Pet Punter

Archive for January, 2011

Soft-Shelled Turtles: Turtles vary quite widely in their requirements. Some, notably soft-shelled turtles are highly aquatic by nature, spending virtually their whole lives in water. This behavior needs to be reflected in the design of their enclosure. They are also very territorial and aggressive, and even if you acquire two hatchlings at the same time then, almost inevitably as time passes, one will start to grow at a faster rate, and will start to bully its companion. Fights can often prove to be fatal because these leathery-shelled turtles are very susceptible to fungal infections if they sustain damage to their bodies. They are more aggressive than other turtles and are carnivorous in their feeding habits. Adults will frequently reach more than 30 cm in long.

Siamese Temple Turtle: Much more placid by nature is the Siamese temple turtle which is an attractive, gentle Asiatic species. It is back in color, with large, pale yellow spots. These turtles are also aquatic by nature, especially as hatchlings. They are relatively small in size, even when adult, attaining a shell length of approximately 20 cm. Their accommodation should incorporate a basking area where they can come out on to land, even though they are largely aquatic. Feedings is quite straightforward. As Siamese temple turtles grow larger, it is possible to distinguish the sexes. Males have larger, chunkier heads than females, with the space from the base of the tail to the ano-genital opening being longer than in the female.

Standard show cages for gerbils are essential for serious exhibitors. For pet classes, however, the gerbils’ regular home can be used, although you should cut down on the bedding for the show, so that the judge will be able to see your entry easily. It is also very important that the judge will be able to handle your gerbil without difficulty. If you hope to show your pet gerbil, you will need to train it when it is young to get it used to handling.

An otherwise excellent entry will be penalized if exhibited in a dirty or chipped show cage. It is important to maintain show cages or pens in top condition by washing them out after each show. After they have dried, keep them dust free by storing them in plastic bags until required again.