Damon Mcknight
Keeping a pet turtle can be a rewarding experience, but it's important to remember that turtles are high-maintenance pets with specific care requirements. All Australian turtles are protected by law, and some species require a licence to be kept as pets. Native Australian turtles require a lot of space, and a standard fish tank is not suitable. An outdoor pond or a large turtle-specific tank is ideal. Turtles are predominantly aquatic, and their enclosures should be filled with water to a depth of at least 15 cm, increasing as the turtle grows. The water temperature should be maintained between 18–26°C, and a basking area with a higher temperature of 28–34°C should be provided. Regular water changes and filtration are necessary to maintain water quality, and weekly water tests are recommended. Turtles require a specific diet, with long-neck turtles being carnivorous and short-neck turtles omnivorous. Overall, caring for a pet turtle in Australia requires a significant commitment to providing a healthy and suitable environment for these fascinating creatures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Housing | Indoor: Glass aquarium/terrarium with a minimum length of 1.2m. Outdoor: Pond |
| Water temperature | 18-26°C (varies by species) |
| Water depth | Minimum 15cm, increased as the turtle grows |
| Water quality | Weekly tests for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH and hardness |
| Water maintenance | Regular water changes, replacing 30-50% every 1-2 weeks |
| Lighting | UV light, basking lamp, and natural light exposure |
| Diet | Insects, fish, vegetables, fruit, turtle food |
| Handling | Minimal handling, can cause stress |
| Health | Regular check-ups, prone to infections and nutritional deficiencies |
| Licence | Required, check state-specific information |
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What You'll Learn
- Enclosure size and type: 6-foot tank or outdoor pond, with a dry dock and water at 15-28°C
- Feeding: Earthworms, insects, fruit, vegetables, and turtle food
- Handling: Wash hands after handling. Turtles should be at least 10cm in diameter
- Health: Regular water changes, UV light, and annual health checks to prevent infections
- Licensing: A licence is required to keep a turtle as a pet in Australia
Enclosure size and type: 6-foot tank or outdoor pond, with a dry dock and water at 15-28°C
Enclosure size and type: 6-foot tank or outdoor pond
Turtles are a high-maintenance pet and require a lot of space. Native Australian turtles, in particular, need a lot of room, and a fish tank will not be suitable. A 6-foot turtle-specific tank or an outdoor pond is ideal for housing adult turtles.
The tank should be a minimum of 1.2 metres long, but bigger is always better. The enclosure should be filled to approximately two-thirds of its volume with water, and the water should be at least 15-20 cm deep, increasing as the turtle grows. The water temperature should be maintained between 22-26˚C, with a basking spot of about 28-32˚C.
Dry dock
Turtles need an area where they can be completely dry, out of the water. This is called a dry dock or basking area. It should be large enough for the turtle to fit its entire body out of the water. The temperature of the basking zone should be 30-34 degrees Celsius.
Water quality and maintenance
Turtles are messy animals, so regular water changes and a suitable filter are necessary to maintain water quality and hygiene. A good-quality canister filter is recommended for larger tanks. Regular water changes must be carried out, replacing 30-50% of the tank's water every one to two weeks. The gravel should be vacuumed and cleaned during a water change.
It is important to test the tank water weekly using an aquarium testing kit to ensure the correct water parameters are maintained. Turtles spend most of their time in the water, so it is crucial to conduct weekly water tests for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and hardness. An ideal pH level is between 7.2 and 7.6, and a water hardness of 140-210ppm is recommended.
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Feeding: Earthworms, insects, fruit, vegetables, and turtle food
Feeding your pet turtle
The dietary requirements of turtles vary depending on their breed and age. It is always best to consult a vet to learn more about how much and what your turtle should eat daily based on their individual needs.
For example, long-neck turtles are carnivorous and their diet consists of a mix of insects such as crickets, moths, and flies, with the occasional worm. Earthworms are an excellent source of vitamin A. It is important to note that insects from your yard should not be fed to turtles as they may introduce bacteria, pesticides, or parasites. Fish such as gudgeons (feeder fish) and whitebait, freshwater snails, prawns, and yabbies can also be offered but need to have their heads, spikes, and shells removed.
Short-neck turtles are omnivorous, so their diet includes a range of fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, apples, spinach, and Asian greens, in addition to animal protein.
All pet turtles need commercially produced pelleted turtle food. Turtles can eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, but it is important to ensure that they are thoroughly washed and rinsed to reduce the risk of pesticides. Vegetables should be chopped and mixed together to discourage the turtle from only eating its preferred food items.
Some vegetables, such as Swiss chard, spinach, and beet greens, should be fed sparingly as they contain oxalates that can bind to calcium and other trace minerals, preventing nutrient absorption. Fruit should be offered in moderation as it is high in sugar and less nutritious than vegetables.
Reptile multivitamin-mineral powder can be lightly sprinkled over food weekly to ensure your turtle is getting all its required nutrients.
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Handling: Wash hands after handling. Turtles should be at least 10cm in diameter
When handling your turtle, always wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Turtles can carry bacteria that may be harmful to humans, so handwashing is essential after any contact with them.
In addition to handwashing, it is recommended that you do not handle your turtle until its shell is at least 10cm in diameter. Turtles are not social animals and can experience stress when handled, so it is best to wait until they are older and larger before attempting to pick them up. This will also give you time to establish a bond with your turtle, making the handling experience less stressful for both of you.
Turtles are a high-maintenance pet and require a lot of space as they grow. They should be kept in a large tank or outdoor pond, with at least two sections: a water section and a landing area or dock. The water should be deep enough for the turtle to submerge completely and should be kept clean through regular water changes and filtration.
Turtles are predominantly aquatic, so any time out of the tank should be beneficial to them, such as providing access to natural sunlight. It is important to supervise your turtle when it is outside, as direct sunlight can heat their shells and cause overheating.
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Health: Regular water changes, UV light, and annual health checks to prevent infections
Turtles are a high-maintenance pet and require a specific set of conditions to stay healthy. Water quality and hygiene are of utmost importance, as turtles spend most of their time in the water. Regular water changes must be carried out, replacing 30-50% of the tank's water every one to two weeks. The gravel should be vacuumed and cleaned during a water change. It is important to test the tank's water using an aquarium testing kit on a weekly basis to ensure correct water parameters are maintained. Water temperatures should be between 18-24°C, depending on the species, and a basking area temperature of 28-34°C should be supplied. A thermostat and thermometer are required to achieve and monitor these temperatures.
Ultraviolet light (UV) plays a crucial role in a turtle's growth and development. Adequate UV lighting helps prevent metabolic bone disease (MBD) and other health issues. A UVB lamp should be positioned over the turtle's basking area, with the light filtered through glass, plastic, or mesh. Turtles should also have access to unfiltered, natural light at least once or twice a week.
Annual health checks at a veterinary clinic experienced with reptiles are recommended to prevent infections and other health issues. Respiratory infections and shell rot are common issues in turtles, often caused by poor maintenance and hygiene. It is good practice to keep a record of your turtle's weight, feeding habits, and water test results, as turtles can get sick slowly, and symptoms may not be noticed until it is too late.
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Licensing: A licence is required to keep a turtle as a pet in Australia
In Australia, a licence is required to keep a turtle as a pet. The specific licence needed is called a Native Animal Keeping Licence. This is because turtles are considered native reptiles, and native reptiles are protected by law in Australia.
In the Northern Territory, as in most of Australia, the majority of reptiles require a permit in order to be kept as pets in captivity. In Western Australia, the regulation of wildlife is under the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. In South Australia, it is the Department for Environment and Water that regulates the ownership of native animals, including turtles. In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), the majority of reptiles are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1980, and in New South Wales, native reptiles are also protected by law. In Queensland, a recreation wildlife licence is required, depending on the type of wildlife you are keeping.
It is important to note that wild animals must not be taken from the wild and kept as pets. Captive-bred wild animals should not be kept in a home environment unless the species has been identified as suitable. Reptiles must be acquired from a licensed keeper or supplier.
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Frequently asked questions
The most common indoor enclosure for Australian turtles is a glass aquarium. The minimum tank size for an adult long-necked turtle is 120x60x60cm, and for an adult short-necked turtle, it's 180x60x60cm. However, bigger is always better, and an outdoor pond is ideal for adult turtles.
The water temperature should be maintained between 18-26°C, depending on the species. The water should be at least 15cm deep for a hatchling and increased as the turtle grows. Weekly water tests are essential to monitor ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and hardness levels.
The diet varies between species. Long-necked turtles are carnivorous and can be fed insects, worms, and occasional fish or snails. Short-necked turtles are omnivorous and can be offered fruits, vegetables, and plant matter in addition to meat. It is important to provide a balanced diet of frozen and fresh food.
Overfeeding is common among turtles. Adult turtles should be fed 1 to 2 times per week with portions the size of their heads. Baby turtles should be fed twice a day during their first summer, then reduced to once a day.
Turtles are susceptible to respiratory infections, especially if care standards slip. Shell rot is another common issue, caused by scrapes on the shell and water-borne bacterial infections. Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) and fungal infections can also occur due to incorrect diet and water quality.
