7 Ways to Keep Your Turtle Healthy

Turtles, after goldfish, are one of the world's most often neglected pets. Because they're so inexpensive and easy to purchase, many people place little value on their care. Nearly everyone has a story about the demise of their childhood pet turtle. The market has tightened up a little, and it's no longer as common as it used to be to see hatchlings for sale at flea markets and street festivals, though this is more due to concerns about salmonella, and laws surrounding legal sale size than anything else. Don't be one of the many who kill their turtles through neglect or lack of education. Ultimately, turtles are not that difficult to care for, provided you've done your research. These tips will help you to keep you turtle as healthy and happy as possible, and ensure that it will be with you for many years to come.

The majority of turtles in the pet trade are aquatic turtles, and this article applies to them. Advances in care and breeding practices for several species of tortoise and land turtle in recent years means that these terrestrial species are becoming a relatively common sight in local pet shops. One of the most disastrous mistakes you can make in turtle care is confusing your terrestrial turtle for an aquatic species - this really does happen is disturbing regularity. Know the species that you are dealing with - terrestrial turtles do not swim well, and will drown if placed in an aquarium full of water.

1) UVB Light - unlike snakes, all turtles require UVB light for healthy shells, bones, and skin. UVB light helps reptiles to synthesize vitamin D3, which is critical to their health. Without UVB light, turtles can develop shell-rot, soft spots, or underdeveloped bone structures. In nature, UVB light is provided by the sun, but if your turtle lives indoors, it needs to receive UVB light from an artificial light. Your local pet store can sell you a fluorescent bulb that produces UVB light. These lights lose their effectiveness over time, to make sure that you replace your lamps every few months.