sneak preview of a guide to australian turtles in captivity

By Adam Elliottreptilepublications reptile

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A Guide to…AustralianTURTLESin Captivity

A Guide to…

Australian TU

RTLES in Captivity By Adam Elliott

SNEAK PREVIEW

DEDICATION .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3FOREWORD ...................................................................................................................................................................................................13

ABOUT THE AUTHOR ....................................................................................................................................14

CONTRIBUTING AUTHOR..........................................................................................................................................14ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................................................................................15

INTRODUCTION TAXONOMY .............................................................................................................................................................................................................17HYBRIDISATION ..............................................................................................................................................................................................19COLOUR MUTATIONS ............................................................................................................................................................................19TURTLE OR TORTOISE? ......................................................................................................................................................................19LONGEVITY .............................................................................................................................................................................................................20LEGAL REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................................................................................................................21

IN THE WILDSOCIAL BEHAVIOUR ...............................................................................................................................................................................22CHARACTERISTICS AND HABITS .....................................................................................................................................23COOLING AND BRUMATION .....................................................................................................................................................23

IN CAPTIVITYHUSBANDRY IMPROVEMENTS ...........................................................................................................................................25PET QUALITIES..................................................................................................................................................................................................26CHOOSING YOUR STOCK ...............................................................................................................................................................28HANDLING METHODS AND HYGIENE .....................................................................................................................30TRANSPORTATION AND FREIGHT .................................................................................................................................31

HOUSINGINTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................................................33INDOOR HOUSING .....................................................................................................................................................................35AQUARIUMS AND FISH TANKS ............................................................................................................................................35PLASTIC ENCLOSURES AND TUBS ................................................................................................................................36

WATER REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR HOUSING ......................................37FILTRATION .............................................................................................................................................................................................................37WATER CHANGES .........................................................................................................................................................................................38WATER CHEMISTRY ..................................................................................................................................................................................39WATER CONDITIONERS .....................................................................................................................................................................39Salt ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................39Calcium ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................39pH Levels .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................40

CONTENTS

HEATING AND LIGHTING ...........................................................................................................................................40WATER HEATERS ............................................................................................................................................................................................40HEAT LIGHTS ........................................................................................................................................................................................................42UV LIGHTS .................................................................................................................................................................................................................43PHOTOPERIODS .............................................................................................................................................................................................44

FURNISHINGS .........................................................................................................................................................................................44LAND AREAS/FLOATING DOCKS ......................................................................................................................................44BACKGROUNDS ..............................................................................................................................................................................................45SUBSTRATE .............................................................................................................................................................................................................46

OUTSIDE PONDS .............................................................................................................................................................................46TYPES OF PONDS .........................................................................................................................................................................................47Concrete Ponds ..................................................................................................................................................................................................47Plastic Liners ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................48Preformed Poly Ponds ............................................................................................................................................................................49Preformed Fibreglass Ponds.........................................................................................................................................................49Preformed Above Ground Poly Ponds .........................................................................................................................49Dams ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................50

FILTRATION OF OUTSIDE PONDS ...................................................................................................................................50Bog Filter .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................51UV Sterilisers ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................52

POND SIZE REQUIREMENTS .....................................................................................................................................................53POND SECURITY ............................................................................................................................................................................................53

JUVENILE HOUSING ...............................................................................................................................................................55

FEEDINGTYPES OF PREY/FOOD FOR TURTLES IN THE WILD ........................................................................57TYPES OF FOOD FOR CAPTIVE TURTLES ..........................................................................................................59Pellets .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................59Crickets ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................59Wood Roaches .....................................................................................................................................................................................................60Earthworms ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................60Flies/Maggots .......................................................................................................................................................................................................60Mice .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................61Feeder Fish .................................................................................................................................................................................................................61Freshwater Crayfish and Shrimp ...........................................................................................................................................62Frozen Foods ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................62Chopped Meat and Fish .......................................................................................................................................................................63Fruit and Vegetables..................................................................................................................................................................................63Aquatic Plants .......................................................................................................................................................................................................63WILD COLLECTION OF LIVE FOOD ...............................................................................................................................64HOMEMADE FROZEN TURTLE FOOD .......................................................................................................................64HOW OFTEN AND HOW MUCH TO FEED ............................................................................................................65FEEDING METHODS ................................................................................................................................................................................66

BREEDINGSEXING ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................67COURTSHIP .............................................................................................................................................................................................................68MATING ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................68CARE OF GRAVID FEMALES .......................................................................................................................................................69EGG LAYING ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................69

ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION ...........................................................................................................................................71INCUBATION CONTAINERS .........................................................................................................................................................71INCUBATOR SUBSTRATE .................................................................................................................................................................72Sand ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................72Coco Peat and Peat Moss ...................................................................................................................................................................72Vermiculite .................................................................................................................................................................................................................73Perlite ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................73OVER WATER INCUBATION .........................................................................................................................................................73INCUBATORS ........................................................................................................................................................................................................74

RECORD KEEPING .........................................................................................................................................................................75

HEALTH AND DISEASES IN TURTLESDISCLAIMER ................................................................................................................................................................................................76Supply of Prescription Medications .................................................................................................................................76

INTRODUCTION ..............................................................................................................................................................................77 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS ..................................................................................................................................................77QUARANTINE ......................................................................................................................................................................................................77Procedure for Disinfecting Tank .............................................................................................................................................77PHYSICAL EXAMINATION TO ASSESS YOUR TURTLE’S HEALTH .............................78Restraint .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................78Weight ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................78Activity .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................78Respiration.................................................................................................................................................................................................................78Skin .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................78Eyes and Ears ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................78

DISEASE CHECKLIST ..............................................................................................................................................................79 INFECTIOUS DISEASES....................................................................................................................................................81VIRAL DISEASES ............................................................................................................................................................................................81BACTERIAL DISEASES ..........................................................................................................................................................................81Septicaemic Cutaneous Ulcerative Disease (SCUD) ..............................................................................81Abscesses .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................81Ear Abscesses .........................................................................................................................................................................................................81Septicaemia..............................................................................................................................................................................................................82 Respiratory Disease ....................................................................................................................................................................................82Stomatitis .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................82FUNGAL DISEASES ....................................................................................................................................................................................83

PARASITIC DISEASES ............................................................................................................................................................................83

NON-INFECTIOUS DISEASES .......................................................................................................................83NUTRITIONAL PROBLEMS ...........................................................................................................................................................83Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)................................................................................................................................................83Pyramiding of the Carapace .........................................................................................................................................................84 Emaciation .................................................................................................................................................................................................................84DIETARY PROBLEMS ..............................................................................................................................................................................84Obesity .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................84Protein Deficiency .........................................................................................................................................................................................84Hypovitaminosis A .......................................................................................................................................................................................84Hepatic Lipidosis .............................................................................................................................................................................................85Foreign Body Ingestion and Impaction .....................................................................................................................85Prolapse ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................85 Oedema...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................85 Trauma ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................86Dystocia (Egg Retention) ...................................................................................................................................................................86Neoplasia ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................87

SUPPORTIVE CARE .................................................................................................................................................................87CARE AND PREVENTION .................................................................................................................................................................87SHELL REPAIR .....................................................................................................................................................................................................87TURTLE STEAMER .......................................................................................................................................................................................88AMPUTATION ......................................................................................................................................................................................................88ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT ..............................................................................................................................................................................88WORMING .................................................................................................................................................................................................................88HANDLING AND SALMONELLA .........................................................................................................................................89

GLOSSARY .........................................................................................................................................................................................90

SPECIESINTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................................................................92 EASTERN LONG-NECKED TURTLE Chelodina longicollisDESCRIPTION ......................................................................................................................................................................................................93IN THE WILD ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................94Status ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................94IN CAPTIVITY .......................................................................................................................................................................................................95Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability....................................................................95

RANKIN’S TURTLE Chelodina rankiniDESCRIPTION ......................................................................................................................................................................................................97IN THE WILD ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................97Status ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................98IN CAPTIVITY .......................................................................................................................................................................................................98Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability....................................................................98

CANN’S TURTLE Chelodina canniDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................100IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................100Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................101IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................101Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................101

STEINDACHNER’S TURTLE Chelodina steindachneriDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................103IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................103Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................104IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................104Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................104

OBLONG TURTLE Macrodiremys oblongaDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................106IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................106Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................107IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................107Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................107

NORTHERN LONG-NECKED TURTLE Macrochelodina rugosaDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................109IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................109Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................110IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................110Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................110

ARNHEM LAND LONG-NECKED TURTLE Macrochelodina burrungandjiiDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................112IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................112Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................112IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................112Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................112

BROAD-SHELLED TURTLE Macrochelodina expansaDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................114IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................114Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................115IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................115Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................115

MACQUARIE RIVER TURTLE Emydura macquarii macquariiDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................117IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................117Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................118IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................118Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................118

BRISBANE RIVER TURTLE Emydura macquarii signataDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................120IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................120Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................120IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................121Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................121

CLARENCE RIVER TURTLE Emydura macquarii binjingDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................123IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................123Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................123IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................124Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................124

EMMOTT’S TURTLE Emydura macquarii emmottiDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................126IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................126Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................127IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................127Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................127

FRASER ISLAND SHORT-NECKED TURTLE Emydura macquarii nigraDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................129IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................129Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................130IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................130Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................130

HUNTER RIVER TURTLE Emydura macquarii gunabarraDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................132IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................132Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................133IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................133Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................133

KREFFT’S TURTLE Emydura macquarii krefftiiDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................135IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................135Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................136IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................136Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................136

MACLEAY RIVER TURTLE Emydura macquarii dharraDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................138IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................138Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................138IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................139Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................139

SYDNEY BASIN TURTLE Emydura macquarii dharukDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................141IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................141Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................142IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................142Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................142

NORTH-WESTERN RED-FACED TURTLE Emydura australisDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................144IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................144Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................144IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................145Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................145

VICTORIA RIVER TURTLE Emydura victoriaeDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................146IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................146Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................147IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................147Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................147

NORTHERN YELLOW-FACED TURTLE Emydura tanybaragaDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................149IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................149Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................150IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................150Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................150

JARDINE RIVER TURTLE Emydura subglobosaDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................152IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................152Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................152IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................153Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................153

WORRELL’S TURTLE Emydura worrelliDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................156IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................156Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................157IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................157Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................157

SOUTHERN SNAPPING TURTLE Elseya albagulaDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................159IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................159Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................160IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................160Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................160

NORTHERN SNAPPING TURTLE Elseya dentataDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................163IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................163Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................164IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................164Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................164

IRWIN’S TURTLE Elseya irwiniDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................166IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................166Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................166IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................167Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................167

BELL’S TURTLE Wollumbinia belliiDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................169IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................169Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................170IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................170Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................170

SAW-SHELLED or DORSE'S TURTLE Wollumbinia latisternumDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................172IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................172Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................173IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................173Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................173

SOUTHERN SAW-SHELLED TURTLE Wollumbinia dorsiiDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................175IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................176Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................176IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................176Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................176

FITZROY RIVER TURTLE Rheodytes leukopsDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................179IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................180Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................180IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................180Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................180

MARY RIVER TURTLE Elusor macrurusDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................182IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................182Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................183IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................183Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................183

PIG-NOSED TURTLE Carettochelys insculptaDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................185IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................................................................................................185Status ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................186IN CAPTIVITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................186Housing, Diet, Breeding, Ease of Keeping, Availability................................................................186

GLOSSARY .......................................................................................................................................................................................188

REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................................................189

AUSTRALIAN HERPETOLOGICAL GROUPS .................................................190

WILDLIFE AUTHORITY CONTACTS .....................................................................................190

HANDLING METHODS AND HYGIENEIf you want a pet that you can frequently pull out of its enclosure and handle, then a turtle may not be a good choice for you. Some species are more amenable than others and will allow and tolerate limited periodic handling.

The Eastern Long-necked Turtle is perhaps the best suited to handling. This species is able to spend long periods of time out of water and is usually happy to be handled occasionally and even appears to enjoy being allowed to roam freely on a lawn or garden bed. If you are allowing your turtle to wander, make sure it is allowed to do so only under close supervision or it may escape.

Of course, handling your turtle may be necessary at times such as during tank/pond cleaning, relocation or for medical reasons—therefore knowing the correct method of handling a turtle is important.

Most species of turtle can inflict a painful bite, especially those with a beaked mouth such as the Murray River Turtle Emydura macquarii, the Saw-shelled Turtle Wollumbinia latisternum and

the Mary River Turtle Elusor macrurus—to name a few.

Care must be taken when handling these and other species to avoid being bitten—some will actually bite down and hold on, taking some time to release their grip. The Eastern Long-necked Turtle Chelodina longicollis has no sharp teeth or mouth pieces and a bite is relatively painless.

All turtles have very sharp claws and can inflict painful scratches if handled inappropriately.

The sharp mouth of a Macquarie Turtle

Sharp claws on an Eastern Long-necked Turtle

INDOOR HOUSING AQUARIUMS AND FISH TANKSAquariums and fish tanks are probably the most widely used enclosure for housing turtles. They are readily available in many standard and custom sizes from good aquarium dealers. The minimum sized tank as recommended below is reasonably inexpensive.

A tank measuring 90cm long x 45cm wide x 45cm high is recommended as the minimum size for housing a single turtle of most species. The recommended minimum size for housing a pair of turtles is 120cm long x 60cm wide x 60cm high.

The height of the tank you choose is as important as the length and width as it must be high enough to provide ample water depth—a minimum of 30cm—and still have enough room—30–45cm above the water level—to include additions such as a land area or floating dock, heat and UV lights, while preventing inhabitants from escaping.

Some aquariums and pet stores now stock purpose built turtle set up kits. These include almost everything you need to provide adequate housing for your turtle. Ensure that the kit includes a heat light which may need to be purchased separately.

A fish tank is set up in the same manner for all species of turtles. Once you have selected the right tank, it is time to begin preparing it as a suitable long-term home for your turtle. Apart from decorating the tank to suit your own personal tastes, the following are essential requirements—• A filter to maintain good water

quality• A land area where the turtle can

completely exit the water, dry and bask to raise its body temperature

One of the many readymade turtle set ups available

A standard 90cm long fish tank is relatively inexpensive

A turtle set up complete with fake rock background and ledges

WATER REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR HOUSINGFILTRATIONGood water filtration is important in maintaining a healthy turtle. There are many different types of water filters available—some are more suitable for turtles than others.

Most filter designs operate on the same basic principle which incorporates a layer of wool or foam that traps dirt particles. Known as mechanical filtration, this is the part of the system that keeps the water looking clean.

Other designs include a media that is designed to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. This bacterium is responsible for what is termed biological filtration.

As waste from a turtle’s faecal matter and uneaten food builds up in a tank, it breaks down into ammonia (NH3). In basic terms, this ammonia (NH3) is then eaten by good bacteria and converted into nitrite (NO2). The nitrite (NO2) is eaten by another type of bacteria and is converted into nitrate (NO3).

Both ammonia (NH3) and nitrite (NO2) are toxic to turtles and fish. However, after bacteria have converted the nitrite (NO2) into nitrate (NO3) they become relatively harmless and will remain at a safe level as long as the water is changed regularly.

AMMONIA (NH3) NITRITE (NO2) NITRATE (NO3)

Good Bacteria Good Bacteria

It is important that the filter has the capacity to process the total water quantity at least four times every hour. For example, if your tank contains 100 litres of water, the filter needs to have a flow rate of at least 400 litres an hour.

Most filters have been designed to clean tanks containing fish which, compared to turtles, produce relatively low amounts of waste. Turtles are quite messy animals and their faecal matter is a lot larger than that of a fish. Most commercially available turtle foods can also be messy, and therefore when combined with faecal matter this can lead to a high nutrient load being deposited in the tank.

Due to this high nutrient load it is advisable to choose a filter that has a greater flow rate than the minimum turnover of four times an hour. Although you cannot over filter, a unit that is too powerful can create a current that is so strong that your turtle may constantly struggle to swim against the flow.

The two most commonly used filters for turtle tanks are the canister filter and

Noodles and bio-balls are used in filters to promote bacteria growth

Internal filters

HEAT LIGHTSHeat lights are necessary to provide a source of heat for the turtle to bask and increase body temperature. Almost all turtles bask to some degree, with some species spending considerable time doing so.

A heat light should be installed so that it shines down directly onto the provided land area or floating dock.

The most widely used heat light is an incandescent globe in either a bulb style or preferably a small spot-style globe such as an R63, which is the smallest spot-style globe available. Larger sized globes such as the R80 and the R100 may also be fitted, however care must be taken to make sure that overheating is not a problem. This is why a R63 that has a low 40–60 wattage is recommended.

A reflector dome will greatly enhance the performance of the globe by directing most of the heat that would otherwise escape, downwards onto the basking area.

Dichroic globes, such as those used in down lighting, are a good alternative to incandescent globes and are available in 12 and 240 voltage. They have a far longer life than incandescent globes.

A relatively new heat light on the market is a fan forced dichroic light. This is a standard dichroic globe that has a small fan mounted behind it to help distribute most of the heat downwards.

Whatever heat light is used it must be of sufficient wattage to provide a basking area with temperatures of approximately 30°C. Care must be taken to avoid overheating the area and a thermostat can be used to regulate the temperature of the basking area if required.

This group of turtles are about to leave the water to bask

Heat light positioned over land area

DamsSome keepers have taken the concept of a pond to the extreme, constructing purpose built dams for breeding turtles. This design is generally outside the realm of the normal enthusiast. However, if you already have an existing dam on your property, it will probably be suitable for turtles. Consideration will need to be given in regards to keeping out predators such as foxes, cats and dogs. In northern regions of Australia it may be

necessary to install a barrier to prevent access by the poisonous Cane Toad Rhinella marina which can kill turtles if eaten. A fence may also be required to prevent the occupants from escaping.

FILTRATION OF OUTSIDE PONDSFiltration of your outside pond will be necessary to maintain good water quality. It will also help to keep the water clean so that you are able to view the occupants.

Pond filters come in a range of different styles and sizes to suit all types of ponds and are available from aquarium stores, some plant nurseries and irrigation supply stores.

Regardless of the style, they all work on basically the same principle—a combination of mechanical, chemical and biological filtration. (See Filtration on page 37).

Unlike most filters designed for fish tanks, pond filters require a separate pump to push water through the filter and back into the pond. The pump will need to be matched to the size of the filter being used. As with filtering a tank, you want the filter and pump to be capable of turning over the whole water volume at least four times per hour. As turtles can produce high waste loads—as well as the fact that other debris such as leaves and windblown dirt will collect in the pond—it is recommended to use a filter exceeding this capacity.

Algae can be a problem in outside ponds, therefore the inclusion of a UV steriliser may be required. Some filters include a UV steriliser unit. (See UV Sterilisers on page 52.)

Tarpaulines have been used as a temporary measure to prevent water escaping this fenced dam that developed a leak

Laguna Pressure Flo Pond™ filter system with UV steriliser

BREEDINGThe ultimate goal when keeping any animal in captivity is to achieve breeding success. Turtles can be difficult to breed in tanks maintained inside, with most success occurring in outside ponds.

In the past, most turtle hatchlings available from the pet trade were sourced as juveniles or as eggs harvested from nesting banks in the wild and artificially incubated. As more people are keeping turtles, captive breeding has become more common and, as such, captive bred hatchlings are now relatively easy to acquire.

Most species of turtle need to be of considerable age for breeding to take place. The age of the turtle—and to some degree the size—will reflect sexual maturity. In most species, males reach sexual maturity at an age of 8–10 years, while females attain sexual maturity at approximately 10 years of age. However, some species can take considerably longer than this.

Breeding captive turtles is not just a simple matter of placing a male and female together and hoping for the best. Both male and female turtles need to be in peak physical condition in order to breed.

Obviously to have any success, accurate sexing must be used to determine that you actually have a male and female.

SEXINGMost Australian freshwater turtles can be easily sexed once they have reached adult size.

All species are sexually dimorphic—there are visible differences between males and females. The most notable difference in most species is the size between males and females with females attaining a considerably larger size.

Clutch of long-necked turtles hatching

Eastern Long-necked Turtles—male (left) and female

Eastern Long-necked Turtles—male (left) and female

HEALTH AND DISEASES IN TURTLESBY DR ROBERT JOHNSON BVSc MACVSc (Feline Medicine) CertZooMed BA Grad Dip Asian Studies CMAVA

DISCLAIMERThis chapter is designed to help turtle owners understand chelonian diseases. It is neither meant nor designed to take the place of the person best qualified to assist you in the diagnosis and treatment of your turtle—your reptile veterinarian. Neither is it a complete text of chelonian medicine. It cannot be stressed enough—if you have a sick or injured turtle, take it to a veterinarian. Pet shop and ‘herpo’ remedies seldom work, and the time wasted waiting for a response can be the difference between a live turtle and a dead one.

Any treatments or procedures described in this book are meant to help you understand turtle health better. The authors and the publisher accept no responsibility or liability for any person using these treatments without direct veterinary advice.

Supply of Prescription MedicationsEach Australian state and territory has a health department which regulates the supply of prescription drugs (e.g. antibiotics, pain killers and sedatives) to both people and animals.

These regulations clearly state that it is illegal for veterinarians to supply prescription medications for the treatment of animals not under their direct care. ‘Direct care’ means that the veterinarian must have recently examined and diagnosed the animal in question for the disease or condition for which the medication is required. This means that unless the veterinarian has seen your turtle(s) for this disease within the past few months, it is illegal for that veterinarian to dispense any prescription medications.

These regulations exist to protect both people and animals. The indiscriminate use of medications will eventually mean that many of these drugs are rendered useless—immunities build up to their efficacy. Then, when the drug is needed in an emergency, it may not work.

Asking your veterinarian to supply antibiotics or other prescription medication for turtles that they have not seen or treated is asking them to break the law, risking heavy fines and possible deregistration.

Providing juvenile turtles such as this Broad-shelled Turtle with all the essential requirements will help to minimise any health problems as it grows

EASTERN LONG-NECKED TURTLEChelodina longicollis

DESCRIPTION The Eastern Long-tailed Turtle is also known as the Snake-necked Turtle or ‘Stinker’—due to the pungent scent it releases when alarmed or stressed. It is a medium-sized turtle with a carapace length of approximately 260mm. It is oval with slight flaring on the rear of the carapace.

A long neck that can be retracted under the shell for protection is a main feature of this species.

Specimens from south of the Great Dividing Ranges east of Melbourne in Victoria are much narrower and more streamlined in shape than those from regions further north. This may be an adaptation to the fast flowing rivers it inhabits.

Shell colouration varies from light brown to very dark brown.

Note the broader shape and larger size of this Eastern Long-necked Turtle originating from north of the Great Divide (left) compared to the more streamlined southern form

Food items that should be offered include insects such as crickets and Wood Roaches, earthworms, yabbies, shrimps, snails, mudeyes, fish—live and frozen, pinkie mice and mussels.

Limited amounts of chopped red meat may be included but should not be supplied as the sole food source. Chicken or fish are better alternatives.

Vegetables you can offer include spinach, cabbage, pumpkin, zucchini, peas, beans, carrot, tomato, bok choy and sweet potato. Fruits can include apple, grapes, figs and lilly pilly.

Flowers such as rose, hibiscus and water lily may also be eaten. Aquatic plants can be kept in the enclosure at all times, to be eaten at will between main feeds. These turtles will readily accept pellets.

Feed adults an amount equal to the size of their head twice a week. Juveniles should be fed daily.

BREEDING This species readily breeds in captivity, producing up to 20 eggs between November and January. Multiple clutches may be laid (Gough, pers. comm.).

Hatchlings emerge after approximately 60 days of incubation at 30ºC.

EASE OF KEEPINGSouthern Saw-shelled Turtles are easy to keep. They are voracious feeders and grow quickly in their first few years. Adults are hardy and relatively trouble free when housed correctly.

AVAILABILITYThe two distinct Saw-shelled Turtle species W. latisternum and W. dorsii are often confused. Both species are commonly referred to as the Saw-shelled Turtle. I have referred to W. dorsii as the

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Adult Southern Saw-shelled Turtle

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