Pet sitting for turtles and tortoises

Pet sitting comes in all different shapes and sizes, and it’s not just cats and dogs we look after at TrustedHousesitters! As a pet sitter, you could also find yourself with reptile as a roomie, so how do you go about taking care of turtles and tortoises?

We’re taking a deep dive into tortoise care and turtle care, so next time you’re pet sitting, you know exactly what to do!

But hold your horses (or should we say, tortoises?)! Let’s clear this up first…

What’s the difference between a turtle and a tortoise?

All tortoises are turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises. Confused? Here’s how to tell difference:

• Turtles spend most of their time in water, but tortoises are land lovers and prefer having their feet on solid ground.
• Tortoises have thick, rounded shells, whereas a turtle’s is thinner, more streamlined, and made for the water.
• Tortoises have thick, strong legs to carry their weight around on land. 
• Turtles have thinner legs and webbed feet, which come in handy in the water.

With more than 350 species of turtle out there, pet sitting can be one shell of an adventure! While each scaly sidekick will come with its own set of needs (which pet parents will fill you in on), here’s some tortoise and turtle care tips to get you started.

How to take care of a turtle

Here’s how to feed your turtle friend, perfect their living space, and keep their little world neat and tidy. Keep in mind that caring for a turtle can differ based on the species and preferences of the pet parents.  

Feeding 

The majority of a turtle’s diet is made up of veggies such as kale, cabbage, and green beans, but fruit like bananas, apples, and kiwi can also be given in moderation. Turtles enjoy eating live food like crickets, mealworms, and waxworms, and small fish can also make for a tasty meal. Some pet turtles are fed specially formulated turtle food, and they may also need a dusting of vitamins and calcium supplements on top of their food. 

Unlike most pets, turtles do not need to be fed daily – every couple of days is usually enough. They should also have access to clean, fresh water to drink. 

Environment

Turtles need water, and not just for drinking! While they spend most of their time swimming and floating around, they also need access to a clean, dry area to rest in.

Turtles love to bask in the sun, and they usually have special heat lamps in their terrariums. Owners might also ask you to take their pet turtles outside for some natural sunlight, as vitamin D keeps their shells strong and sturdy. Always keep an eye on them when they’re outside to make sure they don’t wander off, and set them up with a cool, shady spot for when they need a break from the sun. 

It’s common for the air and water temperature inside the terrarium to be monitored with a thermometer. Pet parents should tell you the optimal temperature for their shelly family member (most likely 18-20°C (64-68°F) in some areas and 30-32°C (86-89°F) in others), and you should always check to make sure equipment like this is working properly.

Cleaning

As a pet sitter, it will be your job to make sure your turtle friend’s habitat is clean and sanitary. Turtles aren’t picky where they do their business, and they swim in the same water they use as a toilet. To keep things fresh and clean, their water should be changed a few times a week, algae should be removed, and a water conditioner may be used. On top of this, water filters should be cleaned every 2-3 days. 

Remember to wash your hands before and after holding turtles or cleaning out their tanks. Turtles can carry salmonella which can easily spread to humans, and keeping their environment clean and tidy is your best chance at preventing this. 

How to care for a baby turtle

Baby turtles (under 7 years old) usually need a little more attention than their grown-up counterparts. 

They need plenty of protein-packed meals to fuel their growth, and their food should be chopped into tiny, bite-sized pieces. 

As well as feeding them more, pet sitters should also pay special attention to baby turtles when they’re swimming. Their water should not be too deep while they’re still learning to swim – never more than an inch deeper than the width of their shell. 

How to care for a pet tortoise 

Caring for tortoises as pets is a little less demanding than turtle care. Here’s how to feed them, make their environment safe and comfortable, and keep things clean. 

Feeding

Tortoises enjoy a diet that closely resembles what they would eat in the wild. Contrary to popular belief, lettuce and cucumber are actually “treats” for tortoises, and should be fed in moderation. Instead, give them a leafy feast of weeds, leaves, and herbs such as watercress, grated carrot, and dandelion, along with small amounts of fruit like strawberries and apples. 

Always rinse their food well to keep it clean and steer clear of anything potentially toxic, such as plants that have grown from a bulb. 

They should also be given plenty of clean, fresh water to drink.

Environment

Unlike turtles, tortoises don’t swim in their water, and prefer living in a dry environment. 

They love the freedom to roam, and usually enjoy being let out of their enclosures to wander around a larger area, often outside. Always make sure the area is secure and supervise your tortoise buddy when they’re on the move – they might be slow, but they can still escape!

The temperature of their enclosures should be maintained at 18-20°C (64-68°F) in some areas and 30-32°C (86-89°F) in others, but pet parents will give you more information on their tortoise’s preferences.

Remember that some tortoises hibernate, and pet parents should give you clear instructions if this is the case.

Cleaning

Tortoise care is a little less demanding than turtle care, but it’s still important to keep their enclosures clean and tidy. Each day, pet sitters should refresh their bedding, clean and refill their water bowls, and remove any uneaten bits of food and droppings.

Tortoises also need to be bathed each week, and pet parents might ask you to gently brush their shells with a toothbrush. Remember to always wash your hands after handling a tortoise or cleaning their enclosure. 

Pet turtle vs tortoise health

Turtles and tortoises might seem low-maintenance, but keeping an eye on their health is always important. 

Health problems to be aware of include:

• Parasites
• Abscesses
• Salmonella
• Vitamin deficiency
• Calcium deficiency
• Respiratory disease 
• Shell infections
• Shell fractures
  

Watch out for symptoms such as swollen eyes, discoloration of shell, and lack of appetite, and contact the vet if you have any concerns. By keeping their environment clean, feeding them correctly, and maintaining the correct temperature, your shelly friend should stay happy and healthy under your care.