The African helmeted turtle is also known as the crocodile turtle, the marsh terrapin, and the African side-necked turtle. African helmeted turtles like to spend the most of their time in freshwater swamps, lakes, dams, and pans because they are a semi-aquatic species. Because of their peculiar head-tucking tendency, these turtles are favored pets all around the world.
Habitat
African helmeted turtles still favour freshwater bodies in the wild. During the rainy season, they are known to leave their water bodies and travel great distances. If the neighboring water bodies dry up and there are no rains, they too bury themselves in the ground for months or even years. If it’s warm where you are, you may prefer to keep the African helmeted turtle outside. If not, it is preferable to keep them inside, where the temperature can be readily controlled.
Care as a Pet
Heat
The tanks for African helmeted turtles must be warm because they are native to tropical climates. While the temperature of the basking spot should be between 90 and 95 degrees, the water should be between 80 and 83 degrees. Over the basking spot, you must provide a basking light. A decent artificial UVB heater should warm the turtle’s basking area and provide it the light it needs to produce vitamin D3. Every nine months, the UVB light bulb needs to be changed.
Feed
African helmeted turtles are omnivores that only consume aquatic foods, like the majority of turtles. Larger prey like doves have been reported to be wounded or killed by them. Any food that is present in their habitat will be consumed. Fish, earthworms, snails, carrion, plants, and insects are included in this.
Owners who keep them as pets can feed them dried foods like shrimp and beef protein. Owners can feed them brown crickets, chicks, mice, salmon, dubia cockroaches, and black crickets. Younger African helmeted turtles should have more protein in their diet. They consume a variety of edible plants, including dandelions, collard greens, spinach, red leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, and even mixed veggies.
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