Turtles and Tortoises for Dummies

by Palika, Liz

• ISBN13: 9780764553134
• ISBN10: 0764553135
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-03-15
• Publisher: For Dummies

Summary

Find out about your turtle or tortoise's special needs The information you need to raise a thriving chelonian This fun guide will help you choose the perfect turtle or tortoise for your lifestyle and give it the care it needs to thrive. Turtle and tortoise expert Liz Palika provides clear, step-by-step instructions on how to set up a tank, maintain proper water conditions, and feed and care for your chelonian. Discover how to: Select the appropriate turtle or tortoise Provide a suitable environment Care for a variety of species Supply a satisfying and healthy diet Create an indoor or outdoor home The Dummies Way Explanations in plain English " Get in, get out" information Icons and other navigational aids Tear-out cheat sheet Top ten lists A dash of humor and fun Get smart! www.dummies.com Attention pet owners! Get free Dummies Daily e-mail newsletters Sign up for tips on a variety of pets Keep your pet healthy and content -- the Dummies Way

Author Biography

Liz Palika is the author of over 20 pet care books. She lives with a variety of turtles and tortoises, including sulcata and leopard tortoises and Gulf Coast box turtles.

Table of Contents

Introduction	1	(6)
Part I: Deciding Whether a Turtle or Tortoise Is Right for You	7	(48)
Understanding Chelonians	9	(10)
Understanding What Turtle and Tortoise Ownership Requires of You	19	(16)
Choosing the Right Turtle or Tortoise for You	35	(14)
Finding Your Turtle or Tortoise	49	(6)
Part II: The Who's Who of Turtles and Tortoises	55	(90)
Aquatic Turtles	57	(14)
Semi-Aquatic Turtles	71	(14)
Semi-Terrestrial and Terrestrial Turtles	85	(14)
North American Box Turtles	99	(12)
Small Tortoises	111	(12)
Medium-Sized to Large Tortoises	123	(8)
Really Big Tortoises	131	(6)
Special Tortoises	137	(8)
Part III: Welcome Home! Creating a Safe and Healthy Environment	145	(46)
Making a Home for an Aquatic or Semi-Aquatic Turtle	147	(10)
Making an Indoor Home for a Terrestrial Turtle or Small Tortoise	157	(8)
Keeping a Turtle or Tortoise Outdoors	165	(8)
Lighting Up Your Chelonian's World	173	(4)
Keeping Your Turtle or Tortoise Warm and Toasty	177	(8)
Water: The Magic Liquid	185	(6)
Part IV: Open Wide! Turtle and Tortoise Health	191	(64)
Making Sure Your Pet Eats the Right Things	193	(20)
Monitoring Your Turtle's or Tortoise's Health	213	(16)
Breeding Your Chelonians	229	(20)
Sleeping the Winter Away	249	(6)
Part V: The Part of Tens	255	(18)
Ten Turtles and Tortoises That Make Great Pets	257	(4)
Ten Turtles and Tortoises That May Be Difficult to Care For	261	(4)
Ten Ways to Keep Your Pet Healthy	265	(4)
Ten Common Mistakes to Avoid	269	(4)
Appendix A: Chelonian Terms and Scientific Names	273	(8)
Appendix B: Sources of Things Chelonian	281	(2)
Index	283