets dirty (for 2-3 days) once every 1-2 weeks
2) a heater with a thermostat, the temperature in the water must be at least 25 degrees; on land - about 30 degrees
3) a heating lamp above the island so that the turtles can bask there (do not place it too low to avoid burns)
4) an ultraviolet lamp, which is replaced every six months, since over time it ceases to emit ultraviolet light. It is advisable to purchase a lamp that can work all day, and not for a certain amount of time
5) thermometer on land and in water.

Feeding:
Young turtles up to 2 years old are fed once a day with a quantity of food that is completely eaten in 5 minutes. Adult turtles are fed once every 2-3 days.
Mainly fed with lean raw meat and fish. Fatty fish (for example, capelin) are poured over with hot water before feeding and kept in it for 2-4 minutes to degrease. The fish is given along with bones and fins, they have a lot of calcium. Also, the diet of turtles should include frozen and dry gammarus, bloodworms; raw mussels, shrimps, squids; special fortified dry food for red-eared turtles, vitamins. Plant feeding is also necessary: ​​non-toxic aquatic plants, fruits, vegetables. Also on the Internet there are recipes for "turtle jelly", you can cook it yourself.
The more varied the diet, the better. For example, you can feed 2 weeks with one, then another food.
It is better to feed the turtles in a separate container so as not to pollute the aquarium water.

Sex differences:
Females are smaller than males, claws in adults are not more than 0.5 cm. Males have a slightly depressed plastron, claws are about 2 cm, more pointed muzzle, tail is longer than in females and strongly thickened at the base. The red spots on the head of the male are brighter and richer than that of the female. The female's carapace is more round; in the male it is oval.

Compatibility:
All aquatic turtles are predators, they cannot be kept together with aquarium fish, newts, crayfish, frogs, etc. Also, different types of aquatic turtles usually do not get along in the same reservoir. As a rule, they keep 1 male with 1-2 females, since males of red dogs like to sort things out among themselves because of females in fierce fights.

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Land turtles are easier to care for than water turtles, but water turtles are cheaper, more popular and brighter.
Little turtles get sick more than adults, so it's easier to ruin a baby. It is much more convenient to take a teenage turtle.
It is best to buy a turtle in the warm season, then the chances are that the animal is healthy, and on the way home you will not chill the reptile.
If you are a beginner, then it is better to purchase simpler and more popular species (red-eared, marsh, Central Asian, Trionix). Exotic species of turtles are more demanding in terms of keeping conditions.
In turtles up to 10 cm, it is almost impossible to determine the sex, so if you take a baby, then take any!

Which turtle is better to have? Water or land?

Turtles are terrestrial and aquatic. Aquatic, in turn, are freshwater and marine, but this should not bother you too much, because in any case, no one keeps sea turtles at home. Well, almost nobody.

Land
+ If you go somewhere, you can easily take a land turtle (on a train, by car) with you in a box or in a carrier, or give it to your friends for a while.
+ The land is easier to feed in terms of prices for vegetables and fruits, as well as the purity of eating.
+ Lands are considered to be less aggressive than aquatic ones. Usually yes, but not always.
+ Terrarium cleaning is much easier than changing water and cleaning filters.
- Most land turtles are in the Red Book, it is illegal to sell and buy them without documents, and they are rarely sold in pet stores
- When moving to another country, it will be almost impossible to make documents on the turtle.

Water
+ Water turtles are always brighter, more beautiful and active than land turtles.
+ Most of the species sold are captive bred, making them easy to buy legally and cheaply. It does not harm nature.
+ Aquatic (especially red-eared) turtles groom each other
+ There are many more aquatic species than terrestrial ones, so it is easier and cheaper to buy a turtle that is not like everyone else's.

“If I bought a turtle, I would take a water turtle. It turns out that almost everything on the ground is on the verge of extermination.
If I simply took away from someone an unnecessary turtle (a refusenik), I would have taken a land one. "

Land turtles are predominantly "dry" and terrestrial, although sometimes there are more moisture-loving species that need a small body of water. Usually such turtles eat plant food, but some species require protein in their diet (mice, insects, etc.). Aquatic turtles tend to live in water. For everyone, dry land is desirable, however, how much time it will spend on it depends on the type of turtle. Some species tend to be in the water for most of their life. Such turtles in almost all cases feed on fish, and as additional nutritious foods they should also receive seafood, small rodents, sometimes insects, in a word, "whole" meat (not minced meat, not fillets, etc.). Some aquatic species may be lenient with plant foods as well, but tend to be strongly adult. They are mostly predators anyway.

What kind of turtle is easier and more interesting?

First, decide which turtle you want - water or land. It makes no sense to have in a city apartment those turtles that grow very large (more than 50 cm in length), they need a lot of space, caring for them is usually more difficult, and they live longer than their smaller relatives, so the turtle can catch you get bored (or your kids). Large turtles include coal, radiant, spurred, leopard, caiman, vulture. It is best to start popular non-aggressive aquatic turtles: red-eared, marsh, musky, painted. Of the more rare - side-neck, cinematographic, geographic. Of the land, the Central Asian is best suited, as the most popular in our country and the best studied.
In order not to be mistaken with the size - check to what size your turtle will grow on the list of terrarium turtle species and consider whether you can provide it with a suitable terrarium or aquarium.

How old is a turtle?

Little turtles are more susceptible to disease than adults and are more likely to die or grow crooked if not properly cared for. Also, with small turtles, it is more difficult to carry out medical procedures, both for the veterinarian and for you. So if you do not want your child to be upset and cry over a deceased pet, it is better to get a teenage turtle or an adult.

I want to have the smallest (dwarf) turtle so that it doesn't grow big!

Neither among land, nor among aquatic turtles there are no dwarf and decorative turtles. Yes, there are species that do not grow more than 12-14 cm in adulthood - these are from land spiders, Egyptian turtles and from aquatic - musky, but they are much more expensive than popular species and it is much more difficult to find them.
Under the guise of dwarf turtles, they sell a baby red-eared turtle, which grows up to 15-25 cm, is predatory, and requires an aquarium of 100-150 liters. Keeping the red-eared turtle.

I need the easiest turtle to care for!

Absolutely all land turtles require a terrarium, and aquatic turtles need an aquaterrarium. All turtles are reptiles and have +/- one principle of the body's work, therefore, like most other reptiles, they require very specific conditions of detention. As a rule, for land-based ones, this means the mandatory presence of upper heating, ultraviolet radiation, soil in the terrarium, rarely - the presence of moisture. For water - land, overhead heating, ultraviolet light, a large amount of water, a filter. In other words, all turtles are more or less the same, and in principle there are no special frost-resistant, bullet-proof, sofa-not-crushed, cat-food-eating.

I want an exotic turtle!

There are several hundred different types of turtles in the world. Both water and land. You have the right to choose any kind you like, but keep in mind that not any of these several hundred you can go and just like that you can buy at any pet store. Your choice is primarily limited by external factors. For example, some turtles are not removed from nature at all due to the extremely small number of living individuals; some turtles are unrealistic to keep in an apartment due to their size or specific conditions of detention; and most importantly, most of the species are virtually impossible to legally bring to our country and sell them here legally, so pet shops prefer not to do this. Thus, the choice of a turtle depends more on the "can" factor than "I want". In short - from land turtles almost constantly and in many places two species are available (Central Asian and Mediterranean), from aquatic - about three (marsh, Trionix, red-eared). Almost any of the listed types can be taken free of charge from our HRC. In pet stores, the price of water starts from 300 rubles, and on land from 600 rubles. All other types are available, as a rule, only on order from private traders who have the opportunity to bring them from other countries. The price in this case basically starts from the position of 1000 for aquatic and from 4000 r for land and can go up to several tens of thousands for one individual. Our site contains a complete list of turtle species, which we try to make the most relevant, so you can read about each species you like, and especially keen enthusiasts can try to find rare species on sale, but this requires serious time and material costs. At the very least, you will have to delve into the process of buying and selling, CITES, imports and other cases related to the purchase.

Is it better to take a female or a male?

If you buy a small turtle, then you cannot reliably determine its gender. If an adult is for solitary confinement, then either sex can. This, as a rule, has little effect on the behavior of the turtle (except for male Central Asian and Mediterranean turtles). If you take a turtle in a pair, then a female-female pair will most likely live in peace, and in female-male or male-male pairs, there will be fights, so it should be possible to plant the turtles. Land males are more noisy and aggressive, they can rarely be kept with other males or even with females, so as not to get into fights. From a certain age, females of any species begin to lay eggs (including unfertilized ones), which has a bad effect on the health of the turtle.

What kind of turtles can you bring to your summer pond?

In a dacha pond at a latitude not north of Moscow, you can keep in the warm season: red-eared, marsh turtles, and also Trionix. It is better not to risk other types of turtles. Only marsh turtles can be left for the winter, if the pond does not freeze completely and fish is found in it. Sick and weakened turtles may not survive the winter.
It is better to release the turtles into the pond not earlier than June, when the temperature stabilizes; you can take them away in late or mid-September.
The volume of the pond depends on the number of turtles released into it, but the larger the better. It is highly desirable that it also contains a fish that is not very large, so that the turtles can catch it and eat it themselves, as well as driftwood or large protruding stones so that the turtles can bask on them. The pond itself should be enclosed with a fence, preferably a meter long, so that the turtles do not scatter.

Many animals live in glass containers: turtles, fish, lizards and crustaceans. Home terrariums usually contain a terrestrial species of turtles, from which freshwater and land animals emerge.

Reptiles with webbed swimming limbs. Most aquatic turtle species inhabit waters with little water movement. Moving carnivorous reptiles, but there are also herbivorous species.

Red-eared

The turtle is brown-green. Also called. It lives in shallow ponds in Mexico, South and Central America and Africa. It got its name because of the red spots around the ears; there are species with bright yellow spots. Deep green stripes are located on the head and legs. Young individuals are colored less intensely than mature ones. Carapace (upper part of the shell) of females up to 30 cm, males - up to 15 cm, there are claws. The diet of young individuals is dominated by animal food. Sedentary and non-conflicting pets.

Trionix Chinese or Far Eastern

Turtles up to 20 cm in size with a soft leather shell. The nose is oblong in the form of a trunk. These three-toed inhabitants of Asian water bodies are very mobile and aggressive. They can injure a person with sharp plates located on their jaws. To keep these predators at home, they acquire a newborn individual. got into the Red Book and is prohibited for sale. It is caught by smugglers and delivered to shops.

Caspian

Omnivorous turtles with a flat oval shell up to 30 cm in length. The color consists of alternating yellow and green stripes. Individuals love salt or fresh water with a temperature of 18-22 degrees and a large amount of vegetation near the reservoir. Found in Southern Europe and Central Asia. In nature, they climb high into the mountains. They live for 30 years. In this species of freshwater turtle, sex differences are clearly visible: the tail of the males is more powerful and longer, the carapace is concave.

Silt loggerhead

Aquarium turtles with a small shell up to 18 cm and a disproportionately large body. Having a harmless appearance, reptiles are able to injure with false teeth. Come from North and South America. They live in shallow streams and swamps with abundant vegetation. For keeping at home, a capacity of 60-100 liters is suitable. They feed on animal food and dry food.

European swamp

Dark green turtles up to 35 cm.The body is covered with light spots. Large and long tail, webbing and sharp claws on the paws. Reptiles live near lakes and ponds. listed in the Red Book. Contained at an air temperature of about 30 degrees.

Types of small

According to the scientific classification, freshwater species are considered small turtles, the average size of which does not exceed 13 cm. A terrarium with a capacity of 100 liters is suitable for pets.

Three-keel

Small reptiles up to 13 cm. Color from reddish-brown to black, carapace with three keels. They are unpretentious in care, an aquarium up to 100 liters will do. They inhabit the countries of South Asia, in the forests they lead a completely terrestrial lifestyle. They are omnivorous, they eat fruits and vegetables, they do not mind eating fish. In some countries, home content is prohibited.

Musky

Turtles get this name because of the musk glands under the shell. The length of the oval carapace is 7–13 cm. There are light blotches on the dark head and carapace. Young turtles are distinguished by three longitudinal ridges on the carapace, which disappear over the years. They feed on mollusks, insects, small fish. Habitat: from Canada to South America. In their natural environment, they are the orderlies of the reservoir. Turtles swim well, there should be an islet and a pond in the terrarium.

Spotted

Amphibian pets up to 12 cm in length. Carapax is black, without protrusions. Light yellow spots are evenly distributed on the carapace, head and limbs. And also there are color variations with orange and reddish blotches. They live at room temperature. For convenience, place shelters in a glass container, and aquatic plants in a pond. The turtle is diurnal. Food type - insectivores. Juveniles feed exclusively on animal food. Plants are rarely eaten. In nature, they live in swampy and humid areas.

Pond Reeves

Turtle with a shell length of 13 cm. Carapax is painted in brown tones. Olive, gray-green and black body colors are found, there are yellow stripes. Females are lighter than males, the tail is shorter. The temperature is allowed not lower than 22 degrees. It is known that turtles can survive freezing temperatures.

Locking

Domestic turtles are endowed with a special feature: in case of danger, the gap between the plastron and the carapace is closed. The genus of the closure consists of the following types:

1. reddish mud turtle;
2. silt red-cheeked;
3. silt yellow-mouthed;
4. common musky;
5. musky keel.

Flat

The carapace of these 9-centimeter turtles is slightly extended forward, has a slight bulge. Color from olive to brown depending on the breed. On the forelimbs there are scales and 4 or 5 fingers. The muzzle is oblong. Females are larger than males. It is a carnivorous species that eats fish, mice and shrimp.

Land types

Central Asian

A popular home type of pets. At home, they grow up to 10-18 cm. Turtles have a light shell with dark shields, four-toed limbs. Swimming can be arranged once a week. They do not like to be disturbed, they prefer peace and regularity. Provide 30-degree air and sandy soil for the animals to dig in.

Star or Indian

Beautiful pets with an unusual shell shape. The scutes are convex, slightly pointed, with a conspicuous pattern in the form of stars. The carapace is dark, the pattern is yellow. The turtles are medium in size, females reach 25 cm, males - 15 cm. The varieties that live in Sri Lanka and South India have 5-7 rays in color. Individuals from the north of India have 7-9 thin "star" rays. They eat plant foods.

Mediterranean

The color and preferences in the content are different for the subspecies. The color is solid or dark with yellow blotches. On the front paws of domestic turtles, 5 fingers each, hind legs with spurs. There is a tubercle of horny tissue on the back of the thigh. Sizes up to 35 cm.

Egyptian

The size of the shell reaches 12 cm, females are smaller than males. The carapace is sandy in color with black spots. The content is whimsical, susceptible to disease. Herbivores, in nature feed on plants of the genus wormwood. Calcium and D3 are added to the diet. The ability to determine the sex of this species is provided at the age of 15. Contained in groups of their own kind in a spacious tank.

Balkan

The size of the shell is up to 20 cm. In appearance it resembles a Mediterranean turtle. The carapace is light brown with a dark pattern. Over the years, the color fades to yellowish gray. The tail has a horny tip. They feed on peas, beans, clover and fruits. Supplement the diet with slugs and snails. Moving pets, especially active in the warm season.

Conclusion

Some types of domestic turtles are small in size and also relatively unpretentious. Even such animals will need a spacious and long aquaterrarium, an ultraviolet lamp and a water filter. Approach the maintenance of a domestic turtle responsibly, and then it will delight you with the opportunity to observe it for a long time.

Often people have a desire to have an exotic pet in their home, and many opt for turtles. This reptile, being one of the most ancient animals on the planet, has mastered two habitats, and it can be found both in water and on land.

Turtles - the oldest species of reptiles, live both on land and on water.

Structure and physiology

The modern classification subdivides all species of turtles into sea and land. The latter, in turn, are divided into land and freshwater. Depending on the habitat aquatic and land animals differ somewhat in their structure:

1. Marine. They live in the salty waters of the World Ocean. They have a streamlined body and wide flipper-like limbs. The head of these reptiles is rather large and does not retract under the carapace, and it itself is covered with wide horny plates. The average life expectancy of marine individuals is 80 years. Females become sexually mature when they reach the age of thirty. To lay eggs, they return to the place where they themselves were once born.
2. ... These are terrestrial animals, among which there are both small species and giant species, for example, the inhabitants of the Galapagos Islands. The weight of individual giant individuals can reach 400 kg. For the most part, land turtles are animals with high shells and columnar legs covered with scales and shields. Their life expectancy can reach 100, and in some specimens, even 150 years. Land animals move slowly, and in case of danger they hide in their shell.
3. Freshwater. This is the most extensive group, among which there are both small turtles and animals of medium size. The carapace in most species is low, the limbs are mainly swimming, equipped with membranes. The head of these turtles is flattened and covered with smooth skin. Almost all species are carnivores. Most of them are aquatic creatures that move with equal ease both in water and on land.

Having considered what kind of turtles there are, it should be noted that not all varieties of these animals are suitable for home keeping. Thus, captive marine reptiles can only be kept in very large pools, and it is quite difficult to create optimal conditions for them for life. At the same time, some freshwater and terrestrial species easily adapt to the conditions of the apartment.

Turtles for home keeping

Before you start a turtle at home, you need to understand which species of this animal is suitable for growing in an apartment. You need to soberly assess your capabilities, since for the maintenance of some species you will need to acquire special equipment and constantly monitor the temperature and humidity indicators in the room where the animal will be kept.

In addition, before buying, you need to determine the type of turtle that you plan to purchase, since the differences in the content of aquatic and land animals are quite significant.

Trachemys scripta

Refers to the species of freshwater turtles. These are medium-sized animals, males are much smaller than females. They got their name from two bright red markings that are located behind the eyes. By the color of the turtle, you can determine its belonging to one or another subspecies, of which there are thirteen. The red-eared variety is widespread in North and South America, and has also been introduced to some European countries, South Africa and Japan. In Australia, it is considered a pest that destroys local endemic reptiles.

To keep the red-eared turtle in captivity, it is necessary to equip an aquarium with a volume of 150-200 liters, one fourth of which should be land. The water temperature must not fall below + 20 ° C. At home, these reptiles are fed with river fish and beef liver, as well as snails, fodder cockroaches. In addition, the animal's diet should contain plant foods.

It can be both aquatic plants (algae, duckweed) and plantain or dandelion leaves. In the aquarium where the red-eared individual is kept, it is necessary to place a source of calcium, which can serve as a stone purchased at the pet store. If optimal conditions are provided for the red-eared turtle, its life expectancy in captivity can be 45-50 years.

Marsh (Emys orbicularis)

This is another species of freshwater turtles found in Europe, Russia, Asian countries, the Caucasus and the Baltics. These animals also live on the Black Continent. A swamp species lives in fresh water such as swamps, ponds, slow rivers or lakes. This species perfectly swims and dives, staying under water for a long time, and getting out on land can cover distances of up to 500 meters.

One of the species that are often kept in captivity. In order for such an individual to feel good at home, she needs an aquarium with a volume of up to 200 liters, in which the ratio of water to land will be 1: 1. The water in the aquarium is changed as it gets dirty, and an incandescent lamp is placed over land to heat the animal. Marsh turtles are quite active and can climb obstacles quite well, so it is best to cover the aquarium with a lid to prevent the turtle from escaping.

Sea and river fish, earthworms, shrimps, food insects are used as animal feed. Young turtles willingly eat bloodworms, daphnia and gammarus. As plant foods, cabbage leaves, lettuce and chopped carrots are suitable. In captivity, a marsh turtle can live 25-30 years.

Trionix (Pelodiscus sinensis)

Its other name is Far Eastern. It is a freshwater turtle, widespread in Asian countries. Refers to soft-bodied species... In several regions of China and Japan, it is bred commercially and eaten. To determine the age of an animal, you need to see what color the turtle is. In young Far Eastern turtles, the abdominal part of the shell has a bright orange color, which gradually brightens and becomes light yellow in adults.

They are often kept at home as an exotic pet, although caring for them is quite difficult. These reptiles are kept in aquaterrariums with a volume of 250 liters or more. The ratio of water to land should be 5: 1. Trionixes need warm water, the temperature of which should not drop below + 35 ... + 36 ° C. Also, do not forget that for the normal life of this turtle, the water in the place where it is kept must be subjected to constant filtration and aeration. Trionixes do not tolerate chlorinated water.

Contain trionixes in aquaterrariums with a volume of 250 liters or more. The ratio of water to land should be 5: 1.

Among other things, the reptile needs a heat source, which is installed in the form of an incandescent lamp in the coastal zone of the aquaterrarium. Feeding is not difficult: they, being predators, eat any animal food.

It must be remembered that these turtles have a rather aggressive character and sharp plates along the edge of the jaws, therefore, when caring for them, you need to follow basic safety precautions.

Central Asian (Testudo Agrionemys)

This animal got its name from its habitat., since this species is most often found in Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. This is a terrestrial species, the number of which is constantly decreasing, therefore the species is listed in the International Red Book. The growth of the Central Asian reptile occurs throughout its entire life, which ranges from 10 to 30 years.

Of all the turtle species raised as pets, this is the most popular. For maintenance, it is necessary to equip a spacious aviary filled with soil (a mixture of earth with sawdust or coconut chips). The layer of soil should be large enough for the reptile to burrow into it if desired. If it is not possible to fill the aviary with earth, it is necessary to place a shelter for the animal in it.

Endangered species of turtles

Since 2000, 23 May has been the Day of Turtles, which was founded to draw attention to these reptiles. There are about 300 species of these reptiles in the world, and a significant part of them are endangered species:

• Atlantic Ridley (Lepidocelys kempii);
• large soft-bodied (Pelochelys bibroni);
• Sulawesian forest (Leucocephalon yuwonoi);
• real caretta (Eretmochelys imbricata);
• Malaysian giant (Orlitia borneensis);

And this is only a small part of all species of endangered turtles that need to be protected by humans. An example of purposeful work to restore the population is the Galapagos (elephant) turtles, the number of which has been raised from 15 animals to more than 1,000 individuals. Today, the community of these reptiles in the Galapagos Islands is considered to be steadily developing.

The turtle is an animal of the chordate type, the reptile class, of the order of the tortoise (Testudines). These animals have existed on planet Earth for over 220 million years.

The turtle got its Latin name from the word "testa", meaning "brick", "tile" or "earthen vessel". The Russian analogue came from the Proto-Slavic word čerpaxa, which in turn came from the modified Old Slavic word “čerpъ”, “crock”.

The turtle's masonry is covered with soil from above and compacted by blows of a plastron.

Depending on the species, the number of laid eggs can be from 1 to 200. The duration of the incubation period ranges from 2 to 3 months, but in some species this period can reach six months or more.

During the mating season, the female turtle is able to make several clutches.

By their way of life, turtles are solitary animals and find a mate for themselves only for the mating period, although some species tend to gather in small groups for wintering.

How to care for your turtle at home?

Keeping turtles at home, both terrestrial and aquatic, is very popular today. These animals are unpretentious, and caring for turtles is very simple, so even children can follow the pets. However, you should not choose large species of turtles as pets, which can reach more than half a meter in length. For comfortable living of reptiles in an apartment, specially equipped aquariums, terrariums or turtle aviaries are designed, in which conditions are created as close as possible to their natural habitat.

The hygiene of aquatic life consists in the removal of algae that have grown on the shell. Terrestrial reptiles should be bathed daily in warm water with the addition of baking soda, washing away food debris and adhering soil. The grown turtle claws must be shortened using a fine nail file. In winter, pets need to be periodically irradiated with rays of a quartz lamp, making a kind of sunbathing. Care must be taken not to shine directly into the eyes of the animal.

Feeding turtles at home is described in detail just above.

Subject to the rules of caring for animals at home, turtles can live up to 170 years.

• The sex of the offspring is determined by the ambient temperature during the incubation period. At low temperatures, males appear, and at higher temperatures, females appear.
• Turtles were the first creatures to orbit the moon aboard a research probe launched by the Soviet Union in 1968 and returned safely. This happened a few months before the Apollo 8 mission.
• In 2013, employees of the Dnepropetrovsk Agrarian University Museum were shocked by an unprecedented incident. A full-fledged offspring hatched from several turtle eggs-exhibits, which lay on the shelves for many years.
• The image of a turtle is present in the heraldry of some states.
• Unlike other reptiles, turtles are practically incapable of causing significant harm to humans. However, during the mating season, male cayman turtles can mistake a person for a rival and attack him. And male specimens of leatherback turtles can confuse a swimmer with a female, clasp him with flippers and carry him into the depths.
• Turtle meat is a delicacy product that can be consumed both without heat treatment and fried or boiled.
• Expensive accessories are cut from the shell of turtles, which are used to decorate women's hair.

How to tell a land turtle from a water turtle? and what to feed? and got the best answer

Answer from Afonyaboston panyukov [guru]
The land has scales on its front legs, they are more chtoli clubfoot. And their shell is often more convex.
This is an aquatic (red-eared turtle)

This is land (Central Asian)

Overland feeding: Feeds every day. It is better not to get carried away with cabbage, it washes out calcium. Cucumbers and tomatoes also wash out calcium. From vegetables, you can give carrots, lettuce, peppers, beetroot, zucchini. Their fruits are apples, pears. Berries can be given all edible. They are very fond of dandelion and hibiscus leaves. I need supplements, I give general vitamins and calcium. You can give citruses, bananas and all kinds of exotic, but turtles are often allergic to this. Instead of calcium, you can give the caracatsi bone to gnaw (it is sold in any pet store). But this is if you are talking about land. If about water, then this is a fillet of sea fish. The same feeding. In general, keeping turtles is responsible, you need a terrarium or aquaterrarium, a heating lamp and an ultraviolet lamp.
Feeding the aquatic: The turtles are fed every day. The amount of food you need to work out yourself, depending on how much the turtle eats. Usually, for babies, the feed volume is 2-3 pieces of 1 cm3, for older ones - 2-3 pieces of 2-3 cm3. Feed should be moist and at room temperature. Young turtles are PREDATORS, adults are omnivores (that is, in addition to animal food, they also eat vegetable food). The main food is FISH! It is best to give sometimes live small fish, which can be immediately put into the aquarium.
Types of food: FISH (low-fat and different types - hake, cod, gobies, thalassa, etc.), MEAT (beef liver, chicken heart, beef heart), INSECTS and CRANE (daphnia crustaceans, gammarus, bloodworms, earthworms, crickets without legs, wood lice, locust without legs, beetles), OTHER (small freshwater snails, shrimps, squids, tadpoles, frogs), VEGETABLE FOOD (lettuce, nettle, dandelion leaves, cabbage, duckweed and other aquatic plants, as well as plates of carrots, apples , cucumbers).
The turtle should receive vitamins and mineral nutrition. For these purposes, either calcium-containing dressings and vitamins (Wardley and other companies) are added to the feed, or a complete and varied feed is provided. It is also advisable to put a mineral block-neutralizer for turtles in the aquarium.

Answer from Alexander Tikhonov[guru]
easy water walks in a spacesuit

Answer from Vladislav Churikov[newbie]
sea ​​turtles have fins and land paws

Answer from Lyudmila Sazanovich[newbie]
By breed)

Answer from Anastasia[guru]
Take a picture, without a photo it will be difficult to say. Land animals are herbivores. Aquatic - predators.

Answer from Maria[guru]
About

Answer from Ѐustam Raskildin[newbie]