You have certainly ever had the opportunity to enjoy these animals as pets from a very young age. They eventually grow into adults and need a bigger space. It is necessary to choose the best pond for turtles.
However, few turtles manage to grow or mature, due to the lack of care and adequate measures required by this issue. That is the reason why captive tortoises need certain care and an ideal environment most similar to the natural one, in order to become healthy and live for many years.
Know the species of the turtle and its characteristicsIn this sense, we must work to provide the turtle with a shelter with the right conditions to live, so here are some tips for your pet to grow up healthy and happy in a pond for turtles.
Read more about 6 tiny turtles that make great pets.
Know the species and its characteristics
There are different species of turtles with different needs and before putting them in a pond for turtles outside. It is useful to know the species or genus to which your specimen belongs, as well as the health condition, size and requirements of the type of pond or aquarium it needs, since not all of them can withstand outdoor cohabitation.
The size and condition of the turtle is important, as those of small size and those with certain diseases are more vulnerable to being outdoors.
Choosing the best location for a pond for turtles
It is necessary that the pond be staggered, that is, have multiple height levels or also a pond with water areas and dry areas, since the turtle needs plenty of water for swimming and a dry area for sunbathing or a burrow for resting.
Natural light is essential in the pond so your pet processes the necessary vitamin D when absorbing calcium, in this way you avoid the presence of skin diseases and, softening of the shell. There are times, however, when your turtle needs shelter from the sun, so you can design some shadows with plants around the pond and a little out of the way so your turtle cannot eat them.
Water temperature is another factor to consider. Turtles cannot handle sudden temperature changes because they could get sick, the ideal temperature would be about 2 degrees lower than the ambient climate. There are also immersion heaters that help maintain a suitable pond temperature.
Pond house
If you have a patio or garden, it is best to place a fence around the pond, at a height at least twice as long as your turtle’s shell, so it cannot escape by climbing. Even, Bury the base of the fence to prevent leaks in case of digging the earth. To protect against birds of prey, cover the top of the fence with a wire mesh.
Do not put turtles and fish together because they are not compatible and because they are predators, they will eventually attack the fish.
Cleaning the water
It is essential to change or clean the pond water regularlyIs essential change or clean the pond water regularly, since turtles produce a lot of waste and make a lot of dirt.
If the pool of water is very large, then you need a filter to keep the water free of impurities. There are also other products on the market that remove bad odor from water.
On the other hand, filling the pond with tap water may contain chlorine, which can harm your turtle, especially its eyes. Therefore, it is recommended leave the water for at least 24 hours before placing your turtle in the pond.
Another quicker alternative would be buy a special product to remove chlorine from the water.
Feed your turtle daily, rationalize the doses to avoid leaving food residue and making the water dirty. Another alternative would be feed your turtle from the pond and so you don’t risk contaminating it. Also make sure to give them a good food.
