What Is The Best Pet Turtle For You

What is the Best Pet Turtle for you?

You have decided to get a pet turtle? Or maybe you are like me, and your kid decided they want a pet turtle? You agreed, even though you know the kid will lose interest, and the turtle will become your responsibility.

So you are now researching what type of turtle you may like to get.

This article will discuss the different types of turtle species available and their habitat requirements.

What are the most popular pet turtles?

To start, a quick look at what are the most popular pet turtles and also some of the easiest to find and adopt. There are different types of turtles and tortoises, and we will cover the differences.

Turtle Basics

Turtles are not pets that like to be touched or handled like you would a dog. There are species where this will cause extreme distress. They can become stressed and act out aggressively. They are certainly more of a hands-off type of pet, like fish in an aquarium.

There are three main types of turtles: aquatic, semi-aquatic, and terrestrial.

• Aquatic turtles live in water and have webbed feet.
• Semi-aquatic turtles also live in water but need a land area to bask in the sun.
• Terrestrial turtles live on land and have clawed feet. Tortoises are land-dwelling turtles that have large, heavy shells. They can live for many years and grow to be quite large, up to two feet long.

All turtles need a spot with a regulated basking temperature where they can soak up some UVB rays. This is essential for their health as it helps them absorb nutrients and produce vitamin D.

A hiding spot is needed where they can go to feel safe and secure. This can be something as simple as a cardboard box with a hole cut out for them to crawl into.

Turtle Size

These pets can range in size from the small Musk Turtle at 3 to 5 inches to the large African Spurred Tortoise, which can grow to 3 feet.

Habitat Requirements

As you can imagine, the habitat requirements for a three-foot turtle are going to be very different from those of a four-inch turtle.

Aquatic turtles require a large tank with filters, UVB, and full spectrum heat lighting, while terrestrial tortoises need a dry, warm environment.

Now that you know a little bit more about the different types of pet turtles available, you can start to narrow down your choices and find the perfect turtle for you!

Aquatic Turtles

Musk Turtle

Musk turtles are native to North America. They get their name from the musky odor they produce when threatened or disturbed. These turtles are popular pets because they are small and relatively easy to care for.

Males can be aggressive toward other males and may become bothersome to females. Two males should not be kept together, and if a male and female are kept together, they may need to be separated. Males have longer tails with spikes on the end.

Types of musk turtles

• Common Musk Turtle
• Eastern Musk Turtle
• Razorback Musk Turtle

Care Requirements		Biology Facts
Tank Size	30 gal	Scientific Name	Sternotherus odoratus
Lights	UV Needed	Adult Body Size	3 in to 5 in
Nutrition	Omnivore	Life Span	50+ years
Temperature	Around 85ºF	Temperament	Solitary, slightly aggressive

Peninsula Cooter

This aquatic species is generally a docile creature that is easy to care for. A large tank is required- at least 90 gallons for a single turtle and more if you’re keeping multiple turtles together. Peninsula cooters are social creatures, so keeping at least two turtles together is best.

Males can grow up to 10 in and females up to 16 in.

Care Requirements		Biology Facts
Tank Size	90+ gal	Scientific Name	Pseudemys peninsularis
Lights	UV, Full Spectrum	Adult Body Size	9 – 16 inches
Nutrition	Omnivore	Life Span	30 years
Temperature	90º Basking Area, 75º Water	Temperament	Shy

Caspian Pond Turtle

The Caspian pond turtle is a medium-sized turtle native to the Caspian Sea region. They are popular pet turtles due to their docile nature and beautiful shell markings.

Caspian pond turtles need a large tank with plenty of water for swimming- at least 50 gallons for a single turtle and more if you’re keeping multiple turtles together.

Care Requirements		Biology Facts
Tank Size	75 gallons	Scientific Name	Mauremys caspica
Lights	UV and Full Spectrum	Adult Body Size	Up to 10 inches
Nutrition	Omnivores	Life Span	35 – 50 years
Temperature	85ºF – 90ºF Basking 60ºf- 85ºF Water	Temperament	Sociable

Semi Aquatic Turtles

Map Turtles

This pet turtle species get its name from the map-like markings on their shells. They are native to North America and can be found in various habitats, including ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers.

The map turtle is a popular pet due to their docile nature and can make good additions to community tanks.

Map turtles are also known to be escape artists, so it’s important to make sure that your tank has a tightly fitting lid.

Care Requirements		Biology Facts
Tank Size	75 gallon -Male 125 gallon -Female	Scientific Name	Graptemys geographica
Lights	UV and Full Spectrum	Adult Body Size	3 -10 inches
Nutrition	Mostly Carnivore	Life Span	15 – 30 years
Temperature	90ºF Basking 70ºF – 80ºF Water	Temperament	Not aggressive

Mud Turtles

Mud turtles can be found in various habitats, including ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers.

They prefer muddy and sandy areas.

In the wild, they hibernate in mud.

It is easier to determine the gender of mud turtles. Males are larger than females and will have a larger tail, legs, and head. They have a rough patch on their inner legs and a bony spine on their tail.

They do well with other mud turtles as well as with musk turtles.

Coloration will be determined by the different species.

Types

• Mississippi mud turtles
• Eastern mud turtle
• Yellow mud turtle
• Striped mud turtle

Care Requirements		Biology Facts
Tank Size	40 gallon	Scientific Name	Graptemys geographica
Lights	UV and Full Spectrum	Adult Body Size	5 inches
Nutrition	Omnivore	Life Span	50 years
Temperature	90ºF Basking 70ºF – 75ºF Water	Temperament	Not aggressive

Reeve’s Turtle

The Reeve’s Turtle, also known as the Chinese pond turtle, is native to the eastern United States.

With wild populations, reeves turtles are known to eat snails, crayfish, and insects. Commercial turtle pellets are available, but it’s also important to supplement their diet with live foods.

When appropriately kept, reeves turtles make great pets. They are active and interesting to watch and can become quite attached to their owners. Reeve turtles are not typically aggressive but can be territorial with other turtles of the same species. It is best to keep only one per tank.

Care Requirements		Biology Facts
Tank Size	50+ gallons	Scientific Name	Mauremys reevesii
Lights	UV and Full Spectrum	Adult Body Size	4 – 9 inches
Nutrition	Omnivore	Life Span	10 – 20 years
Temperature	85ºF – 95ºF Basking 75ºF – 85ºF Water	Temperament	Aggressive toward other turtles

Painted Turtles

Yet another popular choice for pet owners, in this case, is due to their beautiful colors, friendly personality, and possibly smaller size. Their coloration is olive to black, with yellow stripes on their neck and down their legs. They can have orange to faded pink on their belly. You can also see red and yellow along the edges of the shell.

Tank size should be ten gallons per inch of shell. Females are larger than males. Males have longer front claws and tails than females.

They are social creatures and do best when kept in pairs or groups.

Types

• Eastern painted turtle
• Western painted turtle
• Midland painted turtle

Care Requirements		Biology Facts
Tank Size	40gal – 80 gal	Scientific Name	Chrysemys picta marginata
Lights	UV and Full Spectrum	Adult Body Size	3.5 inches – 9 inches
Diet	Omnivore	Life Span	50+ years
Temperature	75º- 85ºF	Temperament	Inquisitive

Pond Slider Turtles

The pond slider turtle is one of the most popular pets due in part to its calm nature and relatively small size.

The red ear slider is one of the easiest to find in pet stores. To get to know the red ear slider turtle better, click here

Pond slider turtles are social creatures, so it’s best to keep multiple turtles together. In terms of diet, it’s essential to provide a varied diet to ensure that they’re getting all the nutrients they need. Like most omnivores, they like leafy green vegetables and some aquatic plants.

Types of Pond Slider Turtles

• Red-eared slider turtle (or red-eared terrapin)
• Yellow-bellied sliders
• Cumberland slider

Care Requirements		Biology Facts
Tank Size	50 gallons	Scientific Name	Trachemys scripta
Lights	UV and Full Spectrum	Adult Body Size	4 – 12 inches
Nutrition	Omnivore	Life Span	20 – 50 years
Temperature	90ºF Basking 75ºF Water	Temperament	Friendly

Side Neck Turtles

The side-neck turtle gets their name from the way it bends its head to the side when retracting into its shell. These turtles are found in various habitats worldwide, from South America to Australia.

While side-neck turtles can vary significantly in size, most species stay relatively small, with an average shell length of around 10 inches. Keep in mind some can grow large.

These pet turtles require a tank at least twice as long as the turtle is wide and at least 12 inches deep.

A popular breed is the African side-neck turtle.

Care Requirements		Biology Facts
Tank Size	75 gal	Scientific Name	Pelomedusa subrufa
Lights	UV	Adult Body Size	7-12 Inches
Nutrition	Omnivore	Life Span	25-50 years
Temperature	80º-90ºF	Temperament	Quiet

Box Turtles

This turtle species are good pets thanks to their friendly nature and unique appearance. Their temperament is docile in nature, and they have easy care requirements.

They are called box turtles because they are able to draw their head and limbs completely into their shell, creating a box.

The eastern box turtle is one of the most common pets.

Care Requirements		Biology Facts
Tank Size	40+ gallons	Scientific Name	Terrapene Carolina
Lights	UV and Full Spectrum	Adult Body Size	4 – 8 inches
Nutrition	Omnivore	Life Span	20 – 40+ years
Temperature	85ºF – 90ºF Basking 70ºF – 80ºF Water	Temperament	Friendly

Wood Turtles

The wood turtle is a medium-sized species of turtle that is native to North America. They are named for their wood-like shell, typically reddish-brown in color.

Wood turtles are relatively long-lived creatures and can live for over 20 years with proper care.

Males have long, thick tails, and females have short, thin tails.

Care Requirements		Biology Facts
Tank Size	40 gallons	Scientific Name	Glyptemys insculpta
Lights	UV and Full Spectrum	Adult Body Size	5-8 inches
Nutrition	Omnivore	Life Span	40 – 58 years
Temperature	85ºF – 90ºF Basking 70ºF – 80ºF Water	Temperament	Friendly

Terrestrial Tortoises

Tortoise Basics

All tortoises need full-spectrum UVB lighting, a basking spot, and the appropriate temperature gradient in their enclosure.

Tortoises are mostly herbivorous and should be offered a variety of leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, and on occasion, calcium powder as part of their diet. There are commercial tortoise pellets to supplement fresh foods.

Large water pans are required that allow the tortoise to climb in and out to bathe, drink and soak. Fresh, clean water must be available at all times. Tortoise enclosures can have different types of ground cover, such as rocks, logs, leaf litter, and hiding spaces.

Russian Tortoises

Russian tortoises are a popular choice for pet owners due to their small size and docile nature. These turtles are native to parts of Russia, Iran, and Afghanistan.

Each foot has four claws that they use to climb and burrow. They like to climb rocks.

Males have longer tails than females, with a bone spur at the end. Female tails are short without the spur. However, females get larger than males.

Care Requirements		Biology Facts
Enclosure Size	20-gallon terrarium with an extra five sq ft of floor space	Scientific Name	Agrionemys horsfieldii
Lights	UV, Basking, and Full Spectrum	Adult Body Size	8 – 10 inches
Nutrition	Herbivore, Large water dish, Supplements	Life Span	40+ years
Temperature	75ºF – 85ºF	Temperament	Active

African spurred tortoises

African-spurred tortoises are a popular choice for pet owners due to their docile nature and easy care requirements. These turtles are native to Africa and typically live 40 years or more.

Take note, though, they are very large and like to dig. They like to lay in mud holes in the summer to cool themselves.

African spurred tortoises require a dry habitat with plenty of room to move around. An enclosure must have walls that are at least 24” high and underground 12” to prevent digging and escape. The enclosure could be made with a cement footer with a well-built wooden wall.

Housing can be built in a garage to over-winter in colder climates. Temperatures should not dip below 50ºF. Otherwise, provide a heated box to hide in.

Care Requirements		Biology Facts
Enclosure Size	VERY large, usually outdoors, with solid walls	Scientific Name	Centrochelys sulcata
Lights	UV, Basking, and Full Spectrum	Adult Body Size	18 – 36 inches
Nutrition	Herbivore, Grazers, Large water dish, Supplements	Life Span	50+ years
Temperature	50ºF – 100ºF	Temperament	Very aggressive toward each other

Greek Tortoises

These turtles are native to Greece and typically live between 50-100 years.

Greek tortoises require a dry habitat with plenty of room to move around.

They are mostly herbivorous, with some animal protein. In the wild, they graze on grasses and other plants.

They do well in pairs or groups.

Care Requirements		Biology Facts
Enclosure Size	6’ long x 3’tall x 18”high Wooden	Scientific Name	Testudo graeca
Lights	UV, Basking, and Full Spectrum	Adult Body Size	5 – 8 Inches
Nutrition	Herbivore, large water pan	Life Span	Possible 50+ years
Temperature	One area of enclosure 100ºF 75ºF – 90ºF	Temperament	Peaceful

Easiest Turtles to Keep?

One of the easiest aquatic turtles to keep as a pet is the box turtle. These turtles are small, do not require a large habitat, and are relatively low maintenance. Another easy-to-care-for turtle is the tortoise. Tortoises are also low maintenance, but some can require a large habitat.

What Are the Hardest Turtles to Keep?

The hardest turtles to keep as pets are probably the aquatic turtles. These turtles require a large habitat with a water source, and they also need to be fed live food. Aquatic turtles can also be quite messy, so they may not be the best choice for those who want a low-maintenance pet.

Conclusion

There are many different types of pet turtles to choose from, each with its own unique needs and requirements. Some turtles are easier to care for than others, so it is important to do your research before choosing a turtle as a pet. With proper care and commitment, turtles can make great pets for people of all ages!

Last but not least, all turtles need a proper diet. This can include commercial turtle food, fresh fruits and vegetables, proteins if needed, and calcium supplements, as well as any other supplements the specific turtle needs. An omnivore requires a diet high in protein with vegetation on the side. Whereas a herbivore and grazers only eat plants.