Freshwater turtles and tortoises are among the most commonly kept reptiles, but their complex environmental and nutritional needs are frequently misunderstood, resulting in chronic welfare deficits.
Tortoise and turtle welfare is chronically compromised in many captive situations through inadequate UV-B provision, incorrect temperatures, inappropriate nutrition and failure to understand hibernation requirements. MBD from vitamin D and calcium deficiency causes painful skeletal deformities and premature death. These are not rare problems - they are endemic in populations of reptiles kept without proper equipment and knowledge. The longevity of these species means welfare mistakes made early in captivity result in decades of compromised health. Ethical acquisition means choosing only captive-bred animals, researching requirements thoroughly before acquisition, and committing to the lifespan of the animal.