One of the rare species of pet turtles that is both entertaining to own and adorable is the African Sideneck turtle. When they become accustomed to your presence, these cute aquatic turtles will peacefully swim around their tank or watch you move around.
These magnificent turtles can provide devoted novice or intermediate keepers with hours of entertainment, yet it is recommended to maintain them as display animals rather than handling them. It is necessary to set up an aquarium with a tiny terrestrial space for basking. In this care guide for African Sideneck turtles, we’ll go deeply into the housing and dietary requirements of these entertaining reptiles.
Habitat
from West Africa Mud turtles need an aquatic environment. They typically live in lagoons, lakes, ponds, and streams that are situated in grasslands or forests in the wild. These turtles hibernate underground in the dry season until the rains come again.
Care as a Pet
Enclosure
West African Mud turtles require a habitat with plenty of water because they are aquatic turtles. Additionally, they need a lot of swimming space. A 40-gallon tank is the very minimum needed for one turtle. West African Mud turtles can live in groups; however, males should be kept apart to prevent violence during the turtles’ natural breeding season. Choose a larger container for a gathering, like a 175-gallon, to ensure that everyone has adequate room.
The tanks of West African Mud turtles must have both water and dry land. The depth of the water should be between six and eight inches, or 1.5 times the length of the turtle’s carapace. Aquatic plants, whether artificial or real, can add some much-needed cover for your turtle.
Feed
West African Mud turtles are omnivore, like many other turtles. Their food is mostly carnivorous when they are still young. However, when they grow older and become adults, they eat more and more plant. Various water insects, small amphibians or fish, and aquatic plants are frequently consumed by adults.
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