How do I properly set up a safe and healthy habitat for my turtle?

What you have appears to be an aquatic/semi-aquatic species of turtle. Basic requirements include a tank of at least 10 gallons initially, a water heater, a water filter, a basking area out of the water, a heat lamp and a UVB light source.

Hello, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It would help to know what type of turtle you have, as the best housing setups will differ a bit from one species to another. However, the short answer is YES - they can absolutely feel cold! Since a turtle can't regulate its own temperature, they are quite sensitive to the temperature of their environment, and if they are too cool they won't eat or digest well. It is important to have a thermometer in your turtle's environment so you can regulate the temperature and make adjustments as needed. Most turtles will have a heat lamp to provide temperature gradient in their enclosure. Hope this helps!

If you post another question with images of Nala and Simba attached, we can possibly identify the species. This would make it easier for us to provide correct care information. In general, aquatic turtles need: a tank, clean water, a submersible heater, an area out of the water for basking, a heat source, a UVB light source and proper food. Two babies will be fine in a 10 gallon tank for now (20 gallons would be better), but as they grow, so their tank must grow. Ideally, you want to provide 10 gallons of water per inch of turtle as a general guideline. This means you may be looking at a 100 gallon tank or larger when they are full grown.Please don't release them into the wild after reading that! The water level should be no deeper than twice the length of their shells. That will increase as they grow and become adept swimmers. Most species do well in water that is kept about 80 F. A heat lamp can provide an area for basking near 90 F. A UVB light provides beneficial rays to aid in vitamin D synthesis and calcium utilization. Diet depends on the species, but for now, commercial pellets, fresh greens, vegetables will suffice. Let us see what kind of turtles you have and we can provide more detailed information for their care.

Hello. This is a common Red Eared Slider & there is a ton of information available online, in books & at pet stores on the proper care of these turtles. Please inform yourself the best you can to give this little guy the best chance possible to have a long life. They can make very good pets. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Great question! Yes, a 24 gallon tank is too small. Map Turtles like to swim a lot so therefore, they need a lot of space. A full grown Map Turtle will need at least a 75 gallon tank. Be sure to include a dry basking area. It is recommended that you have a sloped ramp leading up the basking area to allow for easy access. Hope this answers your question. Best wishes.

An adult slider should have at least 10 gallons of water per inch of shell length. Bigger is always better though, so if budget and space allow then try for a 75 or even 90 gallon tank. Provide a UVB light source unblocked by glass, plexiglass or fine mesh. Heat sources (for the water and for basking out of the water) are also necessary. A basking platform out of the water should be provided. Use a filter that is rated for at least twice the volume of any tank you choose. This will help maintain water quality. You can read more about keeping sliders at the links below. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Red-Eared-Slider-Care-Sheet/

Thanks for reaching out about your turtle. There is no such thing as too big a tank, but the minimum will be determined by the size of the animal, and will change as it grows. The larger the water volume, the more stable the water quality. Turtles will probably need a water heater, haul out area, basking lamp with heat and ultraviolet B radiation. Good luck.