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This site is last modified on 09/01/2003

Characteristics

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Terrapins belong to a group of animals called reptiles, which include turtles, tortoises, lizards, snakes, etc. Terrapins  and turtles are good swimmers while tortoises stay mostly on land. Terrapins are cold blooded and lay eggs, but they cannot control their body temperature. They depend on the surroundings to warm themselves up. The only type of pet terrapin allowed in Singapore is the red-eared slider, which has two stripes along its head and grow up to 20-28cm in length. Terrapins are not a cuddly pet and do like to be touched or picked. So, if watching your pet is not enough, terrapins may not be the right pet for you. They enjoy swimming and basking in the sun. Terrapins can live more than 20 years, so make sure you are able to take care of them for that period of time and please DO NOT abandon them halfway. 

Necessities

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Food

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Terrapins are omnivores that eat both meat and plant matters but wen they grow older, they would prefer plant matters. Terrapins, like us humans, need to maintain a balanced diet, so do not feed them only one kind of food. But remember not to feed them too much or they will get fat and unhealthy. Try to maintain a constant feeding time.

Health

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Terrapins may be sleeping all the time and not eating their food when they are sick. If your terrapin is sick, you need to take them to an animal doctor, known as a veterinarian. A veterinarian would be able to answer all your questions about your terrapin.

Taking care of them

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If you have more than one terrapin, ensure sufficient space or they might fight and injure themselves. Remove any unfinished food as they might dirty the tank very fast and cause it to smell. It is best to clean the tank everyday but if you really do not have that time, you can feed your terrapins in a separate container. Wash your hands properly after you touch your terrapin as terrapins carry a kind of bacteria called "Salmonella spp" which can give you diarrhoea.