Toys

The Central American river turtle, Dermatemys mawii, uses toys as an enrichment item to encourage cerebral engagement, physical activity, and stimulation of natural activities in their watery environment. Turtles may not be as playful as other pets, but with the right enrichment materials, they may live better and be healthier. Dermatemys mawii may benefit from the following enrichment activities and toys:

Floating things: Because turtles are inherently inquisitive, they may explore any floating things that are introduced to their environment. To encourage the turtle to explore various levels inside the water, you may use floating logs, driftwood pieces, or fake plants as platforms for sunbathing or resting.

Introduce feeding toys that the turtle can interact with and manipulate in order to get food. Foraging and cognitive stimulation may be fostered, for instance, using puzzle feeders or floating food dispensers. Their problem-solving abilities will be challenged as they get some exercise.

Aquatic Plants: Turtles may find refuge and cover among real or fake aquatic plants, which serve as a reflection of their native habitat. As they forage, climb, and otherwise engage with the vegetation, turtles may find that the plants serve as both shelter and barriers. Make sure the plants are safe to consume and that they are well-anchored to avoid any potential disruption.

A variety of rocks or basking platforms placed around the turtle's environment will encourage it to climb and explore both the water and land. The platforms must to be sturdy and sufficiently big to accommodate the turtle's weight without any discomfort. In order to regulate body temperature and facilitate physical activity, basking regions are crucial.

Turtles may find great satisfaction in exploring the underbelly of their environment, which may be achieved by placing tunnels or PVC pipes there. These structures provide a place for the turtle to hide and also stimulate it to explore new regions by swimming through them. Make sure the turtle can fit through the tunnels without getting trapped.

Alterations to the Environment: On a regular basis, switch up the toys and enrichment items to keep them from becoming bored and to encourage them to explore more. Turtles learn to explore and use their senses when you add new things, rearrange plants, or alter the habitat's structure. Their surroundings remain lively and captivating as a result of this.

Items Found in Nature: Decorate the environment using items found in nature, such as smooth river rocks, branches, or shells. These things provide the turtle with a variety of textures and surfaces to explore, which is good for its sensory development.