And since turtles can t store vitamin D 3, they must be exposed to UVB light for absorption. Keep the temperature at 77 to 95 degrees F for aquatic and semiaquatic species. Keep the water clean to prevent health problems. Use an aquarium filtration system to maintain optimal water quality. Prevent your turtle s environment from becoming soiled by either netting or siphoning off all fecal matter as soon as possible.
Fecal buildup can cause health problems.
Clean ponds or large enclosures where the animal spends time at least every three to six months. Offer a complete commercial diet made specifically for turtles and terra-pins. Check with experts for exact dietary requirements and amounts for your species. Earthworms, crustaceans, small fish, mouse pups, algae, leafy green vegetation and fruit are examples of suitable foods for terrapins. Semiaquatic species tend to be herbivorous - they tend to eat plants only.