Pet Turtle Facts
Facts About Common Pet Turtles – Types of Turtles
Turtles may look like they are all the same. You may think that there are just a few kinds of turtles. The fact is, there are up to 300 species of turtles! Let’s talk about common pet turtles and get to know each of them more.
First of all, every species of turtle has a unique suitability to diet and environment. They each have special habits, features and needs. For instance, not all live on land. Some live primarily in the sea and only go on land to lay eggs. Others require both land and water to thrive. Some of the most obvious differences between the types of turtles include the colors and markings on the shell. Land turtles have various types of shells compared to sea turtles and other turtles based in water such as terrapins. Water based characteristically have lighter color shells, less obvious markings and softer shells compared to land turtles.
Types of Turtles:
Slider Turtles
Red eared slider turtles are semi aquatic turtles that are very typical pet turtles. However, there is a misconception that these slider turtles do not require much care. It is a fact that all turtles require a lot of care and commitment to live long, healthy lives. Many slider turtles die early as a result of improper care. With proper care, these turtles can live for more than a decade. An adult red eared slider can grow up to 12 inches long. Male red eared sliders are often smaller than females. Red eared sliders are omnivores, which means they consume a blend of animal and plant matter.
Map Turtles
Common map turtles are both carnivorous and vegetarian. They can eat various kinds of food, such as crickets, fish, earthworms, carrots and leafy green veggies. Map turtles usually prefer large spaces with a dry basking area and shallow water to bath in.
Box Turtles
Box turtles are semi aquatic turtles, however, they spend most of their time on dry land. They need only a shallow range of fresh water. On the other hand, there are other types of box turtles that are more aquatic, such as the Chinese and Malayan types. Box turtles will generally require a tank with adequate space to bask and swim around in. Water needs to be deep enough to swim through but shallow enough for the turtle to easily climb in and out of it. These turtles eat both plant matter and meat or live foods.
Yellow Bellied Turtles
Yellow bellied turtles or sliders are easily adapted to captivity. They are suited to shallow water aquaria. They do need basking areas that are raised above water level. Moreover, they are omnivorous, but younger ones are typically more carnivorous than adults.
Mud Turtles
Mud turtles are semi terrestrial turtles and well suited to sandy, damp, or muddy environments. They are omnivorous and almost never grow over 5 inches long. Like many other types of turtles, mud turtles like to bask. They can live very long lives as well—up to 50 years old.
No matter what type of turtle you buy as a pet, all turtles require fresh food and water. They also require an environment that is most comfortable for them.
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Help!!!! My kids n i found a turtle in our pool which bt the way is very very very green!! We made him a nice little place to live in an old artigical pond. Mu husband and I do not know what kind of turte it is and i deffinatly have mo clue what he likes to eat. Could you please email me with sum info on whit species it might be and what to feed it.
Thank you
Christy Reynolds
Hi My Name Is Joana I Have An Aquatic Turtle And I Wanted To Know Is It Bad To let it walk around my room. Is It also bad if it looks its self in the mirror and how do I know its a female or male and with what sex can it get along with