Turtles are great pets. Kids will have fun picking them out at the pet store, or they can catch them at the local pond. Safety Note: Before you allow your child to bring home a turtle he has captured, remember that it is a wild animal, and ideally it should remain in its natural habitat. Also, turtles can carry salmonellosis, a potentially fatal disease caused by the Salmonella bacteria, so it's a good idea to obtain a pet turtle from a reputable source. Turtle Types - Musk turtle
- African red-bellied side-neck turtle (holds neck to the side)
- Snapping turtle (can weigh as much as100 pounds)
- American red-ear turtle
- Soft-shell turtle (the fastest-swimming turtle in America; its neck can reach its back feet).
Warning: Be cautious of the type of turtle that you keep as a pet. Many will bite! Care and Maintenance - Line an aquarium (approximately 20-gallon) with newspaper or dirt.
- Provide a place such as a rock for the turtle to climb on and get completely dry (bacteria may grow on a turtle that's always wet).
- Place a heat lamp over a section of the tank to allow the turtle to stay warm.
- Fish is the turtle's preferred food.
- Wash your hands every time you've handled your turtle.
- Keep the tank as clean as possible.
Web site resources for turtles: Turtles as pets Turtle health information
RESOURCES :
Tortoise Trust Guide to Tortoises and Turtles
Model: 1873943016
Author: A.C. Highfield
(January 1994)
Carapace Press
General Care and Maintenance of Popular Tortoises
Model: 1882770374
Author: Philippe De Vosjoli
(October 1997)
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