When it comes to identifying the ideal pet turtle, many people have different expectations. Some people desire a turtle that lives a long time, while others want one that won't run from the spotlight. Others, however, favor a colorful or unusual-looking turtle. Whatever you're looking for, turtles are among the most common pets.
Despite the fact that there are hundreds of different species of turtles, not all of them make ideal pets. Some become far too large to be domesticated, while others might be prohibited from ownership. Research is required before getting a turtle. It's also crucial to be aware that most turtles live in water, necessitating an aquatic set up. They require a small pond if they are housed outside.
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| Turtles and Tortoises: 6 Species of Turtles That Make Excellent Pets |
For indoor housing, they need an aquarium with a filtration system and submersible pumps. In addition, a third of the water must be changed on a regular basis. If the water is to be pure and suitable for habitation, this is crucial.
These are the top turtles available for keeping as pets. These turtles are trouble-free, simple to take care of, and beautiful.
The 6 Species of Turtles That Make Excellent Pets
1. Red-eared slider
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| Red-eared slider |
Both the Cumberland slider and the red-eared slider are members of the pond slider species (Trachemys scripta). They look extremely similar and have similar care requirements. They live a long time, like the majority of turtles. They can grow from 6 inches to a foot in length. The lifespan of a pond slider is 60 years. A pond slider should survive for about 40 years with proper care. They consume insects, commercial turtle food, and shellfish like shrimp.
They are simple to find, buy, and maintain in most cases. Additionally, they don't bite or scratch when stroked and make adorable pets. A turtle doesn't mind being touched frequently. They rank among the most widely kept turtle species as pets worldwide. They are not the simplest pets to maintain, though, and if not given the right care, they will pass away.
Many people who don't really like reptiles wind up purchasing one because they are extremely easy to find and very economical. These people can be those who simply desire a pet in the house or children pleading with their parents to buy them one. Since these turtles live so long, many of these people release them back into the wild after becoming bored of these adorable turtles after a while (it could be after a while or after ten years), which is wrong.
- Quick Facts
- Experience Level: Intermediate.
- Family: Emydidae.
- Scientific Name: Trachemys Scripta troostii / Trachemys Scripta elegans.
- Common Names: red-eared turtle, water slider turtle, Red-eared terrapin, slider turtle, and red-eared slider turtle.
- Adult Size: 6 to 12 inches.
- Lifespan: 20 to 40 years.
- Average Price Range: $5 to $20.
- Quick Care Requirements
- Tank Size: 40 gallon tank min.
- Food: Commercial turtle food / fish, Krill, shrimp, insect, snails.
- UVB Lighting: Needed.
- Ambient Temperature: 75 to 80 F.
- Water Temperature: 75 to 84 F.
- Basking Spot Temperature: 90 F.
2. African Sideneck Turtle
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| African Sideneck Turtle |
The pet African sideneck turtle has such a distinctive appearance. This distinguishes it from other popular pet turtles, which are mostly North American in origin. They have a shell that resembles a land turtle. They also have adorable little smiley faces. They typically have a lifespan of a few decades and reach a height of 7 to 12 inches (30 years). Despite their small size, they need a big tank to feel comfortable.
They have a very different diet than other turtles. even though it isn't recommended to give meat to North American turtles, The African sideneck turtle is an anomaly since it consumes meat. It eats fish, beef heart, and roasted chicken. Feed them romaine lettuce and collard greens as well. The African sideneck turtle prefers to consume a lot of leafy green vegetables as an adult. Additional excellent way to feed it is by using prepared turtle food.
The adorable smile on its face and the turtle's distinctive appearance are among its many excellent qualities. They require very little maintenance as well. And lastly, unlike American turtles, they don't hibernate. They are active throughout the year. However, they are harder to find and less common than American turtles. Overall, one of the best turtles you can keep as a pet is the African sideneck turtle. because of their year-round active lifestyle, preferred foods, and ease of care.
- Quick Facts
- Experience Level: Intermediate.
- Family: Pelomedusidae.
- Scientific Name: Pelusios castaneus.
- Common Names: African aquatic sideneck turtle, African mud turtle, African sideneck turtle.
- Adult Size: 7 to 11 inches.
- Lifespan: 25 to 50 years.
- Average Price Range: $30 to $50.
- Quick Care Requirements
- Tank Size: 40 gallons.
- Food: commercial turtle food / greens, snails, chicken, and Fish.
- UVB Lighting: Needed.
- Temperature Range: 80 – 85 F.
- Water temperature: 75 F.
- Basking Spot Temperature: 95 F.
3. Eastern Box Turtle
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| Eastern Box Turtle |
The most common box turtle kept as a pet may just be the eastern box turtle. Because they are native to the eastern United States, they are known as eastern box turtles. Since they are not aquatic like the other turtles in this list, they require a terrarium rather than an aquarium. They can also be kept outside, just make sure they can't escape.
When fully grown, they reach a height of around 6 inches. You must be careful about the food you provide them since they will eat everything you feed them. It is advisable to give them live snails, grubs, and insects. Feed them veggies as well, including romaine lettuce, dandelions, collard greens, and many other vegetables. Overall, they are simple to feed and bond with, especially when feeding time comes around. They therefore make fantastic pets.
Keep in mind that they have a lengthy lifespan. It has been known that they can live up to 100 years old. They should survive for at least 40 years. Not everyone could maintain this long-term commitment. These land turtles are great. Eastern box turtles are a good choice if you want a land turtle or tortoise.
- Quick Facts
- Experience Level: Beginner.
- Family: Emydidae.
- Scientific Name: Terrapene carolina carolina.
- Common Names: Eastern box turtle.
- Adult Size: 4.33 to 7 inches.
- Lifespan: 40 to 100 years.
- Average Price Range: $150 to $400.
- Quick Care Requirements
- Tank Size: 20 gallons.
- Outdoor enclosure size: 4 x 4 ft.
- Food: Vegetables and live insects.
- UVB Lighting: Needed.
- Temperature Range: 75 to 80 F.
- Basking Spot Temperature: 95 F.
4. Western Painted Turtle
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| Western Painted Turtle |
The eastern painted turtle, midland painted turtle, southern painted turtle, and western painted turtle are the four subspecies of the painted turtle. According to its geographic distribution, each subspecies has a name. These stunning reptiles can live for more than 55 years and are wonderful companions for beginners (although they generally live to be about 25 to 30 years). As you can see, they demand commitment.
They are simple to find, easy to get, pleasurable to keep, and attractive to look at. There aren't many turtle lovers who won't be impressed by this turtle. They consume commercial turtle food, so feeding them is stress-free. They will receive all the essential elements from this, including vitamin D3. They are manageable pets because they only reach a maximum length of 6 to 8 inches.
Nothing negative can be said about this turtle. Hands should always be washed before and after handling them, as you should with any turtle.
- Quick Facts
- Experience Level: Beginners.
- Family: Emydidae.
- Scientific Name: Chrysemys picta.
- Common Names: Painted turtle, skilpot.
- Adult Size: 6 to 8 inches.
- Lifespan: 25 to 30 years.
- Average Price Range: $29 to $80.
- Quick Care Requirements
- Tank Size: 15 to 20-gallon tank.
- Food: Commercial turtle food/insects and vegetables.
- UVB Lighting: Needed.
- Temperature Range: 75 to 85 F.
- Water temperature: 75 F.
- Basking Spot Temperature: 95 F.
5. Mississippi Map Turtle
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| Mississippi Map Turtle |
Another aquatic turtle native to North America. The formal false map turtle subspecies name is G. p. pseudogeographica. Mississippi map turtle is among the additional false map turtle subspecies (G. p. kohnii). The lines that run down their bodies and shells, which resemble contour lines, are what give these creatures their common name of "map turtles."
These turtles are just stunning. They can be distinguished from other turtles by their contour lines and elevated, saw-like back. You can't go wrong with these turtles if you're searching for showcase pets. There is no easier turtle to care for in terms of maintenance.
Even for a little turtle, they are quite small. However, females are significantly larger than males. A huge female requires a 75-gallon aquarium, whilst the male does well in a 20 to 25-gallon aquarium.
They consume commercial turtle food as well as vegetables and insects. They are strong turtles that require little care, with the exception of the small setback of the requirement to purchase a sizable aquarium for the potential female.
Expect them to live for 33 years, though they may not live as long as other turtles. Before purchasing a turtle, be sure you are prepared to care for one. Additionally, if you have to give one up, make sure you get a good home for it.
- Quick Facts
- Experience Level: Beginner.
- Family: Emydidae.
- Scientific Name: Graptemys pseudogeographica pseudogeographica.
- Common Names: False map turtle.
- Adult Size: 4 to 10 inches.
- Lifespan: 30 to 50 years.
- Average Price Range: $5 to $50.
- Quick Care Requirements
- Tank Size: 25 gallons.
- Food: Commercial aquatic turtle food/insects and vegetables.
- UVB Lighting: Needed.
- Water temperature: 75 F.
- Ambient temperature Range: 80 to 85 F.
- Basking Spot Temperature: 85 to 90 F.
6. Razor-Backed Musk Turtles
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| Razor-Backed Musk Turtles |
Small turtles include musk turtles. Even the largest turtle, the razor-backed musk turtle, only reaches a maximum length of 6 inches. Musk turtles are also carnivorous, in contrast to the other turtles listed in this page.
They consume a variety of meals, including fish, bloodworms, mealworms, and ails. They can, however, be fed diets designed for aquatic turtles, such as Mazuri Aquatic Turtle Diet. On average, they reach a height of 20 years. This lifespan is fairly normal for a turtle.
They don't need enormous aquariums, however a large tank means the turtle is less stressed and offers greater comfort. I advise using a tank that is about 30 gallons in size. They consume aquatic turtle meal that is manufactured commercially, thus feeding them is also quite easy. They would live long, robust lives if they ate conventional turtle chow and consumed leafy greens.
Mealworms, bloodworms, crickets, snails, fish, and many more can be used as dietary supplements. They are also simple to find. They are available from reputable breeders online and even in pet stores. Additionally, they coexist quietly in the same tank with other pet turtles.
The sole drawback of razor-back musk turtles is their timidity. It will take some time for these wary turtles to grow acquainted to you and their surroundings. To get the greatest behavior out of these creatures, make sure you provide them with access to food, clean water, and alone time. They do not enjoy being held and are more of a display pet.
If you have children at home who might want to pick them up, you should pay particular attention to this. For these turtles, make sure you have a place where they can be left alone without being disturbed.
These animals might not be the greatest choice for you if you have children living in the home. To prevent any mishaps or injury, make sure your kids are aware that these turtles need their space and shouldn't be held.
- Quick Facts
- Experience Level: Beginners.
- Family: Kinosternidae.
- Scientific Name: Sternotherus carinatus.
- Common Names: razor -backed musk turtle.
- Adult Size: 6 inches.
- Lifespan: 20 years.
- Average Price Range: $35 to $100.
- Quick Care Requirements
- Tank Size: 30 gallons.
- Food: Commercial aquatic turtle diet / Bloodworm, insects, crustaceans, and fish.
- UVB Lighting: Needed.
- Water temperature: 73 to 78 F.
- Temperature Range: 75 to 85 F.
- Basking temperature: 90 F.
Conclusion
Care is simple when you get the greatest pet turtle. Turtles are excellent pets and are entertaining to watch. While many reptile aficionados find its lifespan to be a plus, it may sometimes be a drawback.
10 years represents old age in terms of dogs and cats. A 10 year old turtle is still young compared to the majority of them, who can easily live to be 30 years or older.
Some species, like the eastern box turtle, can reach 100 years of age. As a result, if you intend to keep a turtle, be ready to make the commitment. We would be interested to hear your opinions on the ideal turtle for a pet. Please post a remark below.
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