How to Keep a Yellow-Headed Turtle? Detailed Guide to Care Methods and Precautions

The yellow-headed turtle, also known as the yellow-headed side-necked turtle or ninja turtle, is one of the better-looking and easier-to-keep turtles among turtle species. Nowadays many people keep a few at home to bring in wealth, so how do you keep a yellow-headed turtle?

1. Choosing a tank

The size of the turtle tank depends on the size of the turtle. Generally, beginners can buy a turtle tank of slightly better quality; even if you cannot keep it alive later, it can still be used to keep fish or something. It is suggested that you buy the equipment in advance when keeping turtles, and it is best to disinfect the bought fish tank with potassium permanganate beforehand for later use in keeping turtles.

2. Finding a location

The yellow-headed turtle has the effect of extending life and bringing in wealth, so placing it in a good position is very important. The specific placement should be determined by someone who understands feng shui, but I do not recommend placing it in a place with relatively abundant sunlight; over time, cleaning off the moss becomes a huge project.

3. Setting up the equipment

(1) Clean the equipment thoroughly and install it, then add water to a suitable level. The water level is best close to the basking platform but must not cover it, because then placing the basking platform would be completely meaningless.

(2) The basking lamp should be positioned so that the light shines on the basking platform, but not too close. Yellow-headed turtles love to climb onto the basking platform to bask their shells; otherwise, after basking a little too long they will get burned.

(3) Turn on the filter and the light. Household water generally passes through a filter; keeping the water moving helps the chlorine in the water dissipate. If conditions permit, you can put the water under the sun for two days before using it.

(4) Turn on the heating rod. The water temperature is best kept at around 25 degrees. If it is sick with pneumonia, a cold, or the like, raise it to around 30 degrees. Everyone is strongly advised not to put in too many landscape stones, ornaments, and such. Yellow-headed turtles are too active; the small ornaments I put in were all pushed around by it as toys. If you want to give it toys, do as you like.

4. Management techniques after entering the water

After the yellow-headed turtle enters the water, you need to observe it more. If it stays in one place without moving, it may be adjusting to the environment; do not disturb it too much. Basically, after a day or two it will be familiar with the environment and be fine. Do not rush to feed it. Many friends like to feed their turtles, but the first 3 days are not suitable for feeding. Wait until the turtle has adapted to the environment before feeding. Do not feed too much at one time; it is best if it finishes eating within 10 minutes. If it does not finish, be sure to scoop the food out; leaving it in the water will affect water quality and cause the turtle to get sick.

Overall, the yellow-headed turtle is still quite easy to keep. As long as you choose a good turtle tank, feed it well, and keep the water clean, it can be kept alive.