Toys

Environmental enrichment is beneficial for the health of Vanderhaege's toad-headed turtles, even though they don't play with toys as much as other pets. When turtles kept in captivity have access to enrichment items and activities, it may help them maintain their normal habits, get more exercise, and avoid boredom. The following are some suggestions for "toys" or things that can help Vanderhaege's toad-headed turtles thrive:

The addition of aquatic vegetation, either real or fake, to a turtle's habitat opens up new avenues of exploration and offers cover from the elements. The plants provide a variety of activities for turtles, including swimming, nibbling on edible types, and hiding. Water quality is influenced by plants in two ways: their ability to absorb nutrients and their production of oxygen.

Turtles may find a dry place to relax and bask above the water's surface on floating platforms, also called basking docks. These platforms should be firmly fastened to the enclosure and may be constructed from various materials such cork bark, plastic, or foam. Turtles may find these platforms appealing for basking in the sun's heat and ultraviolet B radiation.

Offering turtles submerged caverns or hideouts makes them feel more at ease and gives them a sense of security in their environment. Materials like ceramic pots, PVC tubing, or even driftwood are suitable for use in aquariums and may be used to construct these hiding places. Resting, hiding, or exploring are all possible uses for these structures in turtles' lives.

Food puzzles or enrichment feeders that promote natural foraging behavior are a great way to keep turtles busy and cognitively engaged. Floating food dispensers, puzzle feeders, and do-it-yourself foraging toys fashioned from plastic containers or PVC tubing are among examples. Because they have to put forth some effort to get to the meal, turtles get some exercise and practice solving problems.

Toys that Float: Some turtles may be curious with things that float about in their tank. Things like rubber duckies, floating balls, and other toys made specifically for reptiles might be a good addition to an aquarium. These toys may nevertheless provide as visual stimulation and enrichment for turtles, even if they may not play with them in the same manner as mammals.

Make a feeding station that the fish may engage with by dangling food items from a weighted thread or fishing line. The physical activity and mimicking of natural hunting behaviors are both enhanced when turtles are required to reach out and seize food. Keep an eye on the turtle to make sure it doesn't eat anything it shouldn't.

Maintain interest in enrichment activities and playthings by switching things up from time to time and adding new things to the mix. This keeps the turtle interested and engaged, which in turn stops it from becoming used to its surroundings. Be mindful of the turtle's likes and dislikes so you can keep the enrichment activities interesting and fun for it.