Turtle Adoption Day is November 27th! While turtles may not be everyone’s ideal choice of pet, they can be very sweet and interesting to watch. If you want to give one of these serene animals a good home, this is the perfect time for it. An Oshawa, ON vet goes over some turtle adoption tips in this article.

Choose The Right Turtle

Some of these guys get extremely large! Turtles can also live quite a long time. In fact, they were often passed down as family pets between generations in the old days. Do plenty of research, and choose a type of turtle that’s a good match for you. Red-eared sliders and box turtles are great options for beginners. Greek and Russian tortoises are also good options. Be sure to only buy from a reputable store or breeder.

Provide Proper Habitat

Making sure your turtle’s home has the proper conditions is paramount. Specific environmental needs vary, based on the type of turtle you get, so ask your vet for advice. It’s important to realize that turtles do require a lot of care. You’ll need to be diligent about cleaning and maintaining your shelled buddy’s habitat.

Supervise Children

Turtles can make good pets for responsible children. However, you will need to supervise your shelled friend’s care. Turtles can carry salmonella, which is something to keep in mind. Make sure your youngster washes their hands carefully both before and after handling their turtle.

Offer A Great Diet

Most turtles are omnivores, and will eat a mix of produce, such as apples, tomatoes, and cantaloupe, as well as fish and bugs. You may also be able to offer commercial turtle food. Tortoises, however, are herbivores, and need to eat fresh produce. Aquatic turtles, on the other hand, eat things like snails and crayfish and must be fed underwater. They should also be given live goldfish regularly, as they need the stimulation of hunting for their own food. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Bonding

Turtles aren’t going to run—or walk—to greet you at the door, and they won’t wag their tails when they see you. However, you can connect with them. Talk to your shelled buddy pet, and let him sit on your lap. Just pick him up carefully, and be prepared for messes. Do you have questions about turtle care? Contact us, your Oshawa, ON pet hospital!