The Red-eared Turtle. A Delicate Animal
The red-eared tortoise is a terrestrial tortoise commonly taken as a pet. Also called “flowering turtle”, in honor of the curious red spots on both sides of the neck.
However, this amphibian is a very delicate animal, and its captive life tends to be difficult and short if you are not careful with its habitat.
This species of turtle is small, but can reach 20 centimeters in length, being mainly a diurnal animal that spends a lot of time in the water.
Once you reach maturity, the spots on both sides of your head disappear.
Special cares
Having an exotic pet is not an easy task, unfortunately, because of this, many end up seriously ill or die from neglect by their caregivers, or are eaten by other animals.
With this type of turtle, you should pay special attention and double your eye care, as they tend to swell, even if they live in a clean environment.
The ideal space for turtles to live must ensure that they can enjoy a good quality of life. Usually, it is suggested to take them to a wide space, where there is enough water for the turtle to dive and swim.
Something to watch out for with reptiles is the temperature of the water, and also the temperature of the tank. Remember that if the water is too hot, it will be just as bad as if it were too cold.
Therefore, you must monitor the water temperature so that it does not exceed 25 °C and never drops below 18 °C. Otherwise, the turtle could get sick.
Something that should be done frequently is to change the water in the tank, you should also include a filter in it, to avoid the accumulation of bacteria. Water quality and care are essential for your pet’s health.
It is advisable for the tank to be in a sunny place, so the turtle can regulate its body temperature and avoid fungus from very humid environments.
The pond will need a good piece of land, a log, or anything else that will allow your turtle to get out of the water to sunbathe.
food
Feeding is very important for turtles, as the animal’s longevity depends on its food.
In general, the diet of this category of animals is made up of animal protein, fruits and vegetables. However, your nutritional needs vary according to age.
For example, for young turtles, a high protein diet is recommended as this will help them to grow and become stronger.
As adults, turtles will require a greater consumption of vegetables, because they get essential nutrients for their sustenance, focusing on those vegetables rich in calcium, thus strengthening their shell, also because they are easier to digest.
Try to stick to a diet rich in vitamins, otherwise her hull may weaken and her immune system may become prone to infection or disease.
A good way to know if the red ear turtle is in bad condition is to observe the hardness of its shell, if it is fragile or if it has cracks, it is advisable to take it to the veterinarian. Also, note whether the eyelids are inflamed.
If you decide to feed your turtle with special rations, remember to alternate the diet with the consumption of other products, such as chicken.
Chicken is a good choice for them. Egg, liver and vegetables (especially greens) are also excellent nutritional supplements.
Young turtles feed more often than older ones, in this way, whereas a small turtle a few months old should be fed every day, a two year old turtle feeds four to five times a week.
Adult turtles tend to eat little, just once a week.
Keep in mind that to buy any exotic animal, you must require a license from the seller, so you avoid buying a trafficked animal.
Red ear turtles are normally found on the market in the countries where they are obtained.
The process of illegal animal trafficking causes serious damage to ecosystems and kills thousands of animals, products of illegal practices of capture and transport.
