Turtle Thursday: Turtle And Tortoise Stress

I'm posting another tip from turtlesale, but the pic above is Jay, the Mississippi Map Turtle. He came from a local pet shop.

This Weeks Topic: Turtle And Tortoise Stress

Did You Know?

Stress is a powerful variable that must be factored into account when evaluating the adaptation of your new Turtle or Tortoise. If your Turtle or Tortoise was wild caught, then the impacts of stress may be much greater than that of a captive breed Turtle or Tortoise. Spatial issues in their new environment, as well, unnatural surroundings can have a direct impact on your Turtle or Tortoise's resistance to infection, appetite and mental health.

In order to safeguard the Turtle or Tortoise from excessive stress levels it will be imperative that you monitor certain stress indicators.

1. The first indicator that must be maintained is the temperature of the water and the basking area.
2. The next indicator is the dietary requirements of your Turtle or Tortoise. Attempting to offer your Turtle or Tortoise food choices that they would come in contact with in the wild is always the preferred choice. While at the same time making sure to offer a variety of choices always proves to be extremely beneficial.
3. Finally, the third indicator that must be maintained is the Turtle or Tortoise's need for privacy. Privacy can be offered by providing a hide box, cave, plants, or rocks. All of these elements can also be aesthetically pleasing to their habitat. Another really important element that falls under the privacy indicator is handling. Stress can be inflicted on a Turtle or Tortoise simply by over-handling.

All of the previously specified indicators must be closely monitored to promote an environment that will allow your Turtle or Tortoise to flourish and thrive.

Some interesting info from turtlesale. Too bad they can't figure out how to ship turtles without killing them. [B2]