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: Creating Turtle Ponds Can Be Enchanting

Turtle ponds can be delightful spaces that can enchant the whole family and the entire neighborhood.

Water features are an welcome addition to any backyard; and will likely be attractive to many people. There are many options available when creating a pond environment that it is possible for anyone to transform their backyard into a distinctive showplace. For the person that would like more than the natural elements of the pond, perhaps some aquatic life, then a turtle pond should be considered .

What is Involved with Making a Turtle Pond?

An excellent starting point would be to begin researching what species of turtles will thrive in the area that you live in. It is possible to create a pond for nearly every type of turtle. Even a tortoise, that is considered a "land" turtle will enjoy a shallow pond. The tortoise would most likely not spend the majority of its time swimming in the pond so an adequate amount of land would need to provided for the tortoise. A water turtle like a Red-eared slider will spend the majority of their time swimming in the water, so they would need less land. It would be wise to speak with an associate at a neighborhood pet store or possibly do some research on the internet to determine the right chocies for the species of turtle that will inhabit the mini paradise.

After the selection of the turtle breed is done, the next step would like be the selection of the space or area that you will install the turtle ponds. When creating the pool be sure to make some gradually sloping edges so that the turtles can get in and out of the turtle pond with ease. Rocks or sticks can be used to construct natural looking ramps. Spend some time planning the area for the turtle pond. A well though out design will insure that your turtle pond is the home of happy, healthy turtles. Give thought to the type of liner that will be used. Many breeds of turtles have sharp claws so be sure to select a liner that is thick. The drawback on some of the pre-formed liners is the fact that they have pre-formed shelves or levels which are usually not best suited to turtles. The thinner, more flexible liners can be shaped more easily but are much easier to tear. Look at all the options and make any modifications that will be necessary to make the turtle ponds into a safe environment so that the turtles will thrive in their home.

Protecting The Turtles

It will be important to install fencing around the new turtle ponds. This will prevent any turtles from wandering away, and it will keep any predators out. Remember that turtles are usually small. It is possible that their legs or even their heads could become tangled in the mesh fence. They also dig very well, so frequently check the fencing. Depending on the area, a mesh covering may be needed over the top of the turtle ponds to keeps birds away.

Turtle Ponds and Pond Plants

A really fun part of making turtle ponds is the ability to create a tropical feel. Be careful to select plants that are not toxic. The turtles will likely enjoy a little snacking on the pond plants that are in their new environment. Place some rocks around the edges of turtle ponds to provide the turtles with plenty of opportunity to enjoy a sunny day.

Pet Turtle care: Creating Turtle Ponds

Ponds are an attractive addition to any yard; and appeal to many people. With so many choices of ponds to create, anyone can make their yard a distinctive showplace. For the individual that not only enjoys the elements in a pond; but would like some aquatic life, consider turtle ponds.

What Does It Take To Make Turtle Ponds?

It may be a good place to start by discovering what type of turtle would be best for your turtle ponds area. A pond can be created for any turtle, including the tortoise which is considered more of a "land" turtle; but, they too enjoy shallow water. A tortoise would not spend most of its time in the water; and would need more land space than a water turtle. The Red-eared slider is an aquatic turtle that spends most of their time in the water. There are other breeds of turtles and speaking with a pet store or going on-line to research other breeds will help narrow down the field on the proper choices for the turtle ponds that you wish to create.

After selecting the breed of turtle, the next step is selecting the space to create the turtle ponds. Turtles need to be able to get out of the pool; so, digging out a pool that has some edges and gradually slopes down may work best for the turtle. Ramps, such as sticks or rocks, can also be used as a means to allow the turtle to leave the pool. Turtle ponds need to be well thought out in order for the turtles to thrive. This includes what kind of liner will be used in the pond. As turtles do have sharp claws, some people prefer the pre-fabricated liners that are thick. The shape of these is already set, and many don't have the varying levels for the turtles to climb out of the water. The regular liners are not very thick and can be ripped; but, they can be formed anyway that is desired. Check into both and determine which will work best for the turtle ponds that will be in your yard.

Protecting The Turtles

It is very important to place fencing around the turtle ponds. Not only will this keep the turtles from wandering off, it can keep predators away from the turtles. Keep in mind that turtles are small and their heads and legs can get trapped in the mesh wiring. They can also dig, so check the fencing frequently to prevent runaways. A wiring may be required over the turtle pond as well to keep birds and even raccoons away.

Plants For The Turtle Ponds

Making turtle ponds have a tropical feel is the fun part. Remember, the turtles will probably enjoy snacking on the plants in its new environment, so verify there is nothing dangerous for the turtle. Use rocks around the turtle's pond to give the turtle lots of choices on places to enjoy the sun.

Turtle ponds are a delightful space that will enchant the entire family and neighborhood.