Turtle Care
FRESHWATER TURTLES
Several native species of turtle are kept as pets in QLD. A Recreational Wildlife Licence is now required to be able to keep a turtle.
Freshwater turtles have two distinct shell surfaces, the upper (Carapace)and lower shells(Plastron) which are joined on each side by the bridge. They all have clawed feet and also shed their skins. This happens in spring when the separate shields (scutes) of the shell lift and flake off and pieces from the head, neck, legs and tail peel away from the new skin underneath.
The most commonly kept turtles in Qld are the Eastern Long Necked Species or the Saw-shelled and Kreffts River Turtle.
The Saw Shelled Turtle
Has a rich brown carapace that has a distinct ridge or keel with strongly serrated edges
The plastron is cream and black patterned
Reach 30cm fully grown
The Long Necked Turtle
Has a long snake like neck
Not as large as the Saw Shelled turtle
If roughly handles will exude a foul smell
Kreftts Turtle
Short neck and smooth rounded appearance
Roundish cream blob on face
Will grow in excess of 30cm
CHOOSING A TURTLE
Make sure it is active and pulls its head back when touched
Its eyes should be bright and clear
Nose and mouth free of mucous
Check the shell and skin for fungus or sores
Shell should be clean and hard
Should not feel too light when picked up
HANDLING
The claws are sharp and some turtles can bite so support the animal as much as possible when handling. Transport them in boxes after giving them a good soak before departure and on arrival to prevent dehydration. Let the turtle adjust to its new surroundings before handling. To hold a turtle you should grasp over the top of the shell ( the carapace) and place your fingers under the edge of the shell. If the turtle is very quiet you can just hold onto the edge of the shell securely.
TORPOR
When winters are very cold turtles spend the time in a dormant state (Torpor). Low temps. Slow down the bodily functions until theyre just ticking over enough to sustain life. In our conditions we should be able to keep turtles at a constant temp. throughout winter with the use of aquarium heaters, they will however still eat less in winter months.
HOUSING
A standard 2 foot tank can house 4 turtles approx. 10cm in size.
The water must be deep enough for the turtle to submerse totally and to swim freely
The land area must be large enough for them to walk on and become totally dry
Turtles require a basking area
Change the water as soon as it becomes dirty but ensure that the temperature change is not too great when doing this. Use an adequate filter.
Water temps of 22-24 degrees are good
In captivity a basking point needs to reach a temperature between 25-30 degrees.
Like lizards and snakes turtles need the Vitamin D from UV rays for proper bone calcification.
Once they exceed 12cm in size, ideally an outside enclosure should be used with wet and dry areas
FEEDING
Turtles do not feed regularly in winter and if the temperature drops too much will not feed at all. If your turtle is active and looking for food then feed it. If it isnt do not try and feed as this can cause digestion problems that can lead to death. Turtles will begin to recognise the feeder and will come up for a feed. Do not over feed as this can cause obesity and other health problems. A general rule is to give as much food as will fit into a match box every 2-3 days for an average sized turtle. In general the water temp. should be between 20-28 degrees for feeding. Temperatures below or above this will cause problem\ms of digestion and/or regurgitation.
Australian turtles are generally carnivorous but some will eat things such as lettuce and pieces of fruit. Raw fish (gudgeon), yabbies, shrimps and worms, bloodworms, frozen turtle dinners, daphnia etc can be offered as well as your commercial foods such as Tetra Reptomin, Zoomed Repti Cricket, Can O Crickets etc.
Calcium is important to a turtles diet and can be provided by a liquid supplement or a calcium block, or by rolling/dusting food with calcium powder.
PROBLEMS
Shell breaks: in general will heal by themselves- epoxy resin can be used but it is a good idea to check with the vet
Respiratory Infections- signs can be breathing difficulty, gasping, gaping mouth, lethargy. See the vet for ID and then treatment.
Bacterial Infections- Swollen limbs and localised swelling around the eyes and mouth. See the vet for ID and then treatment.
Fungus Infections- See a vet for ID and then treatment.
Puffy Eyes- Usually Vitamin A deficiency- Check that the diet is a fully balanced one and adjust accordingly.
BREEDING
Freshwater turtles must be at least 12cm long before they can be sexed properly. The Longneck female lays between 10-12 eggs, The Kreffts between 15-25 eggs. Incubation period is 60-75 days and 45-55 days respectively. They are independent from birth but should be separated from their parents.