I'd like to get a turtle for a pet but my husband said turtles die easily. Is this true? What are the best living conditions for a pet turtle to prolong its life?

Turtles are easy to care and can live longer when they are cared for properly.

Hi,

I have a 3 turtles and I have had the first one for over 18 years. Completely depends on what you mean by "live long". I think an average box turtle has a life span of at least 40 years which is longer than most other pets.

Karen

Turtles can live from 10 - 100 years depending on the species. Pet turtles can be of different types and you need to find out the details of your pet before you plan to keep one. Keeping the water clean for the turtles is very important as they tend to make it really filthy soon. You will need to segregate your tank into wet and dry areas for the animal. You also will need to organise equipment such as basking light or a heater. Your pet shop would be the best person to guide you regarding the diet. depending on the type of turtle you have.

It is also important to provide your turtles with calcium and vitamin D to build up its shell.

These are the basic requirements in case you plan to keep a turtle.

All the best and hope you have a great time with your pet

I have the impression that whoever gave you that idea that turtles die easy, might have experienced that, right?

IMHO, the closest thing I can think of why it happened may be the change in environment. Remember that animals experience shock when they are transferred from one habitat to another.

You can visit this site too http://www.austinsturtlepage.com

Most turtles need gravel, a water bowl large enough to fit completely in, pellets or meal worms/ cricket feeders. A light for u-v - calcuim. not on all the time. I would also get a thermo to check temps- keep 70ish degrees. They might like goldfish food too> live plants are good- may want to google this info. I had a turtle years ago, you really have to clean the tank alot to keep it from smelling.

Can turtles survive on fresh water?

No, they need salt water. If you research about turtles, you know they live mostly on salt water.

That’s also what I’m thinking of. I want to give a pet turtle to my niece but it would be hard for them to get salt water.

Do you also need beach sand to put inside the aquarium for turtles?

You can by synthetic sand from a pet shop. You don’t need to go to the beach and get sand there, the sand from fish aquarium can be used for them.

Is there a type of turtle that can live in fresh water?

Yes, there is. It’s called chicken turtle. They are mostly found in fresh water ponds. This turtle has a yellow stripe on its body as well on its feet.