What type of turtle should i get

Clean water, good lighting and an appropriate diet is still absolutely essential though to prevent fungal infections and deficiencies developing. Adult Size: Females grow to be up to 10 inches long and males up to five inches long. Common Musk Turtles are one of the more popular aquatic turtle species. They're small, and their care requirements are a little less intensive than some.

They aren't turtles that does well with a lot of handling though. They can be feisty and, if they feel threatened, they release a foul and musty odor.

This is why they get their nickname - 'The Stinkpot'. They aren't as strong swimmers as some aquatic turtles, so the water in their enclosure shouldn't be too deep. They should also have plenty of areas to get out of the water easily to bask under UVB lighting. If you have limited space and are looking for an aquatic turtle, the Spotted Turtle is one of the smallest species allowed to be kept in captivity.

They're also pretty to look at with their distinctive spotted shell and, with the right housing, they can live indoors or out. They're a long term commitment though, with some living to be over years of age! Like Musk Turtles, they aren't particularly strong swimmers, so their water should not be too deep. They also need warm basking platforms and ornaments that provide them with the opportunity to get out to rest. A good varied diet with plenty of meat, along with some leafy greens and fruit is important too.

Life Expectancy: Can easily live up to 50 years, with some recorded as living over years. Yellow-Bellied Sliders are one of the most popular aquatic turtle species to keep as pets as they tend to be relatively hardy, providing they get the right diet, enclosure and lighting. Unlike some turtles, they tend to be most active during the day, which appeals to a lot of owners looking to observe them.

They need a large tank or suitable outdoor enclosure as they're bigger than the likes of the Stinkpot or the Spotted Turtle. Because of their popularity, they're relatively easy to come by. Just make sure you still source your Yellow-bellied Slider from a reputable breeder or supplier. Adult Size: Adult males from 5 to 9 inches long. Females between 8 and 13 inches long. The Reeve's Turtle is probably one of the most sociable of all the turtles on this list. With care and patience, they sometimes even enjoy being stroked, which is unusual for an aquatic turtle.

Of course, handling can still be stressful for them, so this should only be done when needed. Their care requirements are similar to the Red-eared Slider, although they're smaller and don't require such a large enclosure. They tend to be a relatively healthy turtle, although they don't have such a long life expectancy.

This may appeal to owners not looking for such a lengthy commitment. The Wood Turtle is known for being very friendly, with the right handling and interaction, and pretty hardy. Their needs aren't as complex as most of the aquatic species.

They do need a decent sized enclosure though, and this means they're often best suited to being kept in an outdoor environment,. Because they aren't aquatic, they could drown in water too deep, so it's important to keep their pond area at a suitably low level. They also need a diet that is high in protein, comprising of plenty of meat along with leafy greens. These turtles aren't so easy to come by and can be illegal to keep in certain States. You should make sure you do your research and ensure you're sourcing a Wood Turtle from a reputable and ethical breeder.

Turtles can make interesting pets, but they aren't a commitment that should be taken on lightly. They need a lot of space, specialist equipment for keeping their enclosures clean and warm, and they have specific dietary requirements too. Because they can often live up to 50 years of age and beyond, they're also a lifetime commitment. Actively scan device characteristics for identification.

Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. The only negative when it comes to razor-back musk turtles is their shyness. These cautious turtles will take some time to get used to you and their environment. Make sure that you give these animals access to food, clean water, and alone time to get the best behavior out of them. They are more of display pets and do not appreciate being held.

Make sure that you have a space for these turtles where they can be left alone without any disturbances. If you have kids in the house, these animals might not be the best fit for you. While not all turtles are the same and they all require different systems, there are some common tips that you can keep in mind to care for your turtle.

Depending upon the size of the turtle, always set up a large enough tank so that they can grow to their full size comfortably. While a small tank can be okay for the first few years of their life, you need to get a bigger tank when the turtles start growing bigger. Ensure that the temperature of the room and the tank are just right to make sure your turtle is comfortable. Some turtles might go into hibernation or have health issues if the temperature is too low. Keep their hibernation in mind.

All turtles have different hibernation cycles, and they need to be in the right temperature range to ensure they get the best out of it. If you have a tank that has a filtration system, periodically check up on it to keep it functioning properly. While pets, like dogs and cats, might enjoy being held, turtles are more of display animals. If you hold them too often or try to play with them all the time, they might start showing symptoms of stress or health issues.

When you acquire the best pet turtle, care is easy. Additionally, turtles are fun to watch and are companions for life. While their longevity is a positive to many reptile enthusiasts, it can also be a negative. When it comes to dogs and cats, 10 years means old age. Not for turtles, a year old turtle is still young, as most can and will easily live to be 30 years or more. Some like the eastern box turtle can even grow to be years.

As such, if you plan on keeping a turtle, be prepared for the commitment. If you have any comments on what you think is the best pet turtle, we would love to know. Kindly leave a comment below.

We hope that this article about the best pet turtles has helped you make an informed decision about which one of these pets would make a great addition to your home. I have always wanted a turtle and would love to get one now. I live in FL. Can you please tell me if there are any that could handle the heat and humidity? How so? Email us at [email protected] so we can try to help you. I live in Tulsa Ok. I have recently rescued a box turtle.

We have a vet appt tomorrow and will determine if the little girl can be released and remain healthy or if it needs to remain with me. I love her and have become quite attached and intrigued with this turtle thing. If she cannot be released, I want a mate for her. I need a turtle rescue in Oklahoma that I could adopt from. My grand daughter wants a turtle, her Dad said it has to be a land turtle, I am worried about salmonella. We live in Omaha Nebraska where do I get one?

Best Pet Turtle Different people have different expectations when it comes to defining the best pet turtle. Read Eared Slider. Eastern Box Turtle. Painted Turtle. False Map Turtle. African Sideneck Turtle. Razorback Musk Turtle. Click to rate this post! Sulcata Tortoise African Spurred. Click here to cancel reply.

The temperature of the water in the habitat should be around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, while the basking area should be between 85 and 90 degrees. False map turtles are omnivorous and can be fed a staple diet of turtle pellets, supplemented with duckweed, crickets, trout chow, and bloodworms.

Calcium should also be provided. False map turtles rarely bite and tend to be calmer and friendlier than other turtle species, which makes them one of the best pet turtles. Because of the aquarium space they require and their long lifespans, turtles are a pet that should only be chosen by those who are committed to their care.

However, once the perfect beginner turtle is selected, and the proper care is provided, you will have a beautiful, entertaining, and interesting companion for many years to come. Red-Eared Sliders Red-eared sliders, also sometimes called Cumberland sliders, are perhaps the most popular pet turtle. In the Wild Red-eared sliders occupy a wide habitat in the United States and can be found in streams, ponds, and lakes across most of the states. Ideal Habitat Because they love to swim so much, red-eared sliders will spend a large amount of time in the water.

Basic Care When provided with the correct amount of space, these omnivorous turtles are relatively easy to care for. Temperament Most turtles are pets to be observed, not touched, and prefer not to be handled.

Lifespan Red-eared sliders can live for between 20 and 40 years. Painted Turtles Often considered one of the best pet turtles because of their slightly smaller size and ease of care, painted turtles are readily available in the pet trade. Ideal Habitat Painted turtles grow to between four and 10 inches in length. Lifespan Painted turtles generally live for between 20 and 30 years but can live for up to 50 years.

Mud Turtles There are several different mud turtle varieties that are known as good options for the best pet turtles, including the Mississippi mud turtle, yellow mud turtle, and the eastern mud turtle. In the Wild Mud turtles, as their name suggest, will sometimes bury themselves in mud if the water level in the shallow ponds they favor drops too far.

Basic Care Like many turtles, mud turtles are omnivorous, but these particular turtles tend to favor meaty foods. Temperament Mud turtles generally do not enjoy being handled and may attempt to bite when they are picked up.

Lifespan Mud turtles generally live for about 30 years but can live to be 50 with the right care. Razorback Musk Turtles Several types of musk turtles make excellent pets, but the razorback musk turtle is the most popular.

In the Wild Razorback Musk turtles spend most of their lives in the water and favor slow-moving water with dense vegetation. Basic Care Razorback musk turtles are mostly carnivorous and will eat commercial pellets, frozen turtle food, crickets, and bloodworms.

Temperament Razorback musk turtles get their name from the smell they emit when they feel threatened, which can be quite unpleasant. Lifespan Razorback musk turtles live for about 20 years. Eastern Box Turtles Eastern box turtles are some of the most vibrantly colored pet turtles, with red and yellow markings across their heads, legs, and shells. In the Wild The eastern box turtle, a subspecies of the common box turtle, is mostly found along the eastern edge of the United States , but its territory extends as far west as Texas.

Basic Care Eastern box turtles are omnivorous and can be fed crickets, hornworms, leafy greens, vegetables such as squash and zucchini, and fruits such as strawberries and bananas. Temperament Eastern box turtles will come out from hiding and explore once they feel safe in their environment, and this can make them fascinating to observe. False Map Turtles False map turtles, which can grow to between six and ten inches in length , have beautiful, pointed shells, delicate yellow patterning, and are relatively easy to care for.

Ideal Habitat Adult false map turtles can grow to be quite large, so an aquarium of 75 gallons or more will be necessary. Basic Care False map turtles are omnivorous and can be fed a staple diet of turtle pellets, supplemented with duckweed, crickets, trout chow, and bloodworms. Temperament False map turtles rarely bite and tend to be calmer and friendlier than other turtle species, which makes them one of the best pet turtles. Lifespan False map turtles can live for between 20 and 50 years.

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