Rating This Turtle's Enrichment Activities Is Cuter Than You'd Think
Turtles, while not being held in as high regard by society as cats and dogs, are actually really cute pets, and this playful turtle is here to prove it!
Just like all other pets, turtles need lots of enrichment activities to stimulate their minds and bodies. One dad who's behind the YouTube channel Aquatic Realm took the time to not only rate his turtle's enrichment toys and games, but he also did us a solid and filmed them in action. Now we can see for ourselves how cute turtle pets are.
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Our video starts with a turtle feeder ball, which Dad says is "10/10."
"Keeps her busy and holds veggies in one place," dad says as we watch the turtle nipping at the floating plastic ball.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oHNqJw2zoQg
Next is ping-pong balls, which dad gives a 0/10.
"Didn't really care for it," he says. "The color blue scares her."
Turns out neon colors remind turtles of natural predators who can be flashy and striped.
Sand substitute on the bottom of the tank is next, which Dad gives a 7/10. "Loves digging and the sensation of sand on her shell," he says. "Can be very messy!"
You can easily see how much fun the turtle has digging in the sand, swinging its claws in the swirls and making a big tornado underwater.
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What Are the Top-Scoring Enrichment Tools for Turtles?
The bristle brush is a big winner, with a 10/10 rating because it "relieves the itches and can help remove scutes!"
Scutes are hard, external scales on the turtle's shell made of keratin, similar to our hair and nails. It's important that these shed from time to time as the turtle grows, just as we need to get larger shoes and clothes as we grow.
The turtle looks like it's having a party, rubbing against the brush, dancing and scrubbing, kicking up dirt.
Speaking of that, the bristle brush mixed with sand is the biggest winner of all, earning a +10,000/10 for the way it "feels like an exfoliating body scrub!"
Watching the turtle stomp up a big cloud, covering her shell with a light layer of sand and scrubbing up against the brush like it's a drive-through car wash is the most fun part of the video. She's having a blast and grooming herself at the same time. It's play and self-care all in one, and we love it!
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This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 1:05 PM.