Turtles are quite sensitive and can quickly become ill if not cared for properly. You must therefore pay attention to a number of things when keeping them.
Although they have been populating the earth for over 200 million years, humans have pushed them further and further, so that many species are now threatened with extinction and are strictly protected. In the last century, however, European tortoises have started to be accustomed to humans and kept as pets. However, this should always be carefully considered.
Considerations before you buy
Turtles are becoming increasingly popular in pet keeping. Nevertheless, they are exotic pets and, like all wild animals, very sensitive. So the posture is quite demanding and should be well thought out. After all, the animals can get very old. Accordingly, they have to be cared for and housed in a species-appropriate manner for a long time. In principle, keeping them alone is to be completely rejected, as this can lead to behavioral disorders in the animals. If you decide to keep them, it is best to get at least two animals.
Tip: Turtles hibernate. That's exactly why it's recommended to buy it in the spring, when you've woken up again.
Housing the young animals in the terrarium
Once you have decided to keep turtles, you still have to think about their housing. After all, keeping the tortoise is only species-appropriate outdoors. Only very young animals belong in a terrarium for a while. This should then be equipped as follows:
First of all, the terrarium should be as large as possible and open at the top. In order to equip this perfectly for the animals, it is best to use garden soil for the soil, which you always keep nice and moist. Of course, a few hiding places in the form of roots, grass or stones and a heat lamp should not be missing in the terrarium.
The outdoor enclosure should look like this
➤ Location:
While the young spend their first weeks in the warm terrarium, canyou start building and equipping the outdoor enclosure. Since the animals need a lot of warmth, it is best to choose a sunny spot on the property.
➤ Size & Background:
If the animals have then exceeded the weight of 200 grams, they can move around in the outdoor enclosure as they wish. For the outdoor enclosure, a tortoise should be at least 10 square meters. Each additional animal requires an additional five square meters. Although turtles move slowly, they need a lot of space.
However, an open lawn is never suitable for the outdoor enclosure. It must be well structured and varied. Grass is not suitable as a substrate in the entire enclosure anyway. Gravel and stone surfaces are ideal.
You may find it hard to believe, but turtles are very good climbers. You should definitely consider this when choosing the height of the border and its design.
➤ Equipment:
For young animals with a weight of up to 200 grams, you absolutely have to think about a shelter in the enclosure, because free range is still too big and dangerous for them as far as predators are concerned. In warm, dry weather, however, you can leave the roof open. Important: Like the terrarium, the shelter must always be lit and heated. To protect the adult animals, however, you can provide cold frames or a small, heated greenhouse.
In the outdoor enclosure there should also be numerous hiding places. In addition, both sunny and shady places must be available. In addition to a place to feed and drink, the turtles also need covered areas with heat lamps where the animals can warm up.
Planting in the enclosure also makes sense. In addition to all kinds of wild herbs, you can also place shrubs, for example, to provide natural shade.