How to Care for Land Turtles

Land turtles have been roaming the Earth for more than 200 million years, existing alongside dinosaurs during ancient times. They are fascinating, charming pets that many people enjoy watching and caring for. However, due to their long lifespan and wealth of experiences, land turtles tend to develop various preferences and a list of personal needs. As a result, caring for a land turtle may be a bigger responsibility than you might expect, requiring time and effort to ensure they live a healthy and strong life. If you want to learn how to care for these remarkable creatures, start with the first step below.

Choosing a turtle. There are many different species of land turtles, and numerous factors need to be considered when selecting one to keep, from their physical appearance to the habitat they prefer and the cost of owning such a creature. Any turtle you choose can become a beloved family pet if you take the time to care for it properly. Some popular species include the African tortoise (Sulcata), Leopard tortoise, Redfoot tortoise, Yellowfoot tortoise, Greek tortoise, Russian tortoise, Hermann's tortoise, and Indian Star tortoise. Here's what you need to know about selecting a turtle:

• Although your turtle may appear quite small when you first bring it home, some species can grow to over 60 cm in size after 5-10 years of care. If you're committed to keeping a turtle long-term, don't be swayed by their small, charming appearance. Instead, consider which species fits your lifestyle, income level, environment, and your ability to meet their needs.

Buy your turtle from a reputable seller. One important factor is purchasing a turtle from a trusted seller with a proven history of successful business practices, ensuring the turtle you buy is in good health. Avoid buying turtles at reptile expos, as you might not have any means of contacting the seller after your purchase, which means they won't be able to check how well you're caring for your turtle.

• Look for sellers who take pride in their customer service, whether you’re buying from a pet store or shopping online. If the seller assures you that you can easily contact them after purchasing, it’s a good sign that the transaction is safe.
• In the U.S., there are certain regulations about owning and breeding turtles, especially Mediterranean species. If you wish to keep one of these turtles, make sure the seller has a C.I.T.E.S. certificate (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).

Ensure you can commit to long-term responsibility for your turtle. Turtles are not the ideal pet for you if you're only able to care for them for a year or two. They can live anywhere from 30 to 100 years, meaning your turtle may outlive you. But don’t worry; as long as you provide a stable environment for your turtle and know that you’ll be able to find someone to care for them if you need to move, everything should be fine.

• You don’t have to stay in the same place for 50 years, but you should be prepared to care for your new family member for many years to come.

Feed your turtle. The diet for your turtle largely depends on the species you choose. It’s crucial to ask the seller about the primary food for your turtle. In general, most land turtles enjoy leafy greens, such as the common mixed lettuce varieties found in grocery stores. Baby turtles need softer or more crunchy foods, as their tiny jaws can’t tear through tougher food. Turtles can eat a variety of vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or kale, especially when mixed with other greens, but you must be aware of the specific food requirements for the species you're keeping.

• Your turtle may need dietary supplements to grow healthy and strong. Supplements should include calcium, as well as some Vitamin A and D3 if you’re keeping the turtle indoors without UVB lighting.
• Some species of turtles enjoy eating dandelion greens, celery, lettuce, and occasionally fruit.

Provide water for your turtle. It’s important that your turtle has access to enough water to stay healthy. Simply pour some water into a shallow tray or dish and place it at the bottom of the turtle's enclosure, making sure it won’t spill. The dish should be shallow enough for the turtle to step into and drink without fully submerging itself.

• Change the water daily. Make sure your turtle always has a separate bowl of water, whether it's kept indoors or outdoors.

Be careful when handling your turtle. Never drop your turtle; if its shell cracks, it could lead to infections and potentially death. Even if you're eager to hold your pet turtle, try to limit picking it up or allowing others to do so. This can cause unnecessary stress for the turtle.

• If there are young children in the house, make sure to explain that the best way to show affection for the turtle is by observing it, and only pick it up when necessary for care purposes.

Soak your turtle in water a few times a week. Turtles need adequate hydration, especially when they are young. When you first bring a turtle home, soak it in water a few times a week to ensure it's hydrated, ensuring the turtle’s head stays above water. After soaking, turtles often begin drinking, which is a sign everything is going well. Keep in mind that soaking your turtle too frequently isn’t ideal. Limit soaking to no more than two times a week. The water temperature should be warm, like that of a baby’s bath water.

Choose an appropriate living space for your turtle. Ideally, you should provide an outdoor space for your turtle. Many people believe it's inhumane to keep a turtle confined indoors. If you're committed to keeping a turtle, you should prepare an outdoor area for it, except in the case of baby turtles or species that need to stay indoors. If you decide to keep a turtle indoors, make sure to research and select a breed that can thrive in such an environment.

• You could also combine both approaches: keep the turtle indoors during cold months and allow it to enjoy the outdoors in warmer weather. Prepare both types of living spaces for your turtle to ensure a healthy, happy life.
• See the following sections for proper care tips, whether your turtle is indoors or outdoors.

Set up a suitable indoor enclosure for your turtle. When selecting an indoor habitat for your turtle, consider the type of enclosure you prefer, whether it’s a glass aquarium or a plastic container. Remember, you need at least 2.8 m² of space for a baby turtle. An aquarium with a capacity of 40-80 liters may suffice for a baby turtle, but it will grow quickly, so you must ensure your turtle has ample space to grow.

• You can use a glass tank, but your turtle might become frustrated as it may try to crawl through the glass. Consider placing paper on the outside of the glass to prevent confusion.
• Alternatively, you can use a plastic storage bin or a cement mixing tray to house your baby turtle. These materials are advantageous because the opaque walls prevent confusion, unlike glass.
• The turtle's enclosure should be tall enough to prevent it from escaping.

Ensure your turtle gets enough light. If your turtle is kept outdoors, you won’t need to worry about it lacking light or the necessary vitamin D for healthy development. However, here are some things to consider when setting up proper lighting for your turtle:

• Use a desk lamp with at least 100W power to provide heat and a UV light source for your turtle to bask in, or opt for a mercury vapor lamp that provides both heat and UV light for your turtle.
• The heat lamp for your turtle should maintain a temperature range between 30–35°C, though this can vary depending on the species.
• Place the lamp in an appropriate spot so that your turtle can soak up the warmth while also having cooler areas to move to within its enclosure.
• Providing both heat and UV light is essential not only for your turtle's health but also for its happiness. Turtles love basking under lights!

Use appropriate bedding materials for your turtle. The bedding will cover the bottom of your turtle’s habitat and must be suitable to ensure the turtle’s safety and health. The most important thing to remember is that whether your turtle is kept indoors or outdoors, the bedding should not be too damp, as this can lead to infections if the turtle gets cuts or suffers from unhealed skin after shedding. Bedding materials depend on the species of turtle. Consider the following factors:

• If your turtle species requires a moderate to high humidity level, the bedding must be moisture-retentive. Suitable materials for this include coconut coir, sphagnum moss, or peat moss.
• If your turtle prefers drier conditions, materials such as coconut coir or dried grass clippings work well.
• Avoid using sand as bedding material, as turtles may ingest it, which can lead to complications.
• Bedding material is less important for turtles outdoors since the natural environment is already suitable. You can add some peat moss to the area for extra enrichment, but make sure it’s free of chemicals or pesticides.

Install a protective fence for your turtle. It’s great to let your turtle enjoy the outdoors when the weather is nice, but you shouldn’t let it roam freely across the yard. Instead, you need to build a secure enclosure to keep the turtle contained. You can construct a wall using cement blocks or a solid wooden fence.

• Your turtle will likely try to dig at the corners of the enclosure, so make sure the corners are secure and neat. If your turtle starts digging, you can install some wire mesh under the enclosure surface to ensure it stays safe.
• Turtles aren’t good with cold temperatures, so unless they are kept indoors, you’ll need to prepare a way to bring them inside if the temperature drops below 15°C during the coldest months. It’s easier to keep turtles outdoors if you live in a hot climate, but you must ensure there’s always shade, especially in damp or water-filled areas.

Provide a shelter for your turtle. Your turtle will need a hiding place where it feels safe and can escape from the sun, rain, or other elements. You’ll want to ensure your turtle stays warm and comfortable, without overheating. Ideally, create a burrow for your turtle, where it can sleep and seek refuge. You can build a wooden burrow and cover it with several centimeters of soil, adding a heating element during colder weather if necessary.

• Start by digging a wide hole in the ground. You can place a layer of plywood at the bottom for support.
• Cover the top with a roof to provide a proper shelter.
• Cover the roof with soil to complete the shelter.

Provide plants for your turtle. You should plant enough greenery around your turtle's outdoor enclosure to ensure they have food and feel safe throughout the day. Check the turtle’s diet to know which plants are safe and unsafe for them. In general, turtles enjoy eating broad-leaved plants such as dandelions, grasses, or clover.

• Plants can help control ammonia and nitrate levels in the soil, which means you’ll need to change the bedding less frequently.

Create stimulating features for your turtle. Your turtle needs an engaging environment to stay active and avoid boredom. You can place some clumps of grass in the turtle’s habitat for them to dig and create shade. Add a few rocks to provide a private space for your turtle, ensuring the rocks are not too steep. You can also plant some small trees to provide shade, shelter, and enhance the aesthetics of their surroundings.

Protect your turtle from other animals. If you keep your turtle outdoors, you'll need to be vigilant to prevent predatory animals, such as cats, from harming them. Never let dogs near your turtle, as even the gentlest dogs might unexpectedly attack. While it's difficult to offer absolute protection from birds, foxes, or other predators, you should do your best by providing multiple shelters and hiding spots for your turtle, securing the turtle’s living area, and being mindful of the surrounding environment.

• Some recommend using steel mesh fencing around the turtle’s enclosure to protect them from dangerous animals.

Help your turtle maintain its health if it keeps its eyes closed. Many people assume something is wrong with a turtle’s eyes if they keep them shut. In fact, this is rarely a serious issue. If your turtle closes its eyes, try soaking it in water and sprinkling some water inside its shelter to increase humidity if it’s kept indoors. If this happens frequently, it could be a sign of infection, usually a mild skin infection. You can apply a saline solution to the turtle’s eyes once or twice a day until it opens them. You may also offer spinach every two days to provide vitamin A. The most common cause of vitamin A deficiency is dehydration. If the issue persists beyond a week after home treatment, it’s best to take your turtle to a vet specializing in reptiles.

Encourage your turtle to stay active by meeting its basic needs. While it's normal for young turtles to sleep most of the day, if your turtle seems unusually lethargic, it's time to investigate the cause. Here are some common reasons for low activity in turtles:

• The most common cause is that the turtle is too cold. Ensure that the turtle’s enclosure is warm enough compared to the surrounding environment.
• If your turtle is indoors, make sure it gets enough light. Stronger light can help boost their activity levels.
• Ensure your turtle is soaking in water regularly throughout the day. A lack of water can lead to inactivity.
• Try not to handle your turtle too much, as stress can also make them less active.
• Feed your turtle a balanced diet. Check if the vegetables and/or supplements meet the turtle's nutritional needs.

Keep your turtle’s shell strong. If your turtle’s shell feels soft, it could be a sign they aren't getting enough light or calcium. This issue is rare in outdoor turtles but can occur in indoor turtles due to limited exposure to consistent light. If your turtle lives indoors and has a soft shell, ensure they have access to a UVB lamp placed at least 20–25 cm away and replace the bulb at least every 9–12 months to maintain its effectiveness.

• Never drop your turtle; if the shell cracks, it can lead to infections and even death.
• If you don’t provide calcium supplements, it’s essential to monitor the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in their food to ensure proper shell development.
• Be mindful of oxalate levels in the plants your turtle consumes. Whenever the turtle ingests oxalic acid along with calcium, some calcium becomes undigestible and is converted into uric acid. Excessive oxalate in certain vegetables can cause a buildup of uric acid faster than the turtle can excrete it, leading to kidney stones. Excessive oxalates can also lead to calcium deficiency.
• Some turtle species (like Russian Tortoises) are often caught in the wild. This can cause stress and injury. Don’t support such practices! Turtles bred in captivity are usually cheaper and healthier.

• Spacious enclosure with fencing for your turtle
• Heat lamp and UV light (for indoor turtle enclosures)
• Balanced diet
• Water for soaking/bathing, to maintain humidity and keep the substrate moist
• Sleeping/hiding area for the turtle
• Water dish
• Substrate material