May 12
11
Choosing Types of Turtles for Pets
Deciding on types of turtles involves knowing what level of care each turtle needs and how much can be provided in the home. Some turtles are more high-maintenance than others, and not every household has the same amount of time to dedicate to pet care. Some common species of aquatic turtles include the American snapping turtle, painted turtle and red ear slider. Commonly kept land turtles include box turtles, wood turtles and spotted turtles.
Aquatic Turtles
Painted Turtle: Chrysemis picta
These small water turtles are found in most parts of the United States. They are also found in southern Canada. Most females are larger than males, topping out at an adult length of 10 inches while males may reach 4 inches or more. Like many aquatic turtles, painted turtles are omnivorous. Juveniles eat bigger amounts of animal protein and transition to eating more vegetation as they get older. They prefer water deep enough for swimming with a dock or other area to leave the water and bask. Since they are small and relatively easy to care for, painted turtles make a good choice for busy households that need a low-maintenance turtle.
Red Ear Slider: Chrysemys scripta
These turtles are mostly found in the eastern United States and are somewhat bigger than painted turtles, reaching 12 inches at adulthood with larger females and smaller males. They prefer deep, calm water that they can fully submerge in with a small basking area such as a log or a dock. Like most aquatic types of turtles, they eat more animal protein as juveniles and more fruits and vegetables as they age. They are one of the most common pet turtles in North America and make a good pet for families with a little more room for a larger tank.
American Snapping Turtle: Chelydra serpentine
This turtle is native to most of the United States and Canada. It grows extremely large, reaching nearly two feet in length at adulthood. These turtles are strictly carnivorous and will eat any animal protein they can find, including smaller turtles. They are not suitable for handling, since they are skittish and have jaws strong enough to inflict debilitating bites. For this reason, they are best suited to turtle enthusiasts with a lot of experience and a big enclosure. Although they are aquatic, they prefer an enclosure where they can escape the water and burrow in mud. They need shallow water with a mud bank and may thrive better in an outdoor enclosure instead of an indoor tank.
Terrestrial Turtles
Spotted Turtle: Clemys guttata
These mini turtles usually reach 3 to 4 inches in length as adults and are found across the eastern United states. They spend much of their time hiding and enjoy substrates that they can dig into, such as moss or loose vegetation. Spotted turtles like humidity and if their enclosure includes a bowl or a pond, they will bathe in it. They prefer eating fruits, vegetables and insects and make good pets for any household.
Box Turtle: Terrapene ornate
This small turtle reaches 5 inches in length and is well suited for families who want a docile indoor turtle. Females and males can be distinguished by tail length, since males have longer tails. These turtles are omnivorous and eat mostly vegetable matter with some insects. They prefer warm, humid environments, such as an enclosure with a moist moss substrate and a good basking area. They are one of the most common pet terrestrial turtles in North America.
These are just a few common pet turtle species, with others including the yellow belly turtle, map turtle and mud turtle. There are turtles available for households with any kind of need, ranging from households with small children who need a low-key pet to experienced herp enthusiasts who want a challenge. Understanding the care requirements of any types of turtles is important while considering them as a possible addition to the household.
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There are so many types of turtles commonly kept as pets that it may be difficult to choose the right species. Most species vary by size and requirements for care and maintenance, making some more appropriate for busy households and some more suited to single owners who can devote a lot of time to their care. Choosing the right type is important, since it will determine whether the turtle can thrive in the environment it is given. While not every species is suited for every household, there is usually at least one type of turtle that will do well with a given type of owner.
The painted turtle, or Chrysemis picta, is a small water turtle endemic to the United States and Canada. Their full adult length is 10 inches (25 cm) for females, while males may be considered mini turtles at just 4 inches (10 cm) in length. painted turtles are omnivores and prefer to eat more animal protein while they are young, eventually switching to a high-vegetation diet as they grow older. They require a dock where they can move out of the water, but also need deep water that is clean enough for them to swim freely. Because they are small and easy to maintain, they make an ideal turtle for busy families.
Red ear sliders, or Chrysemis scripta, are a larger water turtle that grow to 12 inches (30 cm) as adults regardless of gender. They need deep water that is pristinely clean, which necessitates a lot of water changes since they produce heavy amounts of waste on a regular basis. They also need the ability to submerge completely and emerge onto a dock when they need to bask. Sliders are one of the most common turtles in the pet trade, but they require a little more care and responsibility than the average turtle.
The American snapping turtle Chelydra serpentine is a large turtle that reaches 24 inches (60 cm) in length as an adult, requiring a specialized owner and handler. They are shy and become nervous during handling, which makes it important that they are handled only by experienced owners or breeders. Their jaws are extraordinarily strong, which gives them the ability to amputate limbs or digits with a bite. They are considered aquatic, but spend a lot of time outside of the water and enjoy burrowing in the mud. American snapping turtles are one of the many types of turtles that should be left to experts and not kept as a common pet.
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After spending some time observing and interacting with a painted turtle, most owners will get to know its behaviors well. This makes it easier to recognize healthy, normal behavior, and in turn, easier to recognize when something is wrong. This can be valuable for recognizing when a turtle is ill, since most illnesses have the best prognosis when they are caught early.
The biggest sign of a healthy turtle is activity, which is universal for all types of turtles. Land turtles will walk around their cage, climb over logs and dig in the moss. They may spend a good amount of time basking or sleeping, but they will periodically become more active. This is a good sign that a turtle is thriving and feeling well. Aquatic turtles will swim and might dig around in their substrate unless they have a bare bottom tank.
Healthy turtles will also bask, which might involve long periods of inactivity. They will usually sit on a high spot such as a rock or a log close to their basking spot and may stretch out their neck and limbs. This is usually a sign of a very comfortable and happy turtle and should be taken as a compliment. They may also hide under a log or in a shady spot to cool their body temperature.
An activity that is somewhat related to basking is known as stacking. Many reptiles engage in stacking as a way to conserve bodily heat. Turtles will climb on top of each other, and the turtle at the top will absorb heat from the basking source and pass it to the turtle underneath them through bodily contact. This is both a social behavior practiced among turtles that are comfortable sharing a habitat and a normal basking behavior.
Another reliable sign of health is appetite. Most turtles will contentedly eat their regular food on a daily basis. All turtles have a favorite food that might be less than healthy for them. For aquatic turtles, this might be live goldfish or whole frozen bloodworms. For terrestrial turtles, it might be fragrant fresh berries or melon. Turtles will usually be very excited to see even tiny amounts of these foods and will ravenously consume everything in sight.
Most reptiles, turtles included, will go through periods where they refuse food. This might be caused by temperature changes or other environmental changes that cause their metabolic rate to slow, and this is normal. However, turtles will usually come back to eating within a few days or several weeks at the most. A turtle with absolutely no interest in food might suffer from a parasite or another illness, and should receive medical care if the behavior lasts for longer than a few weeks.
Mating behavior usually appears at the same time every year, although captive turtles may have their cycles thrown off somewhat by the difference in temperatures and light cycles indoors. During mating season, turtles may behave somewhat erratically and appear more active or uneasy. They might rub their cloaca on objects as a sign that they want to mate. When housed with another turtle of the opposite sex, they might actively try to mate. Turtles that want to mate in captivity are usually very comfortable with their surroundings and overall in a state of thriving.
Understanding all of these normal behaviors helps paint a better understanding of what a thriving turtle looks like. This is useful for recognizing whether the turtle has an adequate environment and understanding where there may be deficiencies. Inactive turtles may have an inadequate diet or might feel too cold to venture out and explore. Turtles that have no interest in food might suffer from a parasite and need veterinary care. Being a good turtle owner involves recognizing how the painted turtle feels, and having a good understanding of their behaviors makes it easier to be empathetic to their needs.
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All types of turtle usually require the same type of daily supplements to maintain health, whether they are snapping turtles or another species entirely. Even if a turtle receives a fully balanced diet with a good ratio between staple foods and fresh, frozen or freeze-dried foods, it is very important that they get a regular supplement to ensure that their diet is fully complete with no deficiencies. Dietary deficiencies can be crippling or even fatal for turtles, with common problems such as metabolic bone disease as a result of calcium and B-vitamin deficiencies.
These supplements are usually offered in stores as powdered supplements or as a liquid that owners can dose directly into drinking water. Water-soluble supplements usually break down more quickly than powdered supplements, making it more economical to purchase powdered supplements since they last longer and provide a more effective dose of vitamins and minerals. Liquid supplements need dosing every day or at every water change, while powdered supplements need dosing every second day. Additionally, liquid supplements are somewhat ineffective for dosing in aquatic turtle tanks, making them an option for terrestrial turtles only.
Calcium is the most important component of any dietary supplement, and should be the primary mineral included in the ingredients. Reptiles rely heavily on their diets to maintain healthy bones, and taking in too little calcium can result in soft shells, easily broken bones or worse. Metabolic bone disease is one of the leading causes of death in reptiles, and results from a lack of calcium and B-vitamins, both of which should be part of any supplement. This debilitating disease causes the bones to deform and twist, making it impossible for an afflicted turtle to walk normally. This leads to death without immediate supportive treatment, since eventually the turtle is unable to move and will stop eating.
Dosing both types of supplements is relatively easy, since they can be added to food or water instead of dosed directly to the turtle. Liquid supplements require only adding a few drops to the water dish once daily, although the vitamins break down in water quickly and may require replenishing more frequently if the turtle seldom drinks. Powdered supplements are easier, since they can be sprinkled directly on top of a favorite food, which the turtle will ingest along with the supplement. Juvenile or baby turtles should receive supplementation at every feeding, while adult turtles need supplementation every second day or so.
There are a number of foods that turtles value above all others and will eat any time they are offered, although these foods should be limited as treats only because of their nutritional composition. Adult turtles are somewhat more sedentary than juveniles and should receive treats no more than once weekly or bi-weekly, depending on their level of activity. Portions should be small enough that the turtle consumes them entirely in a few minutes. Additionally, treats should be offered several hours after their last daily meal, so turtles do not turn down nutritional food in hopes of finding another treat.
Some land turtles that primarily receive pellet staple food will appreciate having a spoonful of gel or canned staple food occasionally, since it is so flavorful and easily palatable. If it is fed in regular portion sizes, this is a treat that owners can offer more frequently than once weekly since it is nutritionally complete. Additionally, turtles that already receive moist foods and enjoy them can receive an extra portion sometimes as a treat, although this should be restricted to an occasional basis to ensure they are not taking in too many calories. Snapping turtles may also appreciate this as a treat, although they are less inclined to eat fruits than most terrestrial turtles.
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As with terrestrial turtles, feeding water turtles should be done on a schedule. Turtles that live in warm water will want food more frequently than turtles living in cold water, so adjust the feeding schedule accordingly. This is because turtles are cold-blooded and their bodily temperature determines the speed of their metabolism. Turtles in cold water might go through periods where they refuse their food, since they are in a slower state and do not need the extra energy. Turtles in very warm water may appear to be hungry at all times, and may even move to the top of the tank to beg for food when their owner walks by the tank.
Choosing a staple food might not be easy, since most stores only sell pellet food and do not sell gels or pates for aquatic turtles. Aquatic turtles are especially picky about their food and may need quite a bit of persuasion to eat pellet foods, especially if they have been raised on live foods or frozen foods. Some stores sell dried food mixes that the pet owner can mix with warm water to produce a meaty, mushy meal that most turtles cannot resist. These mixes are nutritionally fortified to include everything that a pellet staple food offers, but after preparation, they contain meaty and moist pieces of shrimp and fish that turtles will readily eat.
Staple foods are important, but should not be the only source of nutrition for any turtle. Since aquatic turtles are primarily carnivores, they prefer to eat large amounts of animal protein. This might include frozen or freeze-dried crustaceans and fish, which are readily available at pet stores. Frozen is more palatable for the turtle, but is more expensive, harder to store and produces extra waste in the water. Freeze-dried animal protein is usually inexpensive and can remain at room temperature with no special instructions for storage. Most turtle owners feed mostly freeze-dried food and reserve frozen fish or seafood for special occasions or as a treat.
Additionally, most aquatic turtles will eat small amounts of fruits and vegetables, although they might need coaxing. Although their primary source of nutrition should be animal protein and their staple diet, adding fruits and vegetables is a valuable way to get fresh nutrients into a turtle, especially if they are neglecting their staple pellet food. Since it can be harder to get aquatic turtles to ingest calcium supplements, feeding water turtles a calcium-rich vegetable can help ensure that they still get the calcium they need to avoid metabolic bone disease and to maintain shell and skeletal health.
Since the nutritional composition of animal protein varies so widely, it is important to carefully select foods that accurately reflect the dietary needs of the aquatic turtle. Water turtles need higher ratios of protein and fiber to fat, and accordingly, high fat items should be avoided or reserved as treats. Luckily, most animal protein is equally enticing to turtles. Water turtles will rarely refuse a high fiber dried krill, although admittedly most would prefer eating fatty frozen silverbacks or other fish if given a choice.
Most freeze-dried foods are already high in protein, since they tend to be whole crustaceans that are low in fat and very high in fiber and protein. Some appropriate freeze-dried foods include baby brine shrimp and large whole krill. Most turtles love items such as freeze-dried tubifex worms or bloodworms, although these items are higher in fat and should be fed less frequently than shrimp and krill. Dried foods are highly flavorful and palatable, but frozen foods are usually somewhat more flavorful. For this reason, it can be hard to switch a turtle back to freeze-dried foods after giving them frozen foods for long periods of time. Occasional frozen meals are acceptable and will not usually cause problems, but in the long run, feeding water turtles exclusively frozen becomes expensive and messy.
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Apr 12
1
Popular Painted Turtles
One of the best pest is the popular painted turtle. Painted turtles are natural water dwellers and they can be found living in marshes, creeks, or fresh water ponds. Sometimes, painted turtles will bask in the sun for heat on a rock or log, but always close to their water dwelling.
Although there are some species of turtle that will bite when provoked, painted turtles do not have teeth. They do have a hard beak which is used for chewing their food, however, if the painted turtle is provoked and on the defense, it will likely hiss at you. Otherwise, these turtles are generally quiet as they do not have a voice box.
Although it may be difficult to tell, there are slight differences between male and female painted turtles. Female painted turtles are actually larger than their male counterparts. Make painted turtles also have longer front claws and thicker tails. On its bottom shell, the male painted turtle has a slight conclave in order to assist with mating.
When it is time for these turtles to mate, the courtship period is usually between the months of March and June and the nesting period is usually between May and July. Once mating has occurred, the painted turtle will find a nice spot near the edge of the water dwelling to lay her eggs. Depending on the type of painted turtle, it can lay between two and twenty eggs. There is no particular gene that determines the se of the painted turtle, it all depends on the temperature of the eggs in their environment.
Painted turtles will eat both animal and plant matter. They live mostly on dead aquatic food such as small fish or crustaceans. They will also eat aquatic plant life, such as algae. If you have a pet painted turtle, it will eat leafy vegetables and fruits as well.
Hibernation is almost a certainty for these turtles. Painted turtles will burrow themselves in a small alcove underwater when the weather gets too cold outside. Although, it has been seen that some painted turtles can healthily withstand icy cold winter water temperatures, it is not recommended to try this.
Vitamin D is important to the health of the painted turtle, as they require it to keep up their calcium for strong shell growth. This is true for all turtle, not only the painted turtles. It is also known that because they are cold blooded, when kept in captivity, these lovely pets should have some form of extra warmth like a heat rock or a heating lamp. It is also good to keep them near a sunny window.
A little known fact about the painted turtle is that they are actually the official reptile for the state of Michigan. It is hard to resist their beautiful red, orange, or yellow stripes. The popular painted turtle makes an excellent pet choice.
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Mar 12
22
A Few Types Of Turtles
Many different types of turtles inhabit the waters of the world’s oceans, rivers, lakes and swamps.
At least six turtle species can be located around the southern regions of Europe. Loggerhead sea turtles are found in the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea and even the Pacific Ocean. Spending most of their lives at sea and feeding primarily on bottom-dwelling invertebrates, they come ashore only to reproduce. They are considered endangered through various fishing activities impacting negatively on their environment. The Green Turtle boasts the beautifully streamlined design of a carapace shaped as a teardrop, a short neck and paddle-like arms. On average, this breed grows to 1.5 metres (5 ft) long, weighing 110–190 kilograms (240–420 lb), although one documented individual hit the scale at 870 lb (or 395kg). Ironically, its carapace is often not green. They were exploited as food and also for their skins, but are now protected by legislation. They eat mainly plant matter.
The leatherback turtle is however a true giant. It is the largest of all species of turtle and ranks fourth among all living reptiles. Only a few species of crocodile are larger. The largest specimen ever found had a carapace of 7.2 ft (2.2m) and weighed in at an unbelievable 2,020 lb (916kg). From head to tail it was 9.8 ft (around 3m). More regular dimensions are between 3.3–5.74 ft (1–1.75 m) for the carapace, with a weight of between 550 and 1,500 lb (250 and 700kg). Unlike their slow cousins, the tortoises, leatherback turtles are written up in the Guinness Book of Records as the fastest moving reptiles, able to swim at 21.92 miles per hour (or 35.28 km). They have been found at depths of 4,200 ft (1,280 m). They prefer the open ocean and feed mainly on jellyfish.
Some of the turtles native to the southern waters of Australia include the Pacific Ridley Turtle, which feeds on crabs and shellfish, the sponge and coral-eating Hawksbill Sea Turtles, the Australian Flatback Turtle and the enormous Leathery Turtle, another hunter of jellyfish.
Freshwater species include the Caspian turtle, occurring mainly in the eastern part of the Mediterranean. An unusual looking species is the snakehead turtle with its strikingly long neck. Originating from the swamps of Australia, another of its stranger characteristics is the habit of repelling enemies by emitting a foul smell from its glands.
Pet turtles tend to be species such as the painted turtle, the box turtle and the mud turtle. Many different types of turtles populate the watery habitats around the world.
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Mar 12
12
Many Types Of Turtles
There are many types of turtles you can learn about. In fact there are over two hundred and sixty different species of turtles. Some turtles are completely aquatic and live in the water. Other turtles are fully land dwellers and only go into the shallow edge of water. Still, some turtles are a mixture of both and require land and water.
Turtles can be found almost all over the globe and in the oceans. Some of the more popular species of turtles to learn about are the snapping turtles, mud turtles, slider turtles, box turtles, and painted turtles.
Mud turtles, also known as musk turtles or “stinkpots” are very lively pets to have if you are considering purchasing a turtle. Mud turtles are not known for having the beautiful marking of other turtles, such as the painted turtles, however, they are very easy to take care of. One of the benefits of having a mud turtle is that it is nocturnal, which means it will not require a heat lamp to keep it warm throughout the day. Mud turtles are also omnivorous, eating both plants and meat, and they live in the water.
One turtle I would not recommend as a pet is the snapping turtle. Snapping turtles are feisty and when provoked will indeed snap at you, possibly biting a finger. There is some injustice in the snapping turtles reputation however. Snapping turtles are not naturally aggressive and when provoked in their natural land dwelling habitat, they will shy away from a fight if possible. However, when threatened outside of the water, the snapping turtle has little protection from its shell and therefore can become an aggressive attacker.
If you go into any pet shop, you are most likely to find a yellow bellied slider turtle. Yellow-bellied sliders are named for the colorful underside of the their bottom shells and for the decorative yellow stripe which runs down their limbs and their necks. Yellow-bellied sliders are popular pets and live on both land and in water. They are omnivorous and require a balanced diet of meat and vegetables.
Another beautiful turtle is the painted turtle. Much like the yellow-bellied turtle, the painted turtle has colorful red, yellow, or orange markings and stripes along its neck and limbs. painted turtles live in the water and will eat water plants such as algae and crustaceans or small fish.
If you want an excellent pet, you may want to consider the box turtle. Box turtles, although not known for their colorful markings, are definitely hearty and easy to care for. Box turtles will eat almost anything they can fit on their mouths, either plant or animal, and are one of the few turtles known to inhabit grasslands. Box turtles are often found populated in forested areas and they will hibernate in the winter.
Although these are only a few of the turtles you may have heard of, there are many types of turtles to learn about.
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Mar 12
2
Water Turtles
water turtles come in many different colors and sizes, from the large leatherback sea turtles to tiny baby painted turtles. If you are lucky enough to have a water turtle for a pet, you already know how beautiful they are. You also know they require great attention and care.
Water turtles are so named because they are fully aquatic. They will come onto land occasionally to get sunlight and warmth or to lay their eggs during nesting season, however, most of their lives are spend in water. Water turtles can be found naturally in the seas and oceans, in fresh water ponds, in lakes and creeks, and even in swamps. They are most often carnivorous, preferring meat to plants, however, a balanced diet is necessary for all turtles.
Water turtles will eat many things they find in their natural habitat. Algae is a common vegetable, whereas small fish and crustaceans are common meat sources. If you have a pet water turtle, you can give it meal worms or cooked, un-spiced, chicken or fish. They will also enjoy leafy vegetables and soft fruits such as strawberries and bananas.
Keeping a water turtle as a pet can be a rewarding experience. It is important to remember that water turtles will require a constant source of clean water to swim in. Be sure to clean their aquarium often and take out any leftover foods after eating so they do not spoil. Water turtles will require plenty of heat and sunlight. Keep them in direct sunlight whenever possible and give them a heat lamp to be under for added warmth. Also, water turtles will still need a spot to dry off once in a while, so have a small elevated area for them to bask in the sunlight or under the heat lamp.
There are some water turtles which make good pets and others which are not as recommended. Water turtles, such as the snapping turtle or the big-headed turtle, can become aggressive when angry and have been known to bite. They are not very sociable towards people and are extremely feisty when aggravated. If you would like an easy going water pet, however, the painted turtle is a gorgeous pet to have. They are docile and pretty to look at and not nearly as temperamental as their snapping cousins.
It is important to remember that even the most easy going water turtle still prefers to be left alone and not handed very often. Also, remember that with any reptile it is important to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after handling to avoid salmonella illness. This is even true for water turtles.
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Feb 12
21
Painted Turtles
Painted turtles are a very popular choice for pet lovers everywhere. Painted turtles are known for the colorful red, yellow, or orange stripes that run along their necks and legs. They are also the official state reptile for the state of Michigan.
If you are considering a painted turtle as a pet there are a few things to keep in mind. Painted turtles are water dwellers. In their natural habitat, they reside in fresh water ponds, marshes, lakes, or streams. They will occasionally lay out in the warm sun, but always near their water habitat.
These beautiful creatures are also omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and meat items. Because painted turtles live in the water, their diets are made up of mostly aquatic food substances. For example, a painted turtle will eat algae, crustaceans, or small fish. When kept in captivity, the painted turtle will also eat fruits and leafy vegetables.
You can easily tell the difference between a male and female painted turtle. Male painted turtles have thicker tails and longer claws on their front limbs. They are also smaller than the female painted turtles and their bottom shells are conclave in order to assist with mating.
Painted turtles do not have teeth, so there is no fear in them biting you. They have a hard outer beak which they use for eating, however. They are also very quiet pets, as turtles naturally do not have a voice box. If your turtle is aggravated, however, it may make hissing sounds in defense.
The painted turtle has its courting and nesting period between May and July. When it is time for nesting, a painted turtle will lay between two and twenty eggs near the edge of the water. The temperature of the eggs during the seventy six day incubation period will determine if the hatchlings will be male or female.
Sunshine is always necessary for turtles as they depend on vitamin D and Calcium to keep a healthy and strong shell. The painted turtle is no exception to this. Painted turtles will spend plenty of their time basking in the sun and keeping warm. Because they are cold blooded, if kept as pets, they will need an artificial source of heat, such as a heat lamp.
Contrary to this, however, it has been noted sometimes in the wild, painted turtles are able to withstand icy cold water temperatures without harm. It is not something to risk in captivity, however. And best avoided. During the winter months, most often painted turtles will actually burrow and hibernate underwater.
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