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Name: Amy
Status: student
Age: 14
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 5/25/2004
Question:
I am babysitting a very little water turtle for my science class this summer. In the cage I gave him a little pool, but it seems he wants it bigger. How much bigger should I get the pool, and how long can turtles stay under water? My turtle was kind of freaking me out because he was under water for a large amount of time. Thank you!

Replies:
Truly aquatic turtles, like painted turtles and sliders, prefer to be in the water most of the time, and will do well in an aquarium with a rock to climb on when they want to get out of the water. Make sure rock is placed at a level that the turtle can get a grip on it to climb out. Aquatic turtles can stay under for a long time, often a half hour or more at a stretch. Good luck.

J. Elliott

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