Caring For Your Turtle
Technically all tortoises belong to the turtle family because they share the same feature of an attached shell. Tortoises are exclusively land animals who are herbivores. Their feet are “elephant-like.” Turtles can be land, aquatic, or semi-aquatic and are typically omnivores.
Why Choose a Turtle?
Turtles are long-lived pets, with many species needing large enclosures before they are fully grown. However, they can be quirky with unique personalities, and can surprise you with their careful intelligence. They are hypoallergenic, relatively low maintenance, have lower social needs than other pets, have generally quiet dispositions, and have the potential to be a beautiful feature in the home.
The Shell
One of the most unique features of turtles is their protective shell. It is actually part of the turtle’s skeleton, which means the shell grows with the turtle, and they do not have the ability to physically leave the shell. The turtle can also feel when the shell is touched or scratched, and many of them enjoy it in the same way that a dog enjoys being scratched!
To provide a happy, healthy atmosphere for your new pet, Petland recommends the following necessary accessories. We have listed them as your new pet’s 4 Basic Needs: Environmental, Behavioural, Nutritional and Maintenance. If these needs are met and a loving environment is provided by you, your turtle can live a long and healthy life.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Enclosure – Turtles are considered terrestrial, which means they will need an enclosure that is long rather than tall. An aquarium with a secure screen lid works well to maintain appropriate humidity and temperature requirements.
Temperature – A turtle is an ectotherm, which means they depend on the temperature in their environment to regulate their body temperature. The habitat must be laid out as a temperature gradient to avoid extremes. Refer to your turtle’s Care Sheet for exact temperature requirements in the cool and warm ends of the enclosure.
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A heat bulb is the best choice to provide localized heat for the basking area and as a light source. The wattage of the bulb will depend on your enclosure. Situate the light fixture so that it is far enough away from the basking area that your turtle does not get burned, but close enough to maintain a basking temperature. In a semi-aquatic enclosure, this bulb would sit above the land access.
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An under-the-tank heater or heat mat is useful to ensure the substrate is warm and dry at all times, though it should be used as a secondary heat source and not the primary source of heat.
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An aquarium heater may be necessary for aquatic or semi-aquatic turtles to maintain appropriate temperatures in the water.
Thermometer – The use of a thermometer is the only way to know if the enclosure and basking sites are maintained at the correct temperature. Place one thermometer by the warm end and one at the cooler, shaded end of the enclosure to monitor the temperature gradient which allows the turtle to regulate their body temperature.
Thermostat – A thermostat is used to regulate the temperature of heat mats or light fixtures that do not have the ability to reduce the heat output. This safety feature is important to prevent burns or overheating, particularly if it is possible for the turtle to come in close contact with the heat mat, or if the light fixture is not equipped with a dimmer.
Lighting – The majority of turtles are diurnal (active during the day), so sunlight allows them to synthesize vitamin D3, which is important in the absorption of calcium. It is also valuable for photoperiod regulating and the absorption of UVA to prevent behavioural problems. Always provide a source of shade so they can retreat from the brightness when they need to. A Day/Night Timer can automate turning lights on and off, providing a consistent photoperiod and saving you time and effort. For more information ask a pet counsellor for a copy of the Ultraviolet Lighting for Birds and Reptiles Tip Sheet.
Relative Humidity – Turtles benefit from having a misting bottle and a humidity gauge to sustain and monitor relative humidity levels, unless the turtle is aquatic. For turtles with more intensive humidity needs, an automatic mister or fogger may be beneficial to maintain sufficient levels. The enclosure should always have good ventilation. Refer to your turtle’s Care Sheet for exact humidity requirements.
BEHAVIOURAL
Decorations/Plants – A turtle’s enclosure should resemble a landscape that mimics the biome they originate from. This may include rocks, driftwood, and live or artificial plants for refuge, shade, or climbing. Although live plants may provide benefits, such as aerating the enclosure, choose the foliage wisely as they may be ingested. See the Keeping a Vivarium Tip Sheet for more information about live plants.
Hiding Places – No matter the size or species, every turtle needs some sort of hiding place to feel secure in their enclosure. Although decorations and plants may serve as a refuge for your turtle, a designated hiding hut may be required, depending on the size of your turtle. Ensure both the warm and the cool side of the tank have their own hiding places to allow the turtle to regulate their temperature effectively.
NUTRITIONAL
Food Sources – Turtles can be herbivorous or omnivorous. When feeding vegetation, dark green leafy vegetables, such as kale, dandelion, bok choy, collards and romaine lettuce are best. Some fruits can be offered as well. Some turtles have prepared foods available. Ask a Pet Counsellor for a copy of the Keeping Feeder Insects Tip Sheet for more information about feeding omnivores. Refer to your turtle’s Care Sheet for exact nutrition requirements.
Calcium Supplement – Not many food sources provide sufficient calcium levels, which can be detrimental to their bones, shells, and bodily functions. You can maintain a routine of adding a calcium supplement to the turtle’s food source by dusting their feeder insects or salad. You can also choose to gut-load the feeder insect before it is consumed. Either way, your turtle must have calcium supplementation. Ask your pet counsellor how much and how often you should be supplementing your turtle’s diet.
Watering – Watering requirements can vary, depending on the turtle. Semi-aquatic turtles, like the musk turtle, will drink the water that they swim in. Some turtles, like the Eastern box turtle or red footed tortoise, prefer a large, shallow water dish to soak in. Make sure your turtle always has a way to get out of the dish by placing a rock or ceramic ornament inside. Refer to your turtle’s Care Sheet for exact watering requirements.
De-chlorinator – A de-chlorinator will remove the chlorine and chloramine from tap water, making it safe for the reptile to drink or soak in. For aquatic or semi-aquatic turtles, a de-chlorinator is of the utmost importance as they spend a large amount of time in the water.
MAINTENANCE
Substrate – Substrate helps maintain the cleanliness of the tank, provides enrichment opportunities (depending on the turtle), and can help maintain higher humidity levels. Choose a substrate that mimics your turtle’s biome, such as coconut husk, forest bark, soil blends, moss, or fish gravel. Refer to your turtle’s Care Sheet for exact substrate requirements.
Litter Scoop – A litter scoop will make it easier to remove droppings in the enclosure. Spot clean often to keep their home clean and free from fungus, mould or parasites.
Cage Cleaner – Use a reptile-safe cleaner to break down stains and odours. Clean the cage weekly with the cleaner or hot water and mild soap, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Avoid bleach and other household cleaners, as they can irritate your pet’s respiratory system or cause even worse problems.
Secure Temporary Container – Although turtles spend most of their time in their enclosure, you’ll sometimes need a secure temporary space. A plastic terrarium or similar container keeps them safe during cleaning, transport, or vet visits.
Filter Systems – In semi-aquatic or aquatic setups, a filter removes waste from your turtle and uneaten food. Options include internal, hang-on-back, and canister filters, typically powered by a quiet internal motor with replaceable cartridges. They provide mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration. Ask a pet counsellor which type is best for your setup.
Gravel Cleaning Siphon – In semi-aquatic or aquatic enclosures, a gravel cleaner acts like a vacuum, removing hidden debris and toxins from the water and substrate. Cleaning by replacing 20–25% of the water every 3–4 weeks helps reduce waste buildup.
Algae Scraper – In semi-aquatic or aquatic enclosures, algae scrapers remove buildup from tank glass and décor. They come in handheld or magnetic styles for easier cleaning.
Safe Handling
Contact with reptiles, their environments, or frozen feeder rodents can be a source of human Salmonella infections. After handling a reptile, its environment, or its food, it is recommended that you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Clean and disinfect any surface where frozen rodents are prepared, thawed, and stored.
Cleanliness and Safety
All pets can potentially carry diseases that may be contagious to people. Young children, infants, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems and the elderly are at greater risk of infections and should use caution when in contact with pets or their environments. Regular cleaning of your pet's environment with a pet safe cleaner may help avoid the spread of contaminants.
Hygiene procedures, such as washing your hands before and after handling your pet and/or after having any contact with their habitat, is a necessary routine. Children should be assisted with hand washing and always have adult supervision when interacting with pets.
CHECKLIST
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Enclosure
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Heat bulb
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Under-the-tank heater, heat mat, or aquarium heater
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Thermometer and thermostat
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UV bulb (Optional for nocturnal)
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Day/night timer
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Mister and humidity gauge
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Plants (live or artificial)
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Decorations (i.e. rocks, driftwood)
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Hiding place
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Food sources
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Calcium supplement
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Water dish
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De-chlorinator
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Substrate
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Litter scoop
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Cage Cleaner
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Temporary container
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(Semi-Aquatic & Aquatic) Filter system
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(Semi-Aquatic & Aquatic) Gravel cleaning siphon
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(Semi-Aquatic & Aquatic) Algae scraper
Please ask your pet counsellor what other items pertain to your pet’s needs.