My basic info
Here's what the humans have to say about me:
I smile all the time, but I especially smile if you give me an earthworm!
I am a 4" sub-adult aquatic African side-necked turtle (also called an African helmeted turtle) in the Baltimore/Parkton, MD, area. I would really like at least a 40 gallon "breeder" style aqurium, or 50 gallon Rubbermaid stock tank (stock tanks - from True Value or Tractor Supply Co - are cheaper than aquariums). A 55 gallon tank would be good, too. I am eating Mazuri and Zoo Med turtle pellets as well as earthworms and insects. I need a tank with lots of hide spots such as artificial plastic or silk plants to feel safe, a "turtle safe" water heater, and a strong filter for the water.
Transport is available to Alexandria, VA, or York, PA.
For ideas on how to prepare an aquarium or pond, visit www.turtleforum.com to chat with other keepers. I DO NOT hibernate, so I can't be outside in the winter, and I need slightly warmer water than a slider (about 75-78 degrees all the time). You can find an aquatic turtle care sheet to learn more about caring for a turtle like me at http://www.matts-turtles.org/care---housing.html and http://nebula.wsimg.com/ae4cb36565545a257b1ff6f17a885dc2?AccessKeyId=A3E784782F81D21389AD&disposition=0&alloworigin=1
Please review our adoption requirements for aquatic turtles at http://www.matts.petfinder.com if interested in adopting me. $10 adoption fee.
How to Adopt: TO REQUEST AN ADOPTION APPLICATION: E-mail matts_adoptions@hotmail.com to request an application. INCUDE YOUR CITY AND STATE IN THE E-MAIL.
Complete the application in full. If you do not have a vet, please explain the reason. Even if you don't have a vet, we request that you find a vet in your area that will see turtles, in the event that you do need a reptile vet in the future.
We need to know that you understand how to care long-term for a turtle or tortoise. This includes the correct size and type of housing, proper food, hiding spots, substrate, lighting, humidity, and water requirements.
On the application, describe IN DETAIL how you intend to care for your new pet. If you currently own turtles or reptiles, please include a picture of your set-up(s) including lighting, basking spots, hiding spots, and any pertinent information that proves you have proper enclosures. Pictures of outdoor enclosures should indicate that the enclosure is escape-proof and watering areas, hiding spots, and the like should be visible. If you're looking to add a turtle or tortoise in with another turtle, please include that in the application.
If you are considering an aquatic turtle, you might consider getting the book, Red-Eared Sliders (Animal Planet Pet Care Library) from TFH Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ (2011), available from http://www.amazon.com
Once you've been approved, we'll let you know, so you can prepare an enclosure for me, then send a picture of the completed enclosure before picking me up.
