Question

We have recently acquired a pet turtle and would like to know what environment they like to live in. That is, what would be a suitable house for a turtle as apparently they need to be able to swim in water and walk on dry surfaces? Also, what foods do they like?
Carla G

Answer
provided by Dr Paddy Batch BVSc

Turtles live for 70 years. So called "penny turtles" were babies that lived only a few years and stayed small due to malnutrition. There are now complete turtle foods to ensure mistakes of the past are not repeated. A great home would be a fish tank - perhaps a small sized tank (about one metre) now that you can replace with a larger tank (about 2 metres) in years to come. Make a beach at one end and basking logs at the other end and a pond for swimming. Also essential is an ultra-violet light and if your pet is to be active all year, you will need to heat the water.