Land turtles are fun to own.There are box turtles and tortoises.Land turtles require both indoor and outdoor environments in order to be healthy.Turtles can live over 30 years and tortoises over 50.You will get a land turtle for the rest of your life.
Step 1: Investigate your choices.
Are you ready to own a turtle?They live a long time, can grow quite large, are not great pets for young children, and their care and feeding can be quite expensive.If your tortoise is well cared for, it can easily outlive you.
Step 2: If you want a turtle or tortoise, make a decision.
Turtles need some time in the water.Tortoises are land-based.Good and attentive care is needed if they are to thrive.Land turtles are an easy pet, but they require a lot of work.
Step 3: You can visit turtle breeders and talk to other turtle owners online.
Look at photos of the pets.Which ones do you enjoy?Which ones are recommended by long-time turtle keepers?If it is your first turtle, you should ask which ones are easiest to care for and best for first-time owners.
Step 4: It's important to keep in mind the climate where you live.
Land turtles need to be outside at least part of the time.There is a turtle that can thrive in your area.If you live in a humid place, choose a turtle that likes it.If you live in the desert, you should get a turtle.It will be easier to care for your turtle because you won't have to create a new outdoor environment for it.
Step 5: Smaller land turtles are a better choice.
Land turtles can get large and outgrow your space, so it's important to have this.It can be difficult and expensive to create an outdoor environment for a turtle in a snowy climate.
Step 6: Look for turtles that live on land.
It's much easier to care for a turtle native to your country and region if you choose one that thrives in your outdoor environment.The turtles most likely to thrive in your area are the native land turtles.
Step 7: Buying a turtle from a rescue organization is a good idea.
Turtles from elsewhere are often taken from the wild, leading to the decline of native turtle and tortoise populations around the world.Domesticated turtles or rescued turtles are the best choice for the health of the environment.
Step 8: You can create an indoor enclosure for your turtle.
It needs to be strong.There are many ways to make an enclosure, but it needs to be large, even for small turtles, and you can start in a large and deep plastic tub.You can make a turtle table out of wood, use an old bookshelf as a kiddie pool, or use a plastic pool.The species of land turtle will determine your final choice.
Step 9: There should be elements added to the structure.
Depending on the turtle you choose, the exact specifications will vary.Before you get your turtle, make sure you have everything in place.The turtles will need everything immediately if you just get the different parts together.
Step 10: The kind of turtle you have will determine the dirt product you buy.
Turtles can dig and help in the disposal of waste.It is important that you choose a good-quality and appropriate substrate, because they will have a lot of contact with it.
Step 11: Buy lights for the turtle.
Turtles need lights that give UV-B.New light bulbs need to be purchased every 6 months to a year because they lose their ability to produce UV-B.
Step 12: The humidity should be based on your type of land turtle.
Different turtles need different levels of humidity.Depending on the native environment of your turtle, it could be low, middle, or high.They will need some kind of mist.
Step 13: Your land turtle should be kept at the correct temperature.
You might have to buy a heat lamp for your turtle or tortoise.If you have a turtle that is not native to your area, heat might be the most important element.
Step 14: There should be water.
Water should be in the structures of box turtles and tortoises.It will depend on the species, but all will need a shallow water dish or bowl.
Step 15: A place for your turtle to hide is needed.
Turtles interact with their environment through this.It could be as simple as a small plastic box or bowl.
Step 16: Make an enclosure for your turtle.
This will be important for many land turtle species.Make sure it's big and safe.Turtles need to be protected.Your enclosure should be tall enough to prevent them from escaping, and have barriers under the dirt to keep them out.It is a necessity to have a roof for the enclosure.
Step 17: You need to make sure the base of the enclosure is substrate.
It is not appropriate for land turtles to use the dirt in your backyard.Grass, particularly wet grass, is bad for turtles.It can cause injuries.
Step 18: Plants that the turtles like to eat are included.
It makes sense to plant food for your turtle since he will be spending a lot of time outdoors.They can choose to eat when they want to, and you won't have to look for food for them.
Step 19: Place rocks, wood, and other objects to hide and explore.
Don't have a boring outdoor enclosure.They can climb hills and explore different areas within the enclosure.
Step 20: Feed your tortoise or box turtle a good diet.
Too much calcium can stunt or even kill a land turtle.Box turtles are omnivores, while tortoises are herbivores.Box turtles should be given twice a week.They will eat fruits like melon, berries, and tomatoes the rest of the time.Greens are a great addition to a turtle's diet.Tortoises don't eat animal matter, but their diet is quite varied.Do the research to find out what diet is best for your tortoise.
Step 21: It's a good idea to consider whether you want your land turtle to sleep.
Turtle owners have differing opinions about hibernation.If your land turtle should be put down, talk to your vet.If turtles don't have enough fat reserves, they can die if they are in hibernation.Hibernation is not recommended for turtles who are medically compromised.turtle experts caution against hibernationPrepare your turtle habitat carefully if you choose to hibernate.Depending on the species, you might need to build a special box.It needs to be in a place that won't flood.Two weeks before your planned hibernation, stop feeding your land turtle and start lowering the temperature in the habitat.It can last from 3-6 months.Be sure to check the temperature requirements for your land turtle.
Step 22: A healthy environment is important for your turtle and your family.
Land turtles should not be in homes with dogs.Babies and children are not ideal companions for turtles.Children over the age of 12 should not have contact with land turtles.Most small turtles are carriers of salmonella, an infectious disease that can be fatal to infants, the elderly, and the medically fragile.There is still a risk of turtle infections to children even if your turtle is not in the small turtle category.
Step 23: Take your land turtle to the vet on a regular basis.
Turtles can carry parasites and other infections that can be dangerous to humans.Depending on where you got your turtle, it could be at risk for malnourishment and dehydration.It can be hard to tell if an animal is having a problem with turtles.
Step 24: Change your pet's environment as he or she grows.
As they grow older, most land turtles will grow a lot.You don't need to be aware of how you will have to change their living environments, both inside and outside.Turtles need 3 square feet of floor space.It is a minimum of 3 square yards of floor space for each 12 inches of length for tortoises.