Turtles

Turtles are capable of being very good pets to own. They are small and so is the cage that they will be kept in so they can make appropriate pets for smaller homes or apartments. They have simple diets that mainly consist of fruits and vegetables. And they are also good starter pets for the younger audience. When choosing a turtle as a pet, there are a few things that need to be considered. The type of turtle, whether it be a Matamata, a Box Turtle, or a Red-Eared Slider Turtle, all three of which are good beginner species to adopt. The type of habitat that the turtle requires is a key factor. Also, the turtles diet needs to be taken into account.

Box Turtles are the most basic of turtles. They grow to be between five and six inches in length. They also live to be between twenty and thirty years of age. Due to the Box Turtle having adapted to survival in dry and grassy fields or wooded swamps it is ideal to create an environment that is located outdoors. A Box Turtles diet consists of fruits, vegetables, insects, and fresh water daily.

Red-Eared Sliders can live to be over forty years old. Its ability to adapt in rapid increases and decreases in temperature is an important attribute to its survival. They need wet, water filled habitats in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, although it will also need an "out of water" location to rest. A UVA light is recommended to light the turtle's environment if direct sunlight isn't available. Meats and veggies are the main courses of the Red-Eared Slider's diet. Meats can be considered either crickets, shrimp or even earthworms. Romaine lettuce is also a good choice in maintaining its food intake.

Matamata Turtles are larger than Box Turtles, or the Red-Eared Sliders. They can grow to be up to eighteen inches in length and weight up to thirty-five pounds. These particular turtles enjoy shallow water environments with plenty of foliage. Also, their cage must be kept at a constant eighty degrees. A Matamata Turtle's diet consist of eating small fish.