A common pet we sell at Aquarium Fish Paradise are "Freshwater Turtles." These reptiles are popular with many people because of their hardiness, low maintenance and humorous behaviour, but mostly because they are unique and an interesting pet.
We generally supply two different species, season depending, Long Necked Turtle orShort Necked Turtles... season depending.
Turtles can grow quite large (about 25cm across for a long necked specimen, or up to 30cm for a short neck) so they will require quite a large aquarium (or a pond that is fenced.) Generally when bought from our store, the Turtles are 3-5 months old and around 6-7cm in length.
The difference between a Tortoise and a Turtle is that a Tortoise is terrestrial (land dwelling) and possesses thick legs and toes that requires water for drinking only. There are no Tortoises indigenous to Australia. A Freshwater Turtle is aquatic with webbed feet and is not capable of swallowing food or mating unless submerged in water.
In the wild, Freshwater Turtles can be found "basking" in the sun before retreating back to the water to cool down. They do this to regulate body temperature and it also keeps their skin healthy and free of problems like fungus. UV light also maintains a hard shell in Turtles and is essential for optimum health.
Therefore when keeping a Turtle in a home aquarium it is advised that you provide a heater for winter (they may hibernate,) a rock or platform so that the Turtle can leave the water, a Reflector with a UV globe (at least 10cm away from the water) or regularly take them outside to get some sunlight. If you do take your Turtle out in the sun, ensure the Turtle has access to water to stay wet and cool down. It should be provided wet areas with both some sun and shade. Supervise the turtle while outside as they have been known to escape (they can move quite quickly.) Make sure no dogs, cats or native birds can cause any danger to your Turtle. Do not take the Turtle out in high temperatures for too long.
Temperature of the water affects a Turtle's metabolism - they will be more active and eat more in an aquarium that has a heater (set to 24 degrees Celsius) as part of its set up, especially in winter. Turtles kept in outdoor ponds during winter will reduce their activity, lose interest in eating and enter a state of dormancy termed "brumation." It is not recommended to feed a Turtle prior to the brumation period because digestion usually takes 1-2 weeks and food can rot in its stomach and even cause death.
When purchasing a young Turtle from the pet store, it is recommended you do purchase an aquarium and heater for the good health of your new pet. A Turtle is suitable to go into a pond after 18-24 months and is larger in size. Turtles less than 6 months of age should not be allowed to “brumate.”
Your new baby Turtle should be fed bloodworms twice a day until at least 6 months old. We sell two other frozen foods for Turtles, Turtle Starter and Turtle Tucker. Turtle Starter is great to ween the young Turtle onto proper Turtle food. We also sell dry food for Turtles. A Turtle should NEVER be fed meat that contains fat as this can lead to health problems.
Turtles regularly shed bits of skin. This is all to do with their growth and should not be considered a problem - it is normal especially on younger Turtles.
In South Australia you DO NOT require to have a license to keep a turtle, which is great for us.
Turtle Info