Pond terrapins or 'sliders' Trachemys scripta include red-eared sliders, yellow-bellied sliders and Cumberland sliders. They are a type of hard-shelled, small turtles. Terrapin tanks must be secure and free from hazards, children and other pets. A terrapin will require a temperature gradient with a 'basking zone' where they can absorb warmth along with an area where they can cool down. You must check the temperatures at least once a day.
The output of UVB essential for your terrapin to store and use calcium decreases over time so the lamp must be replaced regularly. Terrapins need constant access to clean water so you need a powerful filtration system. We advise using water testing kits to ensure the water is low in ammonia and nitrite. Terrapins require a varied diet. A quality dried terrapin food should be used alongside thoroughly defrosted freshwater fish and live invertebrate foods.
A healthy terrapin has clear, bright eyes and a smooth shell. The skin should be smooth and without blisters, which could be a sign of infection. Remove feces from the basking area, swimming area and food area every day to keep the tank clean. Terrapins should not be handled a lot, for two reasons. They don't like being touched, and terrapins can carry salmonella bacterium, and shouldn't be handled unlessyou wash your hands immediately after touching a terrapin.
Never handle a terrapin, and then prepare or consume food without first thoroughly washing the hands. Handle a terrapin only when absolutely necessary and briefly, like when the tank is being cleaned. Have another tank handy for those occasions. By using the site, you agree to the uses of cookies and other technology as outlined in our Policy, and to our Terms of Use.
In fact, these reptiles tend to require just as much care and attention as any other pet! Terrapins live both on land and in water. Like their counterparts, they tend to have an average lifespan of about 30 years, making it a pet for life and one that requires consistent and constant care and attention. Apart from its long lifespan, terrapins can also grow up to 23 cm in length. That said, terrapins are reptiles and most reptiles are carriers of salmonella.
Which is why it is crucial to practice precaution when handling them or its equipment. Hence, households with young children under 5 years old and those with weakened immune systems should not consider terrapins as pets.
Housing a terrapin requires quite a bit of work and planning. Terrapins require a large space to call home, because of their lifestyle and future growth. These are essential to mimic its natural environment to ensure proper growth and development for your terrapin. Terrapins are omnivores and require a diet with a mix of plant and animal-based foods. Aside from terrapin pellets, their diet includes freshwater fish, shrimps, insects, fruits and vegetables.
This is one reason why so many of them have been released into public waterways over the years. Quite simply they grew so big that their owners were unable to successfully house them any longer. It should be said that releasing terrapins into the wild like this is both illegal and immoral.
Not only are terrapins excellent predators that can kill off British wildlife in their hunt for food, but many terrapins still die of starvation or the cold if released into the British countryside. The message is simple then; do your research before selecting a pet terrapin. Find out about our reptile courier services. Skip to content Main Navigation. Understand Housing Needs Terrapins have some quite specialist needs in captivity. Be Prepared For the Cleaning Regime The majority of pet terrapins are carnivorous and require meat to eat.
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