Pet Life Magazine, New Zealand Pet Life Magazine Issue 4 Spring 2017 | Page 9
free in the wild.
Housing:
- Big tanks with loads of swimming space make for happy
turtles. Hatchlings can start out in a tank with a length of 1m
but by 6-12 months that should be 120cm long x 50cm wide x
60cm high.
- The water needs to be at least 30-35cm deep, and basking
areas are required.
- Hatchlings require a water temperature of 24C-26C. After 1
year of age, reduce the temperature to 20C in summer. By 2
years of age, a heater is no longer required in summer but a
temperature of 22C-24C is recommended in winter. Don’t make
it too hot, though, because being too hot for too long can lead to
rapid growth causing organ damage.
- Turtles are messy and go to the toilet in the water – keep
water clean by partially changing it every week, and
an external filter helps.
- Turtles need UVA and UVB light
for healthy functioning and
strong shells – make
sure nothing blocks the
light fr om dir ectly
reaching the
reaching the turtle, such as glass
turtle, such
as glass or Perspex covers.
- A heat source is needed to get
turtles out of the water to dry out.
- Don’t put a lid on the tank
because condensation will
build up, causing shell rot
and pneumonia.
- Make an attractive living
area: stones on the bottom
of the tank should be big enough that they can’t be swallowed;
don’t give large rocks that could tumble and cause injury; give
driftwood for scratching against.
- Turtles over 15cm can live outdoors in a fenced-off pond
enclosure in a sunny spot. Don’t use concrete – pond liners
are fine, or a natural bottom. Kit out enclosure with logs and
artificial grass for basking areas, and provide a nesting area for
females. You can use a 50/50 sand-organic compost mix, about
30cm deep.
- Don’t attempt hibernation if you don’t know what you are
doing.
Feeding:
- Feed live worms, snails, woodlice and other insects, and
commercially made foods such as pellets.
- Feed a quantity the size of the turtle’s head – feed hatchlings
daily and adults every second day.
- Give greens such as water weeds, mesclun salad, carrot
sticks, and kumara pieces as often as you like.
Safe4 Shampoos
Infused with aloe vera, both Safe4
animal shampoos combine
antibacterial and antifungal agents
with coat conditioners to soothe
and cleanse your pet’s skin. Our
white dog shampoo gently
enhances and revitalises the
brightness and whiteness of the
coat.
Caring for you, those in
your care and the
environment.
Safe4 Odour Killer
Problems with pet smells? Safe4
Odour Kill kills the bacteria that
cause the smell, so helps stop
repeat offending. Can be used on all
surfaces including carpets and soft
furnishings (read the label first).
www.safe4all.co.nz
[email protected]
0800 723 347
INDEPENDENT QUALITY ASSURANCE