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There are a few aspects of turtle keeping that any new owner should be able to recognize when screening for breeders.
The first of these aspects is diet, which is especially important for turtles since their dietary requirements are so diverse.
Turtles generally are not capable of getting their daily nutrition from a staple diet with no additional supplementation.
In addition to a balanced pellet or gel diet, turtles should have a vitamin and mineral supplement in the form of a powder, which can be sprinkled on top of their food daily.
Additionally, they should eat fresh vegetables daily.
An ideal turtle breeder will be able to describe a healthy daily routine for feeding their turtles.
Additionally, it is important for turtle breeders to maintain a healthy environment for their turtles.
This environment should cater specifically to the type of turtle.
Water turtles prefer to live in large, deep aquariums with clean water and copious room for swimming.
Since they defecate in the water frequently, it should be changed out on a daily basis and have heavy filtration to prevent the water quality from becoming bad.
Land turtles prefer habitats with dry substrate and larger amounts of horizontal space to utilize, which will give them room to move freely.
They also appreciate a shelter space where they can hide, sleep or get away from stressors they can perceive outside of the cage.
Most breeders who have a good handle on their work will also be familiar with the behavior patterns of healthy turtles, as well as the patterns that sickly turtles may display.
These patterns are important to recognize, since they are very good indicators of whether a turtle is thriving and can indicate whether something different needs to be done in their care.
A good breeder should be able to show any new owner what a thriving turtle looks like, and will be able to explain articulately what warning signs can indicate that a turtle is sick or failing to thrive.
For instance, healthy turtles will be active and exhibit a healthy diet and curiosity about their surroundings, while turtles that are not thriving may be inactive or reluctant to move.
In addition to being a good source for a first turtle and beginning information for care, an ideal breeder will also provide an ongoing source of information for owners who become more serious about their turtles later.
These breeders may also have connections into local turtle breeding chapters or organizations, providing even more connections and opportunities for informational exchange.
They may provide timely information about nutritional or scientific developments regarding the care of turtles.
While choosing to obtain a turtle from a breeder obviously has the benefit of obtaining a guaranteed healthy young turtle, connections to respectable turtle breeders are also a valuable connection in the years following the purchase.
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