One of the most frequently asked questions regarding freshwater turtles is how old is my turtle? and How to determine the age of a turtle? Turtles are very hard to age, but there are a few different techniques that can help you estimate their age. To make it a little easier for you to determine how old your turtle(s) are, I’ll go through each technique and give you some tips on how to determine the approximate age of your turtle using not only one technique, but two. Hopefully this will help you figure out how old your turtle(s) are.
To take care of an animal in the most beautiful way, it is essential to know its age. The tortoise does not escape this logic. Indeed, according to their age, certain tortoises need a rather particular follow-up to guarantee their growth harmoniously.
What You Should Know About Turtles
Turtles have the particularity to have an exceptional life experience. Certain species are reputed to live more than one century. Also, it is not surprising to find turtles that have seen more than two generations of members of the same family.
To find species with the most incredible life expectancy, take a trip to the Galapagos Islands, and you won’t be disappointed. In this territory of Ecuador, we can find turtles that are around 250 years old or more.
In a general way, it is necessary to know that the life expectancy of a tortoise varies from a species to the other. Besides, the environment of life of a tortoise has in a inevitable way an impact on its development. Also, a tortoise evolving in domestic environment is different from the one living in a wild environment.
How Long Do Pet Turtles Live For
Turtles are among the most popular pets for humans. To live in their presence as long as possible, it is necessary to know that their environment of life influences greatly their life expectancy. Also, some species that stand out through their life expectancy can die very easily if they are deposited in environments particularly different to their usual living environments.
In a domestic context, it is recommended a specific organization and a specific installation adapted according to the species which you wish to accomodate. Particularly silent, the tortoises are not harmful for the house. Their presence will not have any impact on your well-being at home. On the contrary, this pet will bring you a lot of warmth at home.
What To Know Before Getting a Turtle
When welcoming your pet into your home, be aware that due to their long life expectancy, you will be caring for these adorable animals over a long period of time. Knowing their lifestyle, their diet, and regular visits to the veterinarian will help you keep your pet in excellent health. And for as long as possible.
This mark of attention and the treatment that you give them are the pledge of a longer life expectancy. According to whether it is an aquatic or terrestrial turtle, it is recommended to recommend an adequate equipment. To equip the house of an aquarium or a terrarium according to the case can prove to be of a great utility. For the aquatic species, to take care of the quality of the water, and the hygiene of the shelters of the tortoise is essential.
An essential rule as regards maintenance of the tortoises, it is to give them enough spaces to move in all peace. It is a determining criterion for their development. To that is added a specific mode of feeding according to the species of tortoise, but especially according to the phase of their growth.
How To Calculate The Age of The Turtle?
For a meticulous follow-up, it is important that the tortoise is installed in a domestic setting. It will be thus very easy for you to calculate its age. Indeed, the exercise seems more difficult when the animal is in the nature.
The most used technique to determine the age of a tortoise consists in observing the lines present on its carapace. Indeed, the young turtle presents fine lines on the plates of its carapace. When it becomes older, these plates or striations of growth become more numerous and the lines also multiply. Also, to estimate the age of the torture, it is sometimes advised to count the lines present on its carapace.
Taking care of your turtles is the key to guarantee a better life expectancy for them. Also, do not hesitate to inform you or surround you with specialist’s councils in the breeding tortoises to ensure them a peaceful and long existence in good health.
How To Tell a Turtle’s Age
Unlike other animals it is nearly difficult to figure out how old your turtle is. This difficulty is mainly a reason of not knowing its real date of birth.
Method to figure out how old is your turtle:
Counting Rings
Counting rings on the belly of your turtle is a prevalent method or representation to figure out turtle is hungry or not. Comparing your turtle to other turtle is another method to know how old is your turtle. To assess the turtle’s age, count the rings on its scutes. Keep in mind that this approach can only have a preliminary approximation. Rings form as turtles go through times of feast and famine.
Rings Inside The Scute
The rings inside the scutes will normally vary between broader rings of one colour and smaller rings of another colour. The larger ring, in principle, reflects a time of healthy food, usually the summer. The smaller ring, on the other hand, indicates shortage, which often occurs during the winter. To get an approximation of the turtle’s age, count the rings and divide them by two. Make an educated guess about the turtle’s age after counting the rings. For example, if the turtle has 14 rings, you can assume it is 7 years old, and every 2 rings could signify a year. Whether in captivity or the wild, a turtle will have rings.
When the rings get closer and closer together after 15 years, it becomes more difficult to tell the date.
The Size Of the Turtle
The size of a turtle, especially if it is young, will reveal its age. Start by weighing it from tip to tail so you get a simple sense of how large it is. Attempt to get the turtle to stand still so you can weigh with a ruler. A tasty reward will encourage the turtle to take its head out of its shell.
Lookup a growth map for the species you’re interested in. Be sure to choose the own turtle since even turtles of the same name will come in various sizes. You should look up information about your turtle’s species online or in a library book. A southern painted turtle, for example, seldom grows larger than 6 inches (15 cm), while a large western painted turtle can reach 8 inches.
Captive-bred turtles mature more quickly than their wild counterparts. It’s worth noting that the turtle’s increased size may offer the wrong idea about its age. Look at the turtle in comparison to the size map until you’ve selected one. If your turtle hasn’t reached full size yet, you may be able to guess its age.
