How Do You Set Up A Vivarium For A Baby Turtle?
Turtles are fascinating creatures that do well in vivariums designed for the needs of their particular species. Many people make the mistake of buying a baby turtle and designing a vivarium to accommodate its small size without planning for the size it will become. It is fine to start off small, but owners must be prepared to move the turtles to a larger vivarium as soon as the babies outgrow their nursery. Overall, the design of the vivarium will depend on whether the species is aquatic, semi-aquatic or terrestrial. Place an acrylic or glass tank, 20 gallons or larger depending on the species and number of land turtles you plan to keep, on a level surface away from direct sunlight and drafts. Place 2 inches of perlite-free potting soil. The soil allows the turtles to dig, which keeps their claws healthy and helps them regulate their body temperature. Plant the tank with vivarium-friendly plants such as tropical moss, ivy and ferns. You will need to provide UV light for both the plants
