African Aquatic Sideneck Turtle
Pelomedusa Subrufa Pelomedusa Sp. General info: Their circumference is up to 8". The "folding" neck of the sideneck turtle fascinates both beginner and experienced hobbyists alike! These turtles are also considered to be very intelligent and interactive pets. Temperature/Humidity: Ideal daytime temperature for these turtles should range between 75º and 85º. Additionally, a basking lamp should be used on one end of the enclosure to maintain the temperature of 100º. Night time temperature should remain between 70º and 75º. The humidity for African aquatic sideneck turtles should be kept at or near 70%. Lighting: All turtles require ultraviolet lighting to maintain good health. Ultraviolet lighting is recommended for 12 hours per day. Feeding/Watering: African aquatic sideneck turtles are omnivorous (eat both plant and animal matter).Therefore, they do well on a diet consisting of pelleted turtles food, a variety of vitamin/calcium dusted insects (such as crickets, mealworms and waxworms), goldfish and other small fish, some aquatic plants (anachris), and dark leafy greens (such as kale, collard greens, mustard greens, etc.). Some individuals will also eat prepared foods such as canned turtle food. Habitat/Housing: African aquatic sideneck turtles are considered to be mainly aquatic (spend much of the day partially or completely submerged in water). Therefore, successful permanent maintenance requires a moderately sized terrarium (30-40 gallon). A screen lid is essential for proper air exchange. The enclosure must include either a large sloped water bowl or allow for a swimming area. This can be accomplished by using gravel as a substrate and sloping it to form a "beach" area. Ideally, the "beach area should only be 25% of the enclosure. It is also recommended that a small powerhead water filter is used to keep the water clean. Large, hardy, live plants can be used in African aquatic sideneck turtle enclosures to maintain humidity levels and create a natural atmosphere. If the terrarium is designed with a large water bowl (instead of the "beach" design), misting the habitat once or twice daily will help maintain proper humidity levels. Substrate (Bedding): 2" to 3" inches of gravel is recommended for aquatic turtle terrariums to maintain a clean tank. Additionally, gravel should be used when creating a "beach" tank to ensure water remains clear and the pump is working efficiently. With either set-up, the substrate should be cleaned and changed regularly to avoid bacterial growth. | ||||
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