Toys
Although mud turtles from Central America don't often engage in the same kind of play as mammals, it's still a good idea to provide them with enrichment items to help keep their brains active and promote healthy habits. Be sure the toys you choose for your turtle are safe and appropriate for its size and species.
Floating items, such plastic balls or aquarium toys, may be fun for Central American mud turtles to play with. These things may be a source of both mental and physical interest for turtles as they explore the water with their shells. Floating toys should be of non-toxic materials and big enough that the turtle cannot ingest them by mistake.
Foraging toys and puzzle feeders are two other kinds of turtle enrichment toys. Most of these toys need the turtle to solve a puzzle or open a container in order to get to the food inside. Put some insects or goodies in a plastic container and drill holes in it; the turtle will have to find a way to get to the food.
Additionally, turtles might find pleasure in engaging with items that provide a variety of textures or surfaces to investigate. For the turtle's exploration, you may set up a variety of textures in its habitat, such as rough and smooth pebbles, plastic plants, and shells. Natural actions like climbing and exploring are encouraged by these things, which also stimulate the senses.
Another way to improve the turtle's habitat and promote its natural activities is to include a digging area within its cage. Substrates like sand or dirt may be used to conceal food or goodies for the turtle to discover. This may be both physically and mentally stimulating for the turtle as it resembles its natural behavior of digging for food.
To pass the time in the water, some turtles may find floating plants or other items that provide shelter and shade to be rather entertaining. The addition of these items may make the turtle's habitat seem more natural, which might entice it to swim and explore more. But be careful to choose up items that the turtle can handle without becoming choked.
