Turtles are a fascinating novel pet that adults and children will adore.

I can remember as a young child seeing a new type of pet for the first time, a turtle.
The turtle was so different to anything I had ever seen, its amazingly complex patterned hard shell, long slow moving neck and legs that somehow connected to and lived inside of its hard shell. I was fascinated by this interesting strange looking creature and still to this day I find them just as fascinating.

There are many different species of turtles to choose from for a pet, but if you decide to get one, you will need to know the exact species you have, so as to understand and provide proper care for the turtle.
Turtles can live many years given the proper care in captivity, it depends on the species of turtle as to how long they live. Galapagos turtles live to 150 years or more. Snapping turtles found in Louisiana bayous were found with Civil War musket balls in their shells, that would make them very old turtles. So depending on the species and care of the turtle, they can live 100 years or more.
Over the years there have been books, cartoons, documentaries and movies that featured these amazing creatures, all adding to the fascination of turtles.

There are two species you can own as a pet.
1.Terrestrial, this species of turtle/tortoise spends more time on land.

Terrestrial turtles such as box and mud turtles, need up to 12 hours of sunlight, they require land to sun themselves on during the day and a place to hibernate during the winter. They also need water to drink and swim around in.

2.Aquatic, this species requires lots of water in its home environment.

Sliders and painted turtles are aquatic, sliders typically live in swampy areas but can also be found near lakes with a lot of mud. Painted turtles and sliders like to spend more time in the water and use the water to cool off after periods of being in the sun.

What’s the difference between a turtle and tortoise?

* Turtles mostly live in fresh water and oceans, they have webbed feet to make swimming easier
* Turtles tend to have flatter shells then a tortoise.
* Turtles can eat both plants and insects (carnivorous or omnivorous)
* Turtles migrate, swimming oceans or fresh water lakes/swamps

* Tortoises live almost exclusively on land, their feet are not webbed and have sharp claws for digging
* They only enter water to drink or wash themselves
* Tortoises have a domed shaped shell
* Tortoises eat only plants, leaves and other vegetation (herbivorous)
* Tortoises tend not to migrate but prefer to stay in one area

Turtles and tortoises don’t use up much energy in day to day living , so most of their energy production is used in creating new cells to replace old cells in their body. The constant development of new cells, means that they continue to grow throughout their lives and their organs remain efficient even in old age, giving them the opportunity to have a longer life span than humans.

When keeping turtles/tortoises as pets, know your species needs and choose a tank that will provide best for their needs.

Most turtles require a 40 gallon (180 litre) tank or larger for more comfort, having both land and water accessible to them.Turtles require a water area large enough and deep enough to totally submerge and a land area large enough to completely dry their shells.
Water should be changed frequently, new water added should be the  same temperature as the old water as well as a filter to help keep the water clean.
Turtles are very susceptible to temperature changes often living in 80 degrees in the day and 70 degrees during the night. The optimal ambient temperature, which should never go over 30c, is 26c. A UV lamp above a land area with large flat rocks completely out of the water is good for the turtle to bask in the sun. Aquarium heaters will maintain the water of the tank at an ideal temperature.
Plants are needed in the tank, make sure to get advise on which plants will be non poisonous to your turtle as they will eat the plants in the tank. Certain turtles can have small rocks in the tank which allows them to burrow under along with the dirt/sand.

Turtles don’t have a large digestive track, therefore proper food for turtles include non poisonous tank plants, lettuce, goldfish, special feed sticks, crustaceans, shrimps, yabbies, berries and insects depending on the species of pet turtle you choose. It is important to provide turtles with food in their water.Vitamin D is essential for growing shells so if you are unable to take them out in to the natural sun frequently, add vitamin supplements to their diet to promote good health.

Water is very important to a turtle, tap water can harm your pet because of the chemicals in it.
The best water to give them is natural spring water for drinking and swimming in.

Providing your turtle with water, food, heat, land and shelter so they can hibernate and bask in warmth all are important factors in helping your pet live a long and enjoyable life.
Keep in mind that turtles are sensitive wondrous creatures so you will not want to handle them a lot as this will stress them if you are not gentle with them.

With thought and care, you can have a fascinating, novel pet turtle that can live for many years.