Terrapins as pets

Buying a pet and looking after it is a huge responsibility. As a pet owner you must make sure that your pet has somewhere suitable to live that allows them to express natural behaviors like they would in the wild. A correct diet and of course, lots of care and attention are essential. It is important to learn your terrapin’s normal activity level so you can pick up when this changes which may indicate a possible health problem.

The most commonly kept pets are mammals such as dogs, cats, rabbits and hamsters. Humans are mammals too, so we generally find it quite easy to relate to other mammals and to realise when they are unwell or in distress. If you stand on your dog’s paw he will yelp showing signs of pain. If your dog is too cold you will notice that he is shivering and if he is too hot you will notice that he is panting. If he doesn’t eat his dinner you will realise that he is feeling unwell.

Terrapins are reptiles and reptiles are very different from mammals. Your terrapin will not give you such obvious signals to let you know that he is feeling unwell, too hot, too cold, or is in pain. His signs of distress are subtle. It is important to observe your terrapin, recognising normal activity levels. Changes in eating habits could be a sign of disease. Weighing your terrapin weekly helps with early disease detection.

Many of the health problems which occur in terrapins are related to some aspect of their environment or their diet.

Wherever possible buy a captive bred terrapin. Terrapins bought from wild stock are often exposed to, and can carry a wide range of different parasites, bacteria and viruses. Buying a wild caught terrapin also encourages this unethical trade.

Reptiles carry many different bacteria, one of which is salmonella. Although not harmful to them, the bacteria can cause illness in humans. Therefore, it is essential to wash your hands thoroughly after handling all reptiles and handling or consuming food.

During 2017, red eared terrapins were added to the banned list of pets (EU Invasive Alien Species Regulations). This is because this species is highly adaptable and where they have escaped or been freed illegally, they have made a huge impact on their new environment. Such is their success they are competing with and destroying some natural species such as Emys orbicularis. It is now illegal to buy or sell the red eared, yellow bellied or Cumberland terrapin. Terrapins in these groups that are already pets cannot be sold, abandoned or bred. However, it is legal to keep them until they naturally die.

A CITES certificate is issued to protect endangered species and enables the tracking of all animals with the certificate. Be sure to check if your terrapin needs a certificate. Certain species of terrapin must have a CITES if they are to be bought or sold.

Some terrapins are captive bred in other countries and then imported to Britain. Once the terrapin has grown to a length greater than 10 cm, it must have a microchip placed in its leg. This should be done at an exotic veterinary practice. A form is completed and sent to the CITES board. It is illegal to sell or buy these terrapins without a microchip and certificate.

Everybody needs a holiday! When going on holiday ensure the carer of your terrapin fully understands how to care for him.

Try to find a carer that is happy to come to your house to care for him rather than moving your terrapin to a strange new environment elsewhere. Alternatively, it’s worth considering moving your terrapin’s whole vivarium to the carers house if they would prefer to care for your terrapin in their own home. It is important not to mix your terrapin with other terrapins as this can result in disease spread.

If your terrapin is either living in isolation, or in an isolated group, suddenly placing him in an environment where there are other terrapins is dangerous; there is a huge risk of disease spread. Wherever possible, arrange for your terrapin to be cared for at your own home.

There are not many pets that potentially have a life expectancy similar to our own. It is possible that you may have to make provisions for your terrapin in your will! Please remember that terrapin care is specialized, and should they become ill treatment can be expensive. Ensure to research companies that are exotic specific to ensure a good cover and policy for your reptile pet.

Insurance is one way to protect your terrapin and help towards the cost of veterinary care.

At some point you may need to take your terrapin to the veterinarian. Try to choose a veterinarian who has a special interest in reptiles. Some veterinarians choose to take further exams in exotics or zoo medicine so therefore they carry out extra qualifications. If your local veterinary practice are not reptile enthusiasts, they should be able to recommend a veterinarian who is.

If you have difficulty finding a suitable vet you could contact The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons – www.rcvs.org.uk.