Pet Turtle Care: Pet Painted Turtle Care

Painted Turtle Care Made Simple and Fun

Pet Painted Turtle care can be simple and fun if you have the right knowledge and equipment.

My family and I keep painted turtles as pets and it has been a great experience for us. A little research can go a long way in providing proper pet Painted Turtle care. Read on to get started in the right direction.

All Painted Turtles are aquatic which means they spend a good deal of their time in the water. Its very important that the turtles have enough water in which to swim. A large plastic tub works great as do decent sized aquariums. A shallow dish of water just is not enough.

The water must be at the correct temperature and can be heated by an aquarium type heater.

The water also must be filtered. (Turtles are messy eaters and big poopers). A good filter will be necessary to keep the water clean. Frequent water changes are also a good idea. We change out a third to a half of the water in our turtle tank twice a week.

Besides water to swim in your pets also need a place to get out of the water and dry off and to "bask" under a UV lamp.

A stack of rocks that is easy for the turtles to climb on can work for this basking area.

Another easy way to provide a dry spot for your pets is to buy one of the many "turtle ramps" that are available at pet stores or on-line. We use one that attaches to the side of the tank with big suction cups. It is easy for the turtles to climb on and it is very easy to clean.

UV lighting is absolutely necessary for good pet painted turtle care. In the wild they get this from the sun. That is why you see painted turtles sitting (basking) on logs on sunny days. They also love heat and the basking surface in you turtle tank/enclosure should have a temperature of between 90 and 95 degrees F.

Keeping turtles doesn't have to be difficult. It can be simple and fun...with a little research and some good information you'll be well on your way. My family and I keep painted turtles as pets and they have been a wonderful and fun addition to our household.