ShellPal blog https://shellpal.app/blog Turtle and tortoise care guides from ShellPal. en-us Sulcata Tortoise Growth Chart (Size and Weight by Age) https://shellpal.app/blog/sulcata-tortoise-growth-chart https://shellpal.app/blog/sulcata-tortoise-growth-chart Sulcatas hatch at about 2 inches and can pass 100 lb. A growth chart by age for captive and wild sulcatas, how fast they grow, and how to track it. Wed, 11 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT Can Two Turtles Live Together? Pairs, Tank Mates and Tortoises https://shellpal.app/blog/can-two-turtles-live-together https://shellpal.app/blog/can-two-turtles-live-together Two turtles can share a home with lots of extra space, but most do fine alone. When pairs work, which ones don't, and turtles with fish or tortoises. Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT How Often to Clean a Tortoise Enclosure (Daily to Deep Clean) https://shellpal.app/blog/how-often-to-clean-tortoise-enclosure https://shellpal.app/blog/how-often-to-clean-tortoise-enclosure Spot clean every day, scrub dishes weekly, and replace the substrate every few months. A tortoise enclosure cleaning schedule and safe cleaners. Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT Can Tortoises Eat Cucumber? (Skin, Seeds and How Often) https://shellpal.app/blog/can-tortoises-eat-cucumber https://shellpal.app/blog/can-tortoises-eat-cucumber Yes, as a rare treat. Cucumber is safe but almost all water, with little fiber or calcium. How often, skin and seeds, and how it differs by species. Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT How Often to Replace a UVB Bulb for Turtles and Tortoises https://shellpal.app/blog/how-often-to-replace-uvb-bulb https://shellpal.app/blog/how-often-to-replace-uvb-bulb Most UVB bulbs need replacing every 6–12 months, even while they still glow. What vets recommend by bulb type, and how a UV meter helps. Tue, 27 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT How Long Do Red-Eared Sliders Live? Lifespan as Pets and in the Wild https://shellpal.app/blog/how-long-do-red-eared-sliders-live https://shellpal.app/blog/how-long-do-red-eared-sliders-live Pet red-eared sliders usually live 20–30 years, and some pass 40. Lifespan in the wild vs. in a tank, life stages, and the care that helps. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT Why Does My Tortoise Bob His Head? What It Means https://shellpal.app/blog/why-does-my-tortoise-bob-his-head https://shellpal.app/blog/why-does-my-tortoise-bob-his-head Head bobbing is usually a male tortoise's courtship or rivalry signal, or a quick sniff. What each kind means, and the signs that mean a vet check. Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT Why Is My Turtle Tank Cloudy? Causes and How to Fix It https://shellpal.app/blog/turtle-tank-cloudy https://shellpal.app/blog/turtle-tank-cloudy A cloudy turtle tank usually means too much waste for the filter, a new tank that's still settling, or algae. How to tell which, and how to fix it. Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT How Long Should Turtle Lights Be On? A Simple Daily Schedule https://shellpal.app/blog/how-long-should-turtle-lights-be-on https://shellpal.app/blog/how-long-should-turtle-lights-be-on About 12 hours a day, then fully off at night. Light hours by species and season, UVB vs. heat lamps, and why they shouldn't run 24/7. Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT How Often to Change Turtle Water (With or Without a Filter) https://shellpal.app/blog/how-often-to-change-turtle-water https://shellpal.app/blog/how-often-to-change-turtle-water With a good filter, change 20–30% of your turtle's water once a week. Schedules with and without a filter, for baby turtles, and how to do it. Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT How Often to Feed a Red-Eared Slider (Chart by Age) https://shellpal.app/blog/how-often-to-feed-a-red-eared-slider https://shellpal.app/blog/how-often-to-feed-a-red-eared-slider Babies eat every day; adults get greens daily and richer food a few times a week. A feeding chart by age, portion sizes and how many pellets to give. Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT How Often to Feed a Russian Tortoise (and How Much) https://shellpal.app/blog/how-often-to-feed-a-russian-tortoise https://shellpal.app/blog/how-often-to-feed-a-russian-tortoise Young Russian tortoises eat daily; adults get a shell-sized pile of greens a day. How much to give, what to feed every day, and how not to overfeed. Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT How Often to Soak a Tortoise (and for How Long) https://shellpal.app/blog/how-often-to-soak-a-tortoise https://shellpal.app/blog/how-often-to-soak-a-tortoise Hatchlings daily, juveniles and adults about twice a week, for 10–30 minutes in shallow lukewarm water. A chart by age, plus species notes. Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT How to Tell How Old a Turtle Is: Shell Rings, Size and Species https://shellpal.app/blog/how-to-tell-how-old-a-turtle-is https://shellpal.app/blog/how-to-tell-how-old-a-turtle-is Without a hatch date you can only estimate a turtle's age. Here's how to read shell rings, size and adult features, and how far to trust each. Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT