It’s incredible to think about how animals communicate, both with each other and their human companions.
Of course, elephants are known for their excellent memories and penchant for raiding breweries, but more recent studies have shown that they also hold wakes for the dead and have quite a complicated language.
Some reptiles, interestingly, never blink. They are incapable of doing so. Some turtles, however, will blink.
However, that doesn’t mean all kinds of turtles do.
For instance, it’s believed that snapping turtles don’t blink, while red eared sliders do. When they do so, it may be to signify certain issues rather than just clear their eyes, some that may require immediate attention.
In this blog, we’ll go over reasons your turtle may be blinking excessively and what you need to do when you notice it.
The Most Concerning Reason Your Turtle Is Blinking Excessively
If your turtle has the ability to blink, they often do so for the same reason as human beings. However, turtles can also blink their eyes by moving their membranes and when they do, they’re trying to tell you something.
Your turtle is blinking so much because it is in distress. The reason for distress could be unhealthy diet orwrong water temperature in turtle tank.
Specifically, that it’s time to change your turtle’s water. .
Maintaining the water quality in your turtle’s tank is absolutely essential to providing them a healthy habitat in which to thrive.
You must remember, turtles are messy animals, their excretions are floating in that water.
Some are particularly messy eaters, leaving particles of food floating around.
How and When To Change Your Turtle’s Water
It should only take a few hours to actually change the water in your turtle’s tank properly.
You should change it at least once a week, though if you notice the pH levels suddenly reading very high, then do it immediately. Naturally, if you notice your turtle blinking a lot, this should be your first step.
- Use a Big Enough Tank
Generally, the rule is to have ten gallons of water for every inch the turtle has on its shell. However it’s important to remember that, if you got your turtle as a juvenile or younger, it will no doubt grow bigger than it is. You may need to upgrade the size of the tank as it gets older.
Even though turtles are relatively low maintenance compared to dogs and cats, they need a good space to thrive in. And it’s your responsibility to provide it. Some turtle owners have made turning their turtle’s tank into a little private getaway for their friend an actual hobby.
You can become an enthusiast quite easily. All it takes is some wood and knick knacks from the pet store that your turtle can enjoy. Most people use glass aquariums, however they aren’t your only option. A turtle can have a happy existence in a plastic tub. Some people in warm climates even keep them outside.
- Get a Good Tank Top
The top of your turtle’s tank protects it in a number of ways. The most obvious of which is that it stops outside objects from getting in. It also prevents any other animals from getting in, so if you have other pets that might not be friendly to your turtle, it keeps them separated.
And a tank top also can protect your turtle from any heat lamps you may have added around the tank. For this, steel mesh is often recommended. The mesh is heat-proof, making it ideal to keep the rays from directly shining on your pet.
- Get a Good Filter
Getting a proper water filter for your turtle’s tank is incredibly important, as it will filter the water and keep it cleaner for a longer period of time. There are plenty of websites that will recommend various brands, but for the best advice speak to a veterinarian or pet store employee.
- Clean Up Their Leftovers
Turtles are notoriously messy eaters, throwing food around like John Belushi in Animal House. When the food sits in the water, it starts to decay. So quickly fish out any leftovers with a net after every meal. This will help the water stay fresh and not allow the food to grow bacteria that could be harmful.
- Vacuum Often
It’s always necessary to buy an aquarium vacuum for your turtle’s environment, and fortunately they’re relatively inexpensive.
F.A.Q.
Is It Normal For Turtles to Stay In Water For A Long Time?
Some aquatic turtles have been known to stay underwater for over 30 minutes. Others have even been observed for months underwater without having to surface for a single gulp of air. It depends on what kind of turtle you have, but most aquatic turtles are used to spending a lot of their time under the surface.
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