Choosing the Perfect New Year’s Celebration for You and Your Turtle

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Celebrating New Year’s isn’t just for humans! If you’ve got a turtle buddy, why not include them in the fun?

Sure, turtles might not care about countdowns or resolutions, but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the vibe.

Here’s how to plan a New Year’s celebration that’s perfect for both of you.

Why Include Your Turtle?

Let’s face it—our turtles are part of the family. They deserve to feel the love during the holidays, too.

Plus, it’s a unique way to celebrate. You’ll have a great story to tell your friends about how your pet rang in the New Year.

Set the Scene

Turtles don’t like loud noises or bright flashes. So skip the fireworks and blasting music.

Instead:

  • Lighting: Use soft, colored LED lights for a festive glow.
  • Decorations: Place shiny ornaments outside the tank to avoid accidental nibbles.
  • Ambiance: Play calming nature sounds or instrumental music.

My turtle, Shelly, once ignored all the flashy decorations but was weirdly fascinated by the twinkling lights on the wall.

painted turtle closeup

Turtle-Safe Treats

Celebrate with food! Give your turtle a special meal to make the evening feel extra fancy.

Ideas for Turtle Treats:

Turtle TypeTreats to Offer
Herbivorous TurtlesDandelion greens, romaine lettuce, or kale
Omnivorous TurtlesShrimp, worms, or small fish

Make sure the treats are portioned appropriately so you don’t overfeed them.

Share the Moment

Want to involve your turtle in the countdown? Here’s how:

  • Sit next to their tank while watching the New Year’s special on TV.
  • Snap a picture of your turtle with their festive setup.
  • Keep a small calendar and write down their “New Year’s vibe.” (I call Shelly’s vibe: “reluctant partygoer.”)

One year, I made a tiny “2023” banner and taped it near Shelly’s basking spot. It stayed there for two months because she refused to bask anywhere else.

Want to learn about Holidays + Turtle Inspirations without the extra fluff? We keep it straightforward. New Year’s Mistakes That Can Stress Your Turtle (And How to Avoid Them)

Protect Them from Fireworks

If your neighborhood loves fireworks, take extra steps to keep your turtle calm.

  • Cover the tank with a blanket to block bright flashes.
  • Use a white noise machine to muffle loud booms.
  • Place their tank in a quieter part of the house for the night.

When I lived in a firework-happy area, I used to move Shelly’s tank to the bathroom. She loved it—probably thought it was a spa retreat!

A Turtle-Focused Resolution

New Year’s is a great time to make a resolution for your pet.

Here are a few ideas:

  • Upgrade their tank with better filtration or decorations.
  • Plan regular tank-cleaning days to keep things spotless.
  • Spend more time watching them (because turtles are weirdly fascinating).

In Summary

Celebrating with your turtle is fun, easy, and special.

Keep it quiet, add some cozy touches, and let them enjoy a stress-free New Year.

You’ll have a unique tradition and a happy turtle to start the year with. What more could you ask for?

About Author

Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.