Turtle Supplies

What is a turtle?

A turtle is a semi-aquatic (or in some cases fully aquatic) reptile that’s known for its protective shell, small, rounded head, and four flippers. There are more than 300 species of turtles found across the world, living in both freshwater and saltwater environments. They range in size too, with leatherback sea turtles weighing half-a-ton (500kg) and musk turtles weighing just half-a-kilogram (500g)!

What is the difference between turtles and tortoises?

While they may look identical, turtles and tortoises aren’t the same animal. Typically, turtles live in or around water and have adaptations that make them competent swimmers, i.e. flippers. Tortoises, on the other hand, live exclusively on land and can’t swim (although they do like to take shallow baths). There’s also another type of shelled reptile known as a terrapin and they’re somewhat of a cross between turtles and tortoises – they have the clawed legs of tortoises, but like turtles they can swim and spend a lot of their time in and around water.

How do you care for a turtle?

There are several important things to consider before you purchase a turtle. They need access to both land and water, so they need to be kept in specialist tanks – sometimes called tartariums - equipped with a turtle ramp. They also need a basking lamp and, because they produce a lot of mess, a quality filter. It’s important that you thoroughly research exactly how to care for your specific type of turtle and how set up its tank before you bring it home.