Setting Up Turtle Pond and Care of Southern Painted Turtle

Setting up a turtle pond may seem like an easy enough task; however it isn't quite as easy as it may appear. Remember, once you introduce live animals into your pond; the care and time that are required to maintain your pond goes up exponentially.

First, you will need to make sure to dig out and line your pond appropriately, filling it with filtered water or water with purification tablets that will remove any harmful chemicals from the water itself. While many people would prefer to start off with baby turtles; laws in many states forbid owning turtles less than four inches in diameter. You should take some time with your local turtle experts to decide which turtles would fair best in your outdoor environment. The sooner you create, the sooner you can enjoy your new space!

The Southern Painted Turtle (Also known as the Chrysemys Picta Dorsalis) is an ever-popular turtle in the pet trade. Their popularity due in part by the fact that they are extremely personable; this mellow species of turtle makes a wonderful pet for all family members if cared for properly.

This painted turtle ranges greatly in size, from three inches to seven inches depending on the sex of the turtle. The females tend to be the larger of the two sexes, much like most turtle species; making it important to provide ample space for your new Southern Painted Turtle to live in.

Southern painted turtles eat a wide variety of things. From fish, insects, and plant matter they are a hearty breed and easy to feed.

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.