If you are going to have terrapins as pets it is essential that they are kept in a warm enough temperature. For this you need the kind of tank used for tropical fish. It should hold at least 20 liters of water for too little water can cause sudden temperature changes that may result in the terrapin catching pneumonia. A good temperature is between 20 and 27 degree Centigrade for many of these young terrapins is brought from the southern United States where they are used to a warm climate.

Water from the tap is chlorinated and although it is harmless as far as humans are concerned it is not good for terrapins. So tap water must be kept in a bucket or a tank for a day. Chlorine is a gas and it will slowly evaporate from the water. You can also treat tap water with filtration equipment.

Terrapin can eat the specially prepared food sold in pet shops but must also give them chopped herring and raw, finely minced meat mixed with bone-meal and cod liver oil, but only a little at a time or it will rot in the water. Terrapins also like lettuce leaves and carrot tops. Give them a few drops of vitamin oil to help them stay healthy.