With their interesting shells and slow, deliberate demeanors, turtles are intriguing creatures. The more you know about turtles, the more fascinated you’ll be as you watch your pet enjoy life in the slow lane. With colorful photos, charts, and tables, this guide covers the basics, including:
* Choosing your turtle–terrestrial or aquatic
*
Setting up a tank with the right environment
*
Essential equipment and supplies
*
Maintaining the proper temperature, lighting, and humidity
*
Feeding and caring for your turtle
Table of Content
Part I: All About Turtles.Chapter 1: What Is a Turtle?
The Biology of Turtles and Tortoises.
Chelonian Anatomy.
Turtle Reproduction.
Chapter 2: Turtle History.
Reptile Evolution.
The Turtle’s Early Ancestors.
The Appearance of Modern Turtles.
Chelonian Ecology.
Chapter 3: The Best (and Worst) Turtles for Beginners.
The Best Turtles for Beginners.
The Worst Turtles for Beginners.
Part II: Caring for Your Turtle.
Chapter 4: Choosing Your Turtle.
Where to Get Your Turtle.
How to Choose a Healthy Turtle.
Quarantine.
If Things Don’t Work Out.
Chapter 5: Housing Your Turtle.
Terrestrial Turtles.
Aquatic Turtles.
Chapter 6: Feeding Your Turtle.
Terrestrial Turtles.
How to Feed Your Tortoise.
Aquatic Turtles.
Chapter 7: Keeping Your Turtle Healthy.
Finding a Veterinarian.
Salmonella.
Wounds.
Respiratory Infections.
Intestinal Infections.
Hibernation.
Parasites.
Cloacal Prolapse.
Visceral Gout.
Skin and Shell Problems.
Beaks and Claws.
The Calcium Balancing Act.
Part III: Turtles in Our World.
Chapter 8: Your Turtle’s Behavior.
How Smart Are Turtles?
Handling Your Turtle.
Holding Your Turtle.
Transporting a Turtle.
Kids and Turtles.
Chapter 9: Chelonian Conservation.
Herpetological Societies.
Captive Breeding.
Legal Protections.
Appendix: Learning More About Your Turtle.
Some Good Books.
Magazines.
Herpetological Societies and Associations.
Internet Resources.
Index.
About the author
LENNY FLANK JR., has kept more than 100 different species of reptiles over the past twenty-five years. He is the author of five books on reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates, and has written articles forReptiles Magazine and
Reptile and Amphibian Hobbyist magazine.
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