Category: Turtles

Turtles can be just as difficult to look after as pets like cats and dogs, and you’ll need to know about their habitat needs before caring for one. Some turtles live both in and out of water, while others, like tortoises, live solely on land and can’t swim.

Knowing the difference between aquatic and terrestrial turtles is necessary before you bring one of these reptiles home. You need to make their habitat suitable for their species to ensure their safety.

Do Turtles Live in Water?

When you think of turtles, you probably think of sea turtles or the aquarium pets. Not all turtles live in the water, though. Terrestrial turtles—or tortoises, as they’re more commonly known—barely have anything to do with water at all. They need fresh drinking water and a bath now and then, but they spend all their time on dry land.

For other aquatic turtles, their desire to be in and around water depends on their species. The ones that are commonly kept as pets and sea turtles have adapted to live in water. However, aquatic turtles will spend more time on land than sea turtles.

What Are the Differences Between Aquatic and Terrestrial Turtles?

Aquatic and terrestrial turtles are part of the same group, which means they are all technically turtles. That said, there are a few important differences. Species under the “turtle” banner are differentiated by name, what they eat, their appearance, and even how long they spend in the water.

Aquatic Turtles

While sea turtles are ocean dwellers and tortoises are land animals, aquatic turtles enjoy the best of both worlds and divide their time between water and land. You’ll need to tailor your turtle’s habitat to their needs by providing deep water for them to swim in and plenty of space for a basking area.

You need to know which turtle species you have, though. Some turtles, like the box turtle, are similar to tortoises and prefer to spend their time on land.

Diet

A turtle’s diet can vary depending on their species. That said, they have a more varied diet than tortoises. Being omnivores, they will eat a mix of vegetables, mealworms, and fish. Certain turtle species will only eat animals and might even prefer live food rather than freeze-dried meals. How often they eat and their diet depend on their species and age.

Feet

A turtle’s feet are perfect for aquatic and terrestrial activities. Their feet combine a tortoise’s sturdy stumps and a sea turtle’s flippers. They have webbed toes that enable them to propel themselves through water easily and give them plenty of traction on land, both for walking and digging.

Shell

While a turtle’s feet might be a mix of a tortoise and a sea turtle, their shell leans more toward the sea turtle in style and appearance. It’s flat and well suited to cutting through water, especially compared to the heavy dome of a tortoise. Unlike a sea turtle, however, a turtle can retract into their shell if they feel threatened.

Terrestrial Turtles (Tortoises)

Terrestrial turtles are more commonly known as tortoises. These reptiles are popular pets, but they don’t swim like their aquatic cousins. While they’re the only turtle species that can’t swim, they do need enough water to bathe in. When you set up their terrarium, make sure the water isn’t deep enough to risk them drowning. You also need to make sure your tortoise still has plenty of room in their terrarium for them to roam around. Of the three types of turtles, tortoises are the longest lived.

Diet

Aquatic turtles might have a more varied diet depending on their species, but tortoises are more particular about what they eat. Most will only eat fruits, berries, and vegetables.

Their focus on plants comes from their desert origins, and you’ll need to adjust what your tortoise eats based on their species. Desert tortoises, for example, should only eat vegetables.

Your tortoise will get some of their water intake from the plants that they eat, but always make sure fresh water is available for them to drink.

Feet

As land-dwelling animals, tortoises aren’t made for swimming. Their feet are similar to those of an elephant and are short, stump-like, and flat. Tortoises also have strong nails to aid in digging. While their feet are sturdy and reliable on land, they don’t do so well in water and can’t swim.

Shell

Of the three types of turtles, the tortoise has the highest profile. While the pancake tortoise does have a flat shell shape, most terrestrial turtles have high, domed shells. This gives them plenty of space to pull their head and legs into their shell if they feel threatened for any reason, protecting themselves from predators.

 

Sea Turtles

Sea turtles might not be kept as pets but they are turtles too. As you might expect by the name, sea turtles spend all their time in the water. You’ll only ever see them on land when they’re laying their eggs. They’ll choose tropical or sub-tropical beaches and dig nests in the sand before returning to the ocean.

Diet

A sea turtle’s diet mostly consists of aquatic plants, fish, and crabs, though this can change, depending on the species. Some sea turtles only eat aquatic plants like algae and seagrass, while others only eat jellyfish and other gelatin-like invertebrates.

Feet

Unlike turtles, which have feet perfect for both walking and swimming, a sea turtle’s feet support their swimming ability. Their toes are fused into long flippers, enabling them to reach great speeds in the water but giving them limited mobility on land. Leatherback sea turtles hold the Guinness World Record for the fastest reptile swimmer.

Shell

Like their feet, a sea turtle’s shell is designed to aid their swimming. They have a flat shell in a teardrop shape to help them glide through the water. While both turtles and tortoises can duck into their shells, sea turtles don’t have this ability due to the shape of their shell.

Conclusion

Not all turtles live in water, and it can be dangerous if you introduce a terrestrial turtle to an aquarium. While aquatic turtles will spend their time in water and on land, terrestrial turtles—or tortoises—can’t swim and will drown if given access to too-deep water.

Your turtle’s aquarium needs to have plenty of water for them to swim in and a basking area. A tortoise requires only dry land with a small area for a shallow bath and drinking water.

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Featured Image Credit: hhach, Pixabay

The post Do Turtles Live in Water? Aquatic vs Terrestrial Explained appeared first on Pet Keen.

Turtles are exotic pets that are becoming more common across America. While a turtle isn’t a pet that will interact with you as a dog or cat would, many owners wonder if turtles like to be pet or held. The answer is that most turtles, unfortunately, don’t want to be picked up or carried. However, most pet turtles can appreciate being petted! It’s all in how you approach them. This article will look at how you can pet and touch your turtle safely in a way that they will enjoy!

Why Don’t Turtles Like to Be Held?

Turtles are frequently kept as pets but aren’t domesticated and aren’t used to a human’s presence. Most pet turtles get used to their owner being around and follow them with their eyes or around the house when roaming.

However, because turtles are naturally always close to the ground and right-side up, being picked up or moved around is unnatural to them. The movement will likely cause your turtle a lot of stress, so it’s best to keep them on the ground unless you have to handle them.

Despite common misconceptions, a turtle’s shell is also sensitive to touch. Turtle shells are made of keratin (the same material as our fingernails) and are formed into plates called scutes. Each scute is connected to the turtle’s nervous system with nerves running through it, so turtles can feel it when you touch their shells! It feels similar to how we feel when something touches our nails.

How Do Turtles Like to be Petted?

Because turtles can feel it when we pet their shells and skin, some learn to enjoy being petted by their owners. A gentle shell rub can be a relaxing experience for your turtle and an excellent way to bond with them.

However, it’s important to remember that most turtles will still not enjoy being petted, which could cause stress. Because a turtle’s shell is so sensitive, petting them the wrong way could cause them harm or pain. Some turtles (such as the Eastern Box turtle) can “box up” inside their shells tightly, which can hurt your fingers!

Is Petting My Turtle Dangerous?

Before you decide to touch your turtle, it’s important to understand the risks of handling them. Your turtle naturally carries salmonella, which can cause significant illness in people. Salmonella is commonly carried in turtles’ digestive systems and can be present even in healthy turtles.

It can be transferred onto surfaces in your turtle’s environment, the tank water, and the items around them, like their food bowl. Therefore, handwashing is extremely important when handling your turtle and their items. Salmonella is particularly dangerous to young children or those with a weakened immune system, so washing your hands thoroughly and cleaning your turtle and their tank away from the kitchen and bathroom is important!

Turtles can also bite when afraid or stressed since they’re not domesticated animals. Some turtles have a dangerous bite, and most can break the skin with their beak. Make sure to handle them with care, keeping your fingers out of the way of their beak.

How To Touch Your Turtle Safely

If you need to handle your turtle (for medical reasons or to move them), you can do so safely. Turtles can be seriously hurt if they’re handled roughly or dropped.

What Else Can I Do to Bond With My Turtle?

Enrichment in the form of hand feeding can improve the bond with your turtle. Turtles can be given treats by hand using a special pair of soft-ended tongs or tweezers to protect your fingers. Some turtles learn to approach their tank when their owners enter the room so that they provide another treat!

Modifying your turtle’s tank can also help them bond with you. Adding furnishings such as branches, hollow logs, leaf litter, and edible plants can allow your turtle to display natural behavior and keep them happy; the more relaxed and comfortable they are, the more they’re likely to bond!

Final Thoughts

Turtles aren’t the most affectionate pets and are not fond of being held or handled. They aren’t domesticated, and some are wary of big humans! Picking up and handling your turtle can also be risky for both of you. Turtles can carry salmonella bacteria, and handling a turtle too quickly can damage internal organs or cause pain. It’s best to observe your turtle from afar and bond with them by offering them treats.

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Featured Image Credit: Jay Ondreicka, Shutterstock

The post Do Turtles Like to Be Held or Pet? Tips, Facts, & FAQ appeared first on Pet Keen.