It is necessary to bathe regularly both terrestrial and aquatic turtles. Cleaning is important to rehydrate them, eliminate the algae that can be attached to aquatic turtles and the dead cells that are left over from the skin change. The procedure is similar for the two types of turtle, but you need to be more careful with terrestrial ones. Wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning to avoid getting salmonella.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Bathing a Water Turtle
Step 1. Sanitize the pet from time to time
Aquatic turtles are mostly underwater, so they don't need a very thorough cleaning when keeping the aquarium clean. However, it is essential to give it a bath when it starts to develop algae on the hull or during skin change periods to facilitate the removal of dead cells.
- You can see little flakes of skin on the neck, tail and legs when the little animal is changing its skin. It's a natural phenomenon.
- On the other hand, if the turtle is peeling too much, it is possible that there is something wrong with the aquarium or that it is sick. In this case, schedule an appointment with a veterinarian.
Step 2. Use a bathtub for the pet
Turtles can transmit salmonella, which is quite dangerous to humans. Therefore, do not bathe in the sink or in your bathtub. The bacteria are very resistant to disinfectants, so avoid contamination by buying a container just to sanitize your turtle.
A plastic bucket or small tub are great options, as long as they're big enough to accommodate the animal
Step 3. Get the cleaning instruments
You don't need anything but an appropriately sized container, a toothbrush and a mug of warm, preferably non-chlorine, water. Do not use soap or shampoo unless your veterinarian tells you to.
Step 4. Fill the bathtub with water and carefully place the turtle inside
The water should be at room temperature and, if possible, chlorine-free. Add an amount that is enough to at least touch the pet's chin. If you want to let it swim, add more.
Step 5. Scrub the hull
Take a toothbrush and gently brush the entire hull, giving more attention to the dirtiest areas. Remember that turtles have shell sensitivity, so don't put too much force. Brush your paws, tail, neck, being even more careful in these areas. Finally, brush the plastron (belly) with the brush, removing all the algae and debris that are trapped in the scales.
Do not use soap or shine the turtle to avoid hurting it or making it sick
Step 6. Go examining the pet's body while you clean
This is the ideal time to see if there are any injuries or symptoms of an illness. Did you notice anything different? Take her to a vet. Some signs that usually indicate that the animal is sick are: swollen eyelids or ears, abnormal prominences on the body, a hull with a weak color or spots (indications of the presence of fungi).
Step 7. Rinse the turtle and return it to the aquarium
Finished the bath? Rinse it with dechlorinated water using the mug.
Step 8. Be careful when disposing of water
Never dump it in the sink as there is a risk of getting salmonella. Throw it down the toilet or drain and wash your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water.
Method 2 of 2: Bathing a Land or Semi-Aquatic Turtle
Step 1. Wash the turtle frequently
Turtles need to be bathed at least three or four times a week. Some experts recommend a daily bath when the weather is hot.
Step 2. Buy a tub just for the animal
Turtles can transmit salmonella, which is quite dangerous to humans. In this way, do not bathe in the sink or in your bathtub. The bacteria is very resistant to disinfectants, so avoid contamination by buying a container just to sanitize the turtle.
A plastic bucket or small tub is perfect as long as it's big enough to accommodate the animal
Step 3. Get the cleaning instruments
All you need is a bathtub, a toothbrush and a pitcher of warm water, preferably without chlorine. Do not use any soap or shampoo unless your vet recommends it.
Step 4. Gently place the turtle in the bathtub and gradually pour in the water
The water must be at room temperature. Add it until it reaches the pet's chin or leave it a little shallower. Don't go beyond that, because tortoises can't swim and can end up drowning if their heads are submerged. It's a good idea to put a book under one end of the tub so that one part is deeper and the other shallower. So, leave the turtle's head on the shallower side. With their ass immersed in water, they can absorb it and hydrate themselves.
It's best to add the water after the turtle has settled in the bathtub so as not to run the risk of getting too deep
Step 5. Soak the animal
It should be in the water for between ten and 20 minutes. The pet will use this time to rehydrate itself more by absorbing the liquid through the tail and to make necessities.
Most of the time, you don't have to do anything but leave it in the bathtub for a while and rinse it off afterwards. However, rub it once a week
Step 6. Take out the dirty water and fill the container with clean water
Don't forget to remove the pet before throwing the liquid away so it doesn't go with you.
Step 7. Scrub the hull
Carefully brush the entire hull with a toothbrush, giving more attention to the dirtiest areas. Brush your paws, tail, neck, being even more delicate in these parts. Finally, brush the plastron (belly) with the brush, removing any dirt that may have accumulated on the scales.
Step 8. Examine the turtle's body as you wash it
This is the right time to see if she has a bruise or is showing symptoms of an illness. Did you notice anything different? Take her to a veterinarian. Some signs that usually indicate that the animal is sick are: swollen eyelids or ears, abnormal prominences on the body, discolored hoof or spots (signs of fungus).
Step 9. Rinse and dry the turtle
Use warm water and a pitcher for rinsing. Wrap it in a towel and wrap it to dry the body completely. Ready! You can now put the clean and glowing pet back in its playpen.
Step 10. Be careful when disposing of dirty water
Never dump it in the sink as there is a risk of getting salmonella. Throw it in the toilet and thoroughly sanitize your hands with warm, soapy water.