If you own a pet turtle or want to own one in the near future, you are probably wondering what sort of toys are available for pet turtles. Before we share our list of our favorite toys for turtles, we want to explain why toys are so important for turtles.
Turtle Toys for Pet Turtles
The best turtle toys for pet turtles are Resin Reptile Platform, BigTron Turtle Platform, Turtle Step Ledge, Turtle Pier, and the Floating Aquarium Log.
Turtle toys can come in many different forms, ranging from obstacles, bridges, and decorations. Essentially, a toy for your pet turtle can be anything that adds excitement to your turtle’s life and draws their interest.
PINVNBY Resin Reptile Platform
This reptile platform is one of the coolest additions you can add to your turtle tank. The platform has a very realistic touch, and provides your turtle with a taste of their natural environment. The platform has a flat bottom so you can easily place it anywhere inside your tank. The size of the platform is 7.1 x 6.3 x 3.9 inches. If you put the platform on a dry portion of your tank, you can add water to the little pool area and offer your turtle a place to rest.
The BigTron Turtle platform is a great option if your tank has a lot of water. The wood easily attaches to the side of the tank glass, allowing you to position it precisely at the top of the water. This platform gives your turtle the ability to climb on a floating object just like they would in the wild. The dimensions of the platform are 7.87 x 3.54 x 0.79 inches, and it is made of PU foam that doesn’t stain your water. The platform is attached by four suction cups which keep the platform sturdy, even when your turtle lays on top of it.
Turtle Step Ledge for Aquariums
The turtle step ledge is a great option, especially if you have a larger turtle. The ledge’s dimensions are 8.25 x 11 x 4 inches. The rocks are hand painted with great detail. This gives the platform a beautiful, natural look that will surely fit in to your turtle’s habitat. The best part about this ledge is that you can put it on dry land or underwater. The ledge is perfect if you have fish, as it can offer a place for your fish to swim through, as well as an area for your turtle to climb. The rock ledge is made from non toxic poly resin that is very durable.
This ramp ladder platform is an excellent toy to encourage your turtle to exercise. As natural climbers, your turtle will surely love climbing up the ramp to the platform. The area below the platform can also offer your turtle a place to hide if needed. The dimensions of the ramp and platform are 16 x 11 inches, making it a great option for medium to large sized turtles. The coolest part about the platform is that it floats and rises with the water level, meaning it will always stay above water. The platform will fit perfectly in any corner of your turtle tank.
Last but not least we have the classic aquarium floating log. A turtle’s natural environment is filled with floating logs, so the toy really gives them a taste of home. The dimensions of the log are 6.8 x 4 x 5 inches, and we recommend this toy for smaller turtles.
Why do turtles need toys?
Exercise
The main reason turtles need toys is for exercise. In the wild, turtles have unlimited space to swim and climb around. Therefore, it is very easy for them to burn enough calories and stay healthy. A domesticated turtle that lives in a tank has a lot less space to work with. While the size of the tank might be finite, you can add toys and decorations to encourage your turtle to stay active. Ensuring that your turtle stays active is essential to their health and well-being. A turtle that sits around all day will be at risk for obesity and fatty liver disease. Along with toys, you can also reduce your turtle’s risk by knowing how much to feed your pet turtle.
Curbs Boredom
While turtles are usually not very social animals, a turtle that lives alone in a tank can become bored easily. Signs of a bored turtle including aimlessly digging at the ground, floating at the top of the water, or randomly climbing on the glass of the tank. If your turtle is exhibiting these signs, there is a good chance your turtle needs more excitement in their life.