Red-bellied turtle at home

One of the popular and sought-after pets is the turtle . What it is necessary to know about this interesting animal so that its stay in your house becomes pleasant and long-lasting? A red-bellied decorative turtle can grow up to 28 cm. Whence this animal received such a name - it is rather difficult to say. The hearing aid and the ear shells do not have these animals. The only clue is the presence of a red spot behind the eyes, which also happens to be yellow. This species of turtles has a different coloration, which varies with age. In old age, these turtles can even be black.

Red-smelling turtle - maintenance and care

The content of the turtle will be most comfortable in a standard glass aquarium . It is important to constantly maintain the purity and necessary conditions for the life of this animal. It is important to know that the red-bellied tortoise spends a lot of time on the ground. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of the presence of not only clean water in the aquarium, but also an island on which this animal could be. Adult individuals need to provide an aquarium of about 200 liters, while it should be about 30% of the land. Fill the aquarium with water at such a level that the turtle, while in the water, could easily stick its head out to the surface.

The right conditions for a red-bellied tortoise provide for a sufficient amount of natural light. It is important to take care of the presence of a filter that will help keep the aquarium clean and prevent the multiplication of microbes. The most acceptable temperature for the red-bellied turtle is 22-27 ° C. To maintain the temperature at the required level, you can use a water heater. It is worth noting that for the turtle is not very suitable for ordinary running water. Still, it would be appropriate to use filtered water or a stationary one. Change the water in the aquarium is necessary at least 1-2 times a week. The presence of a filter will make this procedure somewhat less frequent.

It is important that the aquarium has a lid with a lamp. The heat needs a turtle to maintain the immune system. Getting out on his island of land, she with great pleasure basks under the lamp. By equipping the water world for your pet, it is necessary to take into account such important points as the absence of artificial or poisonous plants. Turtles are curious and can try all the green algae you suggested even as a decoration. It is important to avoid the presence of sharp stones or small gravel in the aquarium. The last turtle can swallow, which in the future can cause problems with the intestines.

How can you feed a red-bellied turtle?

The diet of this animal is quite diverse. Food and its amount directly depend on the age of your turtle. It can be both vegetable, and meat forage. For small turtles it is better to buy food in a pet store. It is very important to give the growing body additives in the form of eggshells, chalk or bone meal. An adult or an elderly turtle can provide a diet from plant foods. This type of food is more natural for turtles, since in the natural environment they feed preferably on grass and algae. A red-bellied turtle at home enjoys with pleasure vegetables and even some fruits. For example: an apple, a banana, a pear, a carrot, a cucumber. Adding to the diet can be in the form of seeds from wheat germ, sunflower, legumes. To the horny plates located on the lower and upper jaw of the tortoise are not deformed, it must be given the opportunity to gnaw something solid: branches from a pear or apple.