As an open-access shelter, the AWLA sees a lot of different animals besides dogs and cats, and we want to make sure every pet owner has the information they need to care for their new furry, feather or scaled friend. Turtles can make great pets who will be your fast friend for a lifetime, which for them is up to 40 years, but they have a few expectations of their human companions. In Turtles 101 we’ll cover the basics of what to expect from your new friend with Speedy the turtle and our Animal Care team:
Happy Habitat
Turtles require a habit that mimics their native surroundings. Speedy the Red Ear Slider will grow to be 10 to 12 inches long, so she’ll do best in a tank that is over 50 gallons with plenty of room for her to swim. Turtle parents can decorate the tank with different rocks and plants for their turtle’s enrichment, but don’t forget the essential basking space for a turtle to warm up under a UV lamp. A turtle’s tank requires weekly cleaning, which will help her continue swimming in style!
Mealtime
To help keep Speedy’s tank fresh between cleanings, we feed her in a separate tub for her meals. She eats turtle food – shrimp is her favorite! – along with fresh vegetables as treats. Daily feedings are a fun, interactive time for turtle owners, but don’t forget to wash any hands and surfaces that come in contact with your turtle.
No Hugs or Kisses, Please
Speedy is true to her name and loves to speed around her tank, following visitors who stop by. Even though she is very interested in people, turtles don’t enjoy being handled like other animals enjoy cuddling with or being petted by their human companions. When you do handle your turtle for cleaning or mealtimes, make sure to wash your hands before touching any other surfaces because turtles commonly carry bacteria such as Salmonella. Turtles will still enjoy your affection and attention, just without hugs or kisses.
Wild Turtles
(Please note that as of July 2021, it is no longer legal for the AWLA to offer red-eared sliders for adoption, per the Department of Wildlife Resources.)
We frequently have turtles for adoption at the AWLA if you’re looking for a turtle-y awesome friend, but remember to let our wild neighbors be. Our adoptable turtles might look similar to those near a local pond, but wild turtles are well adapted to life outside and have trouble adjusting to a change in habitat, especially moving to a home environment. Please leave our turtle neighbors wild and adopt from a shelter instead!
Like our other pets, turtles should visit a veterinarian for an annual check up to make sure they are healthy, which makes for a happy, active turtle to greet you every day.
You can find adoptable turtles like Speedy HERE on our adoptions page, and for more information on turtle care, click HERE to read the Humane Society of the United State’s article about turtles as pets or contact our adoptions team at adoptions@alexandriaanimals.org or 703-746-4774.