Turtle Mark

Turtle Mark

How To Care For Your Turtle Or Terrapin

When it comes to pet turtles it may seem that they are all pretty much alike, but in fact there are several different types. Each type has its own unique features, habits, and requirements. Some of the most distinctive differences across the types are the colours and markings on their shells. Land based turtles have different kinds of shells than do sea turtles or water based turtles like terrapins. Water based turtles tend to have lighter colour shells, less distinctive markings and softer shells than the terrestrial types.

The most common pet turtles are probably the box turtle or tortoise and the smaller semi-aquatic types called terrapins, of which the sliders are the most well mknown.
The box turtle or tortoise is often quite happy in your back garden where it can forage for itself and needs very little care. The smaller terrapins are more usually kept indoors in a fairly large aquarium which is set up to provide for their specific needs.
If you have one of the more popular smaller kinds of turtle or terrapin then you will need an indoor aquarium of sufficient size to allow them room to move about in both a wet and a dry area and allow for growth. Most of these types terrapins, ( I'll call them terrapins from now on as most people think of turtles as being salt-water animals), grow to no more than about 12 inches so it should be possible to find room in your home for them. These terrapins are semi-aquatic in that they like to swim around but also enjoy basking in sunshine (or a UV lamp) and they need a drier beach area for that.The aquarium should be large enough to accomodate two areas then, with the water not being too deep, and with the dry part made up of pebbles or flat stones, gently sloping towards the water. The temperature needs to be fairly constant and well regulated, with the water ideally slightly cooler than the air temperature which should be warm. The basking ground should either be in a very sunny spot or be lit by an ultraviolet lamp that you can obtain from a pet store. There should be a constant supply of fresh water available for your terrapin, perhaps in a shallow dish placed in the dry area of the aquarium.

Another basic need is of course a correct diet. Most terrapins prefer a variety of fresh greens, particularly dark leafy ones, but they will eat most green vegetables. Iceberg lettuces are not recommended as some say they cause diarrhoea. Certain types of these animals eat worms or even snails so you need to check on the secific reccomended diet depending on what particular breed of terrapin you have. All of them also need vitamins and minerals and these can be added as supplements to their feeds once or twice a week.

As with any pet you get to know their normal appearance and behaviour and can usually spot if there is anything unusual If you suspect a health problem an early consultation with a vetanarian is advisable.

Terrapins can be very entertaining to watch. There are one or two videos on our website - one quite amusing.Terrapins can provide you with a fulfilling and rewarding pet experience.

About the Author

Have a look at the website for more information on turtles and terrapins

http://keepaturtle.blogspot.com/

How do I remove a Pen Mark from a leather car seat?

What do you recommend? I've tried rubbing it with Turtle Wax Leather Cleaner and Conditioner Spray, but nothing happened.
I'd also like to try to remove some pen marks from a leather book cover and leather purse. Thanks in advance for any help.

Hair spray should do it.

The High Chaparral - Mark of the Turtle 1-4