They are omnivorous e. This species rarely emerges to bask and is most successfully captured with nocturnal trapping techniques.
Musk turtles climb surprisingly well and occasionally rest fairly high in trees. Breeding occurs in the spring and fall. Mating often occurs in the water and males bite the female to see if she is receptive before mounting. Females often lay two clutches a season of eggs under debris in loamy soils. Clutch size varies with carapace length and age, but environmental factors could be the primary influence.
There is geographical variation with time of reproduction and clutch size. Nesting aggregations are occasionally observed. Male-biased sex ratios are observed consistently across populations. This species over-winters in the debris and mud under water.
Females reach sexual maturity at The common snapping turtle is a large turtle, ranging in size from 8 to 14 in cm with a record length of Their average weights range from 10 to 35 lbs 4. Their color varies from tan to dark brown to almost black in some specimens. Common snapping turtles have long tails and necks and rough shells with three rows of carapace keels. Snapping turtles are highly aquatic and are seldom observed basking.
At times, however, they may move long distances over land and many die attempting to cross roads. Although generally docile in water, common snapping turtles will strike viciously if captured or cornered out of water.
They mate April — November and typically deposit 20 — 40 eggs in concave nests dug by the female. Common snapping turtles are omnivores, taking a wide variety of vertebrate and invertebrate prey, as well as aquatic vegetation. Box Turtles are mid-sized, terrestrial turtles — 4. The carapace pattern is variable and becomes less prominent with age. There are four toes on each hind foot. Males have a concave plastron and often have red eyes. The plastron bottom of the shell is hinged, allowing the box turtle to completely close it shell.
With the exception of the Gopher Tortoise Gopherus polyphemus , this is the most terrestrial turtle in our region.
They are most commonly encountered after summer rain storms and in the fall when males actively search out females.
Turtles are fascinating, quiet and relatively undemanding in nature. This can make them an appealing option as a pet. Owning a pet turtle, however, won't be for every household. They aren't particularly interactive or cuddly creatures, they can carry diseases, and with their famously long lifespans , they may even outlive you. All turtles also have complex housing and feeding requirements that you'll need to consider. There are a wide variety of turtle species, and some make better pets than others.
Some will grow to a very large size, others are known for being more sociable and less aggressive than others, and they will all have different requirements in terms of space, lighting and diet. We have listed ten turtle species that are popular pets, along with some details about their care requirements to help you kick start your research on whether a turtle will be right for you and your family.
Turtles aren't generally a good choice of pet for young children. They can become stressed or aggressive if handled too much or improperly. Aquatic turtles can also carry the salmonella bacteria, which could be transferred to children if they don't have good hygiene practices.
Red Eared Sliders are one of the most popular of all the aquatic turtle species. They tend to be friendlier and more sociable than some of their relatives, they're pretty active, and they're widely available. These turtles are generally housed indoors, but with the right shelter, cleaning and warmer temperatures, they can also do well in an outdoor pond.
As they mature, it can be easier to provide them with the space they need outside. Red Eared Sliders can grow to a decent size, and their tank will need to be large and have adequate areas for basking.
It will need UV lighting and a good water filtration system. These guys are known for being rather messy! Their size, subsequent dietary needs , and larger housing requirements mean they can be more expensive to look after than some turtles. With the right care, though, they're generally a hardy and healthy species that frequently surpasses 50 years of age.
Common Names: Red-eared slider turtle, red-eared slider, red-eared terrapin, red-eared turtle, slider turtle, water slider turtle. These unique little aquatic turtles have distinctive long necks that can't be retracted fully into their shell, and their anatomy differs from traditional water-based turtles.
Because of their unique appearance and size, they're often a popular choice, but they have more complex care requirements than some other turtles. African Sideneck Turtles water needs to be kept very clean and requires weekly changing. A good filtration system, however, facilitates less frequent changing. Despite their small size, they enjoy swimming and need a large tank, ideally at least gallons. They need suitable basking platforms with UV lights for them to lie under and the temperature should never drop below 70 degrees.
This is one of the reasons that they're best kept indoors. They also need a fresh and varied diet to prevent Vitamin A and D3 deficiencies. Sidenecks can be curious turtles that, if you don't force interactions, won't scuttle away to hide when you come to observe them.
Eastern Box Turtles need a lot of space, but they're adaptable and, with the right housing, they can live in or outdoors. They prefer a humid environment, need a shallow pool of water in their enclosure, a moist substrate, and they will need a UVB basking light if they're kept indoors. If their environment is too cold and dry, it can lead to them more easily picking up respiratory infections.
These turtles can be shy, but they don't tend to be aggressive, and with the right gentle interactions and minimal handling, you can start to see their personality come out. They may even be tempted out to greet you if you have a tasty tidbit. Life Expectancy: 30 to 40 years in captivity with good care and up to years in the wild. A Western Painted Turtle could appeal if you want a turtle that is distinctive and attractive to look at.
They have detailed shell markings. Although they aren't big, these aquatic turtles need a large tank or outdoor space, a good water filtration system and basking lights to help maintain a warm temperature. Their housing needs are similar to that of the Red-Eared Slider. They can be quite shy and aren't turtles that will enjoy frequent handling.
Because they like to eat while swimming, selecting food that can be easily lifted out of the water if it isn't eaten is a good choice to help keep the tank clean for longer. Interestingly when they were first discovered it was thought they were only aquatic. It was later discovered they come up on land only occasionally. They should have a gallon tank with plenty of water to swim around in.
Their shells are normally dark gray or black and have a rocky appearance. Their skin is usually light blue-gray in color with black spots. They are often found in reedy marshes, lagoons and channels along the east coast of the United States. What makes them unusual is that they live in saltwater but need fresh water to drink. In the wild this species is timid but captive animals can be quite social after they adjust to their new environment.
They should live in gallon tanks, but their water does not need to be heated like many types of turtles. They live in slow-moving water with lots of vegetation and often have brown shells and brown-green skin. Owners love them for their charming personalities and small size. These aquatic animals are very active so live best in gallon tanks with water depths that are 1.
Ornate Wood Turtles are more terrestrial than most on this list! They are normally found in wooded areas close to streams or ponds. They have thin red lines on their face and parts of their shell. The rest of their shell is light brown with a center ridge.
Their bellies are often yellow with patches of red. It is important that they are purchased from a captive breeder. When taken from the wild they have a hard time adjusting and normally die within one year. Not much is known about the history of the Razorback Musk other than they were found in the southeastern United States.
Beginners love these turtles because they are small, unique and easy to care for. They do not grow larger than six inches but are the largest of their type i. They are not aggressive or likely to bite you but they are shy so they should not be handled frequently.
They will be less afraid if you watch them from afar. They can be found along the east coast to Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Common Musks are smaller than the Razorback Musk 15 and similar in size to the Loggerhead Herpetologists love to keep this turtle because of their small size and ease of care.
Their shells are typically brown or black and very rounded. They have barbels on their chin and neck — this is unique to this subspecies. They like shallow bodies of water where they can soak and occasionally come out to bask. Because of this they require lots of water in a gallon tank and basking area. This animal is also known as the Stinkpot because of the musky smell they emit to keep away predators.
They are commonly found in bodies of freshwater throughout Africa and Madagascar. Like all sideneck species they are unique for having the ability to turn their heads sideways. They can also use their long necks to flip themselves over if they get stuck on their back.
This animal can be very entertaining to watch as they dive into the water and come up to bask. As their name suggests these little guys spend most of their time near the Mississippi River System. The map part of their name is due to the contour-like lines that pattern their skin. Male Mississippi Maps are great pets as they do not grow much larger than five inches.
They spend most of their time basking but will go in the water when they feel threatened. They are both natives of the Mississippi River. False Maps have a patterned skin that resembles a contour map. Their eyes are sometimes lighter in color which gives them the same surprised appearance as the Mississippi Map.
This breed should be kept in a gallon tank with plenty of clean water and a basking area. They will spend most of their time basking. They are native to North America and have a range from southern Canada to northern Mexico. This subspecies is found specifically around the Great Lakes region.
They are normally olive to dark green and patched, spotted and striped with bright red and yellow. They are quite happy to see their owners and generally do not retreat upon seeing them. They are also friendly with other types of turtles so you can have more than one. They are typically darker in color than Midlanders 10 though they do share the same yellow-striped head. Southerns are the smallest of the painted species. They make a perfect choice for someone who wants a small turtle.
They are normally found in the central United States ranging from Illinois to Louisiana. Southern Painted Turtles are known for being more tame and lower maintenance than other painted types.
Both share the same shell color but the Eastern has a yellow or red border. They sometimes have a red dorsal stripe like a Southern too. They are closest in appearance to the Midland Painted 10 and often display bright yellow stripes on their heads and red-orange underbellies.
Westerns are the largest type of painted turtle and are similar in size to the Slider 1. Their native range stretches across southern Canada to southern Missouri, eastern Colorado and northern Oregon. Similar to other Painted types they are hardy and make a great low-maintenance pet. Ornates are less adapted to the dry environment of the Desert Box as they are from the central United States and not the Midwest. Ornates are slightly more decorative than Desert Boxes despite having an overall less yellow hue:.
They have very similar care requirements to other box turtles and need water, a basking area, warm temperatures and a varied omnivorous diet.
Ornates can live for five decades and make great decorative turtles for someone who wants a lifelong pet. Some types of turtles are fine being kept in a tank. This animal is not. It needs a large secure pen that is half in the sun and half in the shade. This animal is good for beginners who want to learn about the complex care requirements of turtles. They are naturally found along the North American gulf coast and Texas.
Unfortunately they are often found outside their geographical range e. They are quite shy but can warm up to their owners after routine feeding. These turtles enjoy water more than their Box cousins 3. You must provide them with shallow water where they can soak. They also like to dig. It is important that you provide them with an opportunity to dig without giving them an escape route!
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