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308 results for “pet turtle”
How long can a pet turtle live?
Lifespans vary by species: red-eared sliders 15 to 25 years, Chinese pond turtles 20 to 30 years, and snapping turtles 60 to 80 years. Environment and care also matter. Provide a good habitat and care according to the species.
Which Pet Turtles Are Most Common?
The most common pet turtles include the Chinese pond turtle, red-eared slider, yellow-margined box turtle, red-faced mud turtle, painted turtle, musk turtle, map turtle, and yellow-breasted turtle. Among them, the Chinese pond turtle and yellow-breasted turtle are native Chinese species loved by keepers. Chinese pond and red-eared slider turtles are inexpensive and easy to raise, making them ideal for beginners. Because each species has different habits, owners should learn the specific needs of their turtle, such as basking requirements, and prepare a basking platform so the animal can dry off and absorb heat.
Tick Infestation in Pet Turtles: Risks and Removal
Ticks are a common external parasite in turtles, usually picked up when a turtle wanders into grass where the parasites wait. Beyond drawing blood and causing local swelling, some ticks carry viruses that can be fatal, and careless removal can leave the tick's head embedded in the skin and trigger infection. The safe approach is to paralyze the tick with the right medication first, then lift it out with tweezers and clean the wound. This guide covers how turtles get ticks, why they are dangerous, and the step-by-step removal method every keeper should know.
Causes and Prevention of Enteritis in Pet Turtles
Enteritis is one of the most common illnesses in pet turtles, and it usually starts with two problems: poor feeding habits such as overfeeding or spoiled food, and infection by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. The good news is that with the right treatment—stopping diarrhea, then restoring gut function, then refeeding—most turtles recover. Even better, a few steady husbandry habits around water, tank cleaning, and feeding can prevent most cases before they begin. This guide covers both treatment and prevention.
My turtle has been sick for a few days with poor appetite but is very active and likes to crawl around
Turtle pneumonia is treated by raising water temperature, medication, and isolation. Mild cases use azithromycin or amoxicillin baths plus oral meds; severe cases use gentamicin baths or injections. Serious cases need a vet.
What do pet sea turtles usually eat?
Sea turtles are omnivorous, eating fish, squid, crustaceans, mollusks, and seaweed, with fruit and vegetables added. Younger turtles prefer meat, adults prefer produce.
How is keeping a soft-shelled turtle as a pet?
A soft-shelled turtle is a unique pet needing space, a solitary nature and a patient owner, but it eats cheap omnivorous food. With a proper habitat and regular water changes and cleaning, it is easy to keep.
My West African side-neck turtle has been listless for two weeks, inactive and sleepy, and today it can’t even open its eyes. I first thought it was shedding, but it’s still lethargic with poor appetite, looking near death. What’s the cause and solution? I have a biology degree, so if there’s a medication plan you can give it directly — I can understand and compound it.
From your description — lethargy, poor appetite, eyes that won't open — and the photo showing white eye discharge and white rotten flesh on the forelimb, this is likely shell rot or white-eye disease. Take it to a hospital, or dry-dock it and bathe 1 hour daily in amoxicillin; apply erythromycin ointment to the eyes 3x daily. Severe infection may need intramuscular antibiotics, with careful dosing.
How long can a pet pig-nosed turtle go without food?
Pig-nosed turtles are quite starvation-tolerant and may survive a month without food, though it can affect their health. Tolerance varies by individual; weak or young turtles may not last long. Feed adults every 1 to 3 days and juveniles twice daily to support healthy growth.
Poor earlier housing with infrequent water changes; after improving it I found an unknown fleshy lump on the turtle’s front foot. Appetite and routine are unaffected. How to treat it?
A pus-filled white lump on the front foot may be scabies disease, a common turtle skin lesion mostly from mild Aeromonas hydrophila invasion, though some bacteria or fungi also cause it. Early cases still eat, then eat less, and severe cases stop eating and slow down.