Turtles have captivated people’s imagination for ages with their unique appearances and behaviors. As reptiles, they spend much of their lives in and around water. But do turtles actually need water to survive?
The short answer is yes: turtles require access to water for many essential bodily functions.
In this approximately 3000 word article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the aquatic needs of turtles. We’ll cover topics like why turtles need access to water, how much water different turtle species require, what happens if a turtle doesn’t get enough water, and how to ensure pet turtles have adequate access to water.
Why Turtles Need Access to Water
There are several key reasons why turtles require access to aquatic environments. Their physiology and behavior are adapted to spending considerable time in the water for crucial activities like thermoregulation, feeding and foraging, and predator avoidance.
Thermoregulation
As ectotherms, turtles rely on external sources to regulate their body temperature. Accessing water allows them to both warm up and cool down as needed. On hot days, turtles enter ponds, rivers, and streams to lower their body heat.
In cooler weather, basking in shallow waters raises their temperature to optimal levels.
In particular, aquatic turtles depend heavily on water to moderate body temperature. Species like red-eared sliders spend over 12 hours submerged on hot summer days. Without water access, these turtles risk overheating, compromised immunity, and even death.
Feeding and Foraging
Feeding and foraging are other turtle activities closely tied to aquatic systems. Most turtles are omnivores, consuming items like fish, frogs, snails, aquatic vegetation, and fallen fruit near shorelines.
Terrapins, for instance, feed on mollusks in brackish coastal waters up to 90% of the time. And certain specialized softshell turtles even ambush passing fish and aquatic invertebrates. Denying access to bodies of water cuts off major food sources for many turtle species.
Predator Avoidance
Finally, water provides security for turtles against land-based predators like raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Still waters enable stealthy hiding spots in muddy bottoms or beneath lily pads and reeds.
Studies show hatchling turtles suffer very high mortality on open land compared to more protected aquatic sites. And during nesting season, mother turtles demonstrate strong orientation toward shorelines to deposit eggs closer to the relative safety of water.
Water Needs for Different Turtle Species
Semi-Aquatic Turtles
Semi-aquatic turtles like box turtles and tortoises spend most of their time on land, but do require access to water for soaking and hydration. They receive most of their hydration from the food they eat, but will soak in shallow water to increase hydration when necessary.
Examples of semi-aquatic species are box turtles, desert tortoises, and wood turtles.
Semi-aquatic turtles need a water dish or small container of water available at all times to soak in. This allows them to immerse their bodies and rehydrate when needed. The water should be dechlorinated and shallow – just deep enough for the turtle to soak its entire body.
Ensure the container has ramps or shallow areas so the turtle can easily climb out. Change the water frequently to keep it clean. In addition, provide a dry basking area for the turtle to completely dry off after soaking.
Marine Turtles
Marine turtles like green sea turtles and hawksbill sea turtles spend nearly their entire lives in ocean waters, only coming on shore periodically to bask and lay eggs. They are highly adapted to live in aquatic marine environments.
As habitat specialists, marine turtles require constant access to ocean waters to meet all their hydration needs. They have special glands which allow them to drink saltwater safely. Adults will migrate long distances between feeding grounds and nesting beaches.
Young marine turtles are completely pelagic until reaching adulthood, drifting passively in major ocean currents and seeking shelter in floating seaweed rafts.
| Turtle Species | Salt Glands Function |
|---|---|
| Green sea turtle | Ecrete excess salt from body from drinking seawater |
| Hawksbill sea turtle | Filter out and excrete salt to allow hydration |
Side-Necked Turtles
Side-necked turtles like eastern snake-necked turtles inhabit static freshwater areas like ponds and spend nearly all their time in water. They require permanent access to freshwater habitats to meet hydration needs.
Side-necked turtles do not have special adapations for salt excretion so can only utilize freshwater sources. Adults seldom leave the ponds and rivers where they reside. Hatchlings may overwinter buried in mud underwater before emerging in spring.
These species are found predominately in Australia and South America.
Habitat loss threatens many side-necked turtle species. The World Wild Fund (WWF) estimates 35% of freshwater turtle species are currently at risk (WWF Freshwater Turtles). Conservation efforts creating protected wetland preserves help provide the permanent still or slow-moving freshwater ecosystems these turtles need.
Health Risks from Lack of Water Access
Dehydration
Just like any other animal, turtles need access to water to avoid dehydration. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in, resulting in an imbalance of electrolytes and minerals. Turtles receive the majority of their water from their aquatic environment.
If they are denied access to water for prolonged periods, they can become seriously dehydrated.
According to reptile veterinarians, the signs of dehydration in turtles include sunken eyes, lethargy, wrinkled skin, and a slowed heart rate. As dehydration worsens, the turtle’s bodily functions will begin to fail.
Without intervention, severe dehydration can lead to shock, organ failure, and even death.
Aquatic turtles are especially prone to dehydration when removed from water. A 2014 study published in The Journal of Experimental Biology found that small aquatic turtles, like red-eared sliders, can lose up to 5% of their body weight per day when denied access to water.
Larger turtles fare better, but still run the risk of dehydration without proper water sources.
Poor Shell Health
Lack of water can also lead to poor shell health in turtles. The scutes (outer keratin plates) on a turtle’s shell require moisture to stay smooth and hydrated. When turtles don’t have access to water, their scutes can become dry, brittle, and flaky.
This not only impacts the turtle’s appearance, but also leaves the shell prone to infections.
Additionally, algae and other microorganisms can build up on the shell when it is not regularly soaked and cleaned. Shell rot, a condition where parts of the scutes begin to decay, can occur if long-term shell grime is left untreated.
Providing adequate water access allows turtles to soak their shells and maintain good shell hygiene.
Egg-Laying Difficulties
Female turtles that are gravid (carrying eggs) require frequent soaking in water to ensure healthy egg development. The eggs draw calcium and other minerals from the mother turtle’s body. If a gravid turtle is denied water access, she may struggle to provide the eggs with adequate nutrition and hydration.
Lack of water can also cause complications when it is time for the female to dig a nest and lay the eggs. Turtles often won’t nest in dry soil and require loose, moist earth to successfully deposit their eggs.
Furthermore, without water to moisten and lubricate the oviduct, the turtle may have difficulty laying her eggs normally.
Providing pregnant female turtles with a water-filled nesting box and keeping their habitat humid gives the best chance for healthy egg development and laying. According to the Southwestern Herpetologists Society, egg-binding and dystocia (difficult egg-laying) are potential consequences of water deprivation in gravid turtles.
Providing Proper Water Access for Pet Turtles
Aquatic Habitats
When it comes to providing the right aquatic habitat for pet turtles, there are a few key factors to consider. First, most turtles require a habitat with both land area and water area – they need a place to swim as well as a dry basking area.
The size of the habitat depends on the species and size of the turtle, but generally larger is better. For example, an adult red-eared slider needs an aquarium or stock tank of at least 55-75 gallons. Make sure the water area is deep enough for the turtle to swim in – at minimum 2-3 times the length of the turtle.
The water should be dechlorinated and kept clean with a strong filtration system.
Aquatic turtles also require special lighting – they need UVB light for healthy shell growth and heat lamps for basking. The basking area should be dry with a heat lamp above it and a temperature around 85-95°F. Adding rocks, logs or ramps makes it easy for the turtle to climb up and bask.
Substrate like aquarium gravel should not be used as turtles may accidentally ingest it. Instead, bare-bottomed tanks work best.
Semi-Aquatic Enclosures
For semi-aquatic turtle species like box turtles, adequate access to water is still crucial. A good habitat provides a water tub or pool on one side of the enclosure and dry land on the other. The tub should be sturdy and too deep for the turtle to climb out.
Water needs to be dechlorinated and regularly changed to prevent bacterial growth. Provide at least 2-4 inches of water so the turtle can soak if desired. Ramps can help the turtle get in and out easily.
The dry area needs several inches of substrate like reptile bark to allow digging. Placing logs, rocks, and live or artificial plants provides enrichment. A basking lamp over the dry side creates a temperature gradient – about 78°F on the cool end and 90°F basking area. UVB lighting is also important.
The enclosure size depends on number/size of turtles, but a good rule of thumb is about 10 gallons per inch of shell length per turtle.
Outdoor Enclosures
For owners able to provide an outdoor habitat, this is ideal as it offers natural sunlight. Ponds are excellent for aquatic turtles – they need to be at least 18-24 inches deep with underwater rocks and logs for basking. Building rock or gravel ramps allows exit.
A pond filter and routine water changes are a must. Wire mesh over the pond prevents escape.
For box turtles, creating a naturalistic pen works well. Use buried fencing to prevent digging out – at least 12 inches deep. The enclosure needs areas to dig, hide, and soak. Leaves, grass, mulch and native plants provide enrichment. Be sure to provide shade as well as sunny spots.
Bring the turtle inside during cold winter months if temperatures drop below 50°F.
Outdoor pens still require set-up of lighting and heat lamps in sheltered areas for basking spots. And any outdoor habitat needs to be securely predator and pest-proof. With good outdoor enclosures, pet turtles can thrive with near-natural habitats.
Conclusion
In summary, access to adequate water is indeed vital for a turtle’s survival and health. Both aquatic and semi-aquatic turtles utilize water to control body temperature, hunt prey, escape predators, mate, lay eggs, and more.
Each species has specific considerations when it comes to water type, depth, temperature, and other factors.
By understanding why turtles need water and how much they require, turtle owners and conservationists can work to ensure all turtles thrive with proper access to their aquatic environments.
