Mary Allen
The musk turtle is very sensitive to changes in its daily routine. Nevertheless, trips or visits to the vet sometimes make it necessary to remove the turtle from its familiar environment. The transport means not only an unusual but also a very high burden for the turtle. This stress factor can also make the animal sick.
Transporting Musk Turtles in a Styrofoam Box
Get a styrofoam box that you will use later for transportation. However, this styrofoam box should only be used to cover the actual transport container, otherwise, the turtle may scratch the styrofoam and be covered with white balls. Even in the event of a parasite infestation, the box could no longer be used afterward. Therefore, put your musk turtle in a suitable cardboard box, for example, a shoebox, and this in turn in the styrofoam box.
The Right Temperature is Important
Lack of air and hypothermia are the two greatest threats to your turtle’s health. If the box has a lid, poke a few air holes in it beforehand with a knife. Then place a towel on the bottom of the box. If the temperature is below 20 ° C, place a hot water bottle filled with warm but not hot water under the towel. Turtles are usually transported dry, but placing them on at least a damp towel makes sense. Housing in the dark will reduce your pet’s excitement. If the transport container had side slits, the animal would constantly look out or try to break out.
Your Musk Turtle Needs Fresh Air During Transport
The most important thing is that the turtle doesn’t catch a cold. Therefore, make sure that the animal does not get any drafts while driving. If you don’t have a styrofoam box to hand in a hurry, use a plastic box or a strong cardboard box in an emergency. Make stops on longer journeys and briefly lift the cover of the box. The stale air is exchanged by a little fan.
It is really very important that you follow these instructions because if your turtle catches a cold it can quickly lead to pneumonia and possibly death!