In our daily process of turtle care, basking, water change, and feeding are the most common operations. But did you know that these three steps are often the root cause of your turtle’s direct death? Why is that? This article will tell you the answer.
Firstly, basking is undeniable in promoting the metabolism of turtles, aiding in calcium absorption and shell growth. However, it is important to understand that basking is a voluntary behavior for turtles, not a forced one. Many turtle enthusiasts wrongly expose their beloved turtles to direct sunlight to dry-bask.
Additionally, basking should be conducted in seasons with minimal temperature differences, with a basking platform set up to facilitate the turtles’ free movement. The purpose of sunlight exposure is to promote better and healthier growth for the turtles.
Secondly, feeding is the most critical part of our turtle care. A reasonable diet and appropriate feeding amounts are crucial for the healthy growth of turtles. However, some turtle enthusiasts, in an effort to make their beloved turtles grow quickly, feed them a large amount of food daily, even pork and salted dried shrimp, which can lead to the risk of sudden death over time.
For turtle feeding, we need to adjust the amount of food based on the temperature, without the need for large amounts or daily feeding. Controlling the timing and quantity of feeding is more important for the health of the turtles.
Lastly, water change is crucial for the stable growth of turtles, but stable water quality does not mean that the water must be kept clear at all times. Some turtles are tormented by the pursuit of clean water bodies that require daily water changes.
Firstly, stable water quality does not mean that water should be changed every day. The frequency of water change depends on the type of turtle, the density of breeding, and the condition of the water quality. For hatchlings or timid turtles, it is best not to change the water completely each time, but to replace two-thirds of the water.
In summary, only with reasonable basking, feeding, and water change can turtles grow healthily. Have you learned? Remember to like and follow.
Original article by KPTer, if reproduced, please cite the source: https://www.kaipet.com/en/top-misconceptions-beginner-turtle-keepers-proper-methods-basking-water-change-feeding
