Chicken turtles are native to the United States, specifically in the southeastern part of the country. There are three subspecies that belong to this group – Florida chicken turtle, Eastern chicken turtle, and Western chicken turtle.
Previously, these turtles are commonly eaten in the regions where they are found. According to some people, they taste like chicken, which is exactly where they got their name.
The chicken turtles are not protected species, which makes it fairly easy to own them as pets.
Chicken Turtles Habitat and Accessories Comparison Table
| Buy Link | Product Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Exo Terra Plastic Terrarium Plant, Small, Mandarin | from $3.99 |
 | Zoo Med Wipe Out 1 Terrarium Cleaner, 8.75-Ounce | from $4.34 |
 | Dannisly Turtle Basking Platform Leaf Shape Turtle Terrace Plastic with Suction Cup for Reptile Animal, Aquarium Fish Tank Deco… | from $6.99 |
 | 10 Pack Artificial Aquarium Plastic Plants, CBTONE Artificial Aquatic Plants Assorted Color Aquarium Plants Plastic Fish Turtle Tan… | from $7.99 |
 | Rep-Cal SRP00200 Phosphorous-Free Calcium Ultrafine Powder Reptile/Amphibian Supplement with Vitamin D3 | from $9.59 |
 | HIERYAN Aquarium Turtle Filter, Turtle Reptile Water Filter Submersible Low Water Level Waterfall Turtle Tank Filter, 150GPH Tu… | from $9.99 |
 | Habitat Basking Rock for Turtles Large Basking Platform Ramp Big Tank Decore Accessories Turtle Shelf Landing Dock for Aquari… | from $10.99 |
 | Turtle Floating Island Aquarium Basking Platform Pier Ramp with Suction Cups Terrarium Dock Land Tortoises Hiding and Habitat… | from $10.99 |
 | Zoo Med Economy Analog Dual Thermometer and Humidity Gauge, 6 x 4″ | from $10.99 |
 | Reptile Rock Hideout, YOUTHINK Tortoises Fish Reptile Hiding Cave Pet Tortoise Escape Habitat Cave Resin Aquarium Ornament f… | from $12.49 |
 | Turtle Tank Aquarium-Turtle basking Platform，Swimming Area, breeding Hibernation Area, Feeding Area is a Perfect Reptile Hab… | from $12.99 |
 | PINVNBY Plastic Turtle Tank Reptile Habitat Pet Terrariums Turtles Tank Aquarium Terrapin Topper Basking with Platform Plants,… | from $13.59 |
 | Binano Pet Turtle Tanks,Aquarium Tank,Tank for Turtles,Aquarium for Turtles,Reptile Habitat,Turtle Habitat, Plastic, Safe, Non-To… | from $13.99 |
 | PETLAOO Turtle Tank Aquarium, Turtle Habitat, Reptile Habitat, Turtle basking Platform, Easy to Clean, (Blue) excluding Accessor… | from $13.99 |
 | uxcell Dark Gray Resin Basking Ramp Turtle Climb Stone Habitat Ornament for Aquarium Fish Tank | from $13.99 |
 | HelloPet Turtle Basking Platform Large Size Tortoise Resting Terrace with 3PCS Suction Cups Turtle Habitat for Fish Tank Aquariu… | from $13.99 |
 | K1-Store Internal Filter Aquarium Turtle Filter Low Water Level Clean Pump for Reptiles Turtle Tank Fish Tank Amphibian Tank (F… | from $13.99 |
 | Mumusuki Turtle Basking Platform Climbing Basking Terrace Aquarium Fish Tank Reptile Tortoise Floating Platform Dock Pet Sup… | from $14.39 |
 | RYPET Turtle Tank Aquarium – Reptile Habitat, Turtle Habitat, Reptile Aquarium Tank for Crayfish Crab (Excluding Accessories) Bl… | from $14.49 |
 | Turtle Tank Aquarium,Reptile Habitat,Turtle Habitat Terrapin Lake Reptile Aquarium Tank with Platform Plants for Crayfish Crab (… | from $14.99 |
 | Reptile Habitat,Turtle Habitat Terrapin Lake Reptile Aquarium Tank with Platform Plants (Blue)(Excluding Accessories | from $14.99 |
 | COOSPIDER Turtle Tank Filter Low Water Level Whisper Aquarium Filter 10-20 Gallon Bio Filter Cartridge for Small Fish Tank Turt… | from $14.99 |
 | Senzeal Aquarium Turtle Filter Quiet Low Water Level Filter Pump 5W 400L/H Internal Fish Tank Filter for Fish Tank Turtle Tank | from $15.59 |
 | RYPET Turtle Tank Aquarium – Reptile Habitat, Turtle Habitat, Reptile Aquarium Tank for Crayfish Crab (Excluding Accessories) Bl… | from $15.99 |
 | Turtle Habitat,Reptile Habitat,Turtle Tank Aquarium,Terrapin Lake Reptile Aquarium Tank with Platform Plants for Crayfish Crab (… | from $15.99 ($15.99 / Count) |
 | Hamiledyi Turtle Basking Platform Tortoise Climbing Ladder Aquarium Fish Tank Reptile Ramp Resting TerraceArtificial Plastic Gr… | from $15.99 |
 | YueYueZou Aquarium Turtle Filter, Low Level Waterfall Filter for Small Fish Tank Shrimp Tank Amphibian Frog Crab | from $15.99 |
 | Exo Terra Turtle Pebbles, Large | from $16.14 |
 | Rypet Turtle Tank Aquarium – Reptile Habitat, Turtle Habitat, Reptile Aquarium Tank for Crayfish Crab (Excluding Accessories) Blue | from $16.99 |
 | Penn-Plax Swimming Sea Turtle Aquarium Decor, Medium Size – A Great Decoration Ornament for Any Tank | from $17.16 |
 | Exo Terra Terrarium Decor Croc Skull_LQ | from $17.64 |
 | Saim Turtle Ramp Climb Stone Resin Turtle Platform Aqua Landscape Decorative Habitat Ornament for Aquarium | from $17.99 |
 | LONDAFISH Turtle Filter Water Submersible Filter for Turtle Tank/Aquarium 600L/H Filtration Low Water Level Filter | from $18.80 |
 | YOUTHINK Turtle Basking Platform, Reptiles Floating Platform with Ramp Stairs Turtle Dock Floating Platform for Turtles Aquariu… | from $19.07 |
 | K1-Store Turtle Filter Aquarium Filter Low Water Level Internal Filter Waterfall Flow Aquarium Pump for Turtle Tank Fish Tank Re… | from $20.75 |
 | HIERYAN Turtle Tank Filter, New Submersible Internal Aquarium Power Filter, Mute Waterfall Built-in Water Circulation Turtle Ta… | from $21.99 |
 | POPETPOP Reptile Hide – Fish Hiding Cave Aquarium Simulation Crawling Turtle Reptile Basking Hide Out Habitat Tank Decoratio… | from $25.66 |
 | Hamiledyi Plastic Turtle Tank, Little Turtle Habitat Basking Platform, Baby Turtles Terrarium Safe Durable, Tortoise Breeding Box … | from $25.99 |
 | Geegoods Turtle Aquarium Tank，Turtle Habitat Kit，Reptile Habitat Filter Layer Design， Easy to Change Water and Prevent The … | from $29.99 |
 | Turtle Tank kit Includes Accessories with Water Filter High Anti-Escape Fence | from $38.24 |
 | Turtle Aquarium Turtle Tank kit Includes Accessories with Small Water Pump+Plastic Flowers+Decorative Stones, Reptile Terrari… | from $45.99 |
 | Turtle Tank Reptile Starter Kit Terrarium Includes Accessories with UV Basking Light Lamp + Water Filter + Rocks + Palm Tree – … | from $49.97 |
 | Rypet Baby Turtle Tank Starter Kit – Reptile Terrariums Tortoise Habitat with UV Basking Light Lamp, Water Filter, Rocks, Small P… | from $49.99 |
 | BINANO Turtle Habitat Turtle Tank Aquarium Includes Accessories with Heat Lamp + Water Filter +Tree, Prevent from Escaping, … | from $55.99 |
 | Glass Turtle Tank Aquarium, SILICAR Tortoise Habitat Reptile Terrarium with Basking Platform, Bottom Drain Design, Multifuncti… | from $57.99 |
 | PENN-PLAX Reptology Turtle Topper – Above Tank Basking Platform That Safely Mounts to Standard Size Tanks up to 55 Gallons … | from $68.00 |
 | AMOSIJOY Glass Turtle Tank Aquarium Reptile Tortoise Habitat Turtle Basking Platform with Pump, Filter and Filter Layer Design,… | from $76.49 |
 | Tetra Aquatic Turtle Deluxe Kit 20 Gallons, aquarium With Filter And Heating Lamps, 30 IN (NV33230) | from $297.59 |
 | XEOGUIYA Turtle Resting Basking Platform, Turtle Tank Accessories with Suction Cups for Aquarium Fish Tank Decorations | Price by Size #101112 |
 | Reptile Habitat Setup Aquarium Tank Kit Filter Screen Lid Bask Lamp Turtle & E Book by STSSLTD | Price by Size #101112 |
 | Zilla Premium Rimless Aquatic Turtle Habitat Kit, 20 Gallon Long | Price by Size #101112 |
 | Hamiledyi Plastic Turtle Tank, Turtles Topper Basking Platform, Reptile Habitat Filter Layer Design, Prevent Tortoise from Escapin… | Price by Size #101112 |
 | rnairni Turtle Tank Aquarium, Filter Layer Design Reptile Habitat, Turtle Topper Cage, Hermit Carb Tank with Basking Climbing Pl… | Price by Size #101112 |
 | Lightahead Artificial Aquarium, Swimming Fish & Sea Turtles Tank with Bubbles and Multi Colored LED Big Size (Fish & Sea Turtles) | Price by Size #101112 |
 | Rochix Turtle Tank Aquarium,Reptile Habitat,Turtle Habitat Terrapin Lake Reptile Aquarium Tank with Platform Plants for Small T… | Price by Size #101112 |
 | DREAMER.U Aquarium Fish Tank Underwater Landscaping Resin Tortoise Turtle Reptiles Terrace Bridge Decorations Ornaments A… | Price by Size #101112 |
Physical Characteristics
The physical appearance of chicken turtles will vary across the subspecies, although they share many similar characteristics. The Florida Chicken Turtle has yellow or orange lines in its carapace without markings in its plastron. The Eastern Chicken Turtle, on the other hand, is duller compared to the color of Florida Chicken Turtle. The carapace has narrow brown or green lines. On the other hand, the Western Chicken Turtle has a flatter carapace compared to the two and has dark markings along the edges of its plastron.
One thing that is common in the three subspecies of chicken turtles is that they all have large inquisitive eyes. Their necks are also long and marked with noticeable stripes. They have a pear-shaped carapace and webbed feet, which make it easy for them to swim.
These turtles are mid-sized, usually from six to nine inches. The males are usually smaller, and the females can reach a length of up to 12 inches.
Behavior
While the turtles are aquatic, they are usually seen on land, especially when they are migrating or looking for an area where they can create burrows. They are known to be active and they spend most of their time basking. They are most active during the day and they hibernate in mud and vegetation.
Environment
The chicken turtles are semi-aquatic, which is why you can find them both on land and in water. When they are in the water, they prefer places that are quiet and calm, such as ponds, cypress, marshes, and other places with heavy vegetation. They also like bodies of water with soft substrates.
In captivity, on the other hand, chicken turtles will thrive in a place that has clean and aerated water. The water should be filtered to avoid health problems. Another important component of their modified environment is a basking spot. A good example of the latter is the Exo Terra Crocodile Skull Terrarium Décor.
When it is elevated, it can provide a spot where turtles can go if they need a break from the water.
When the chicken turtle is kept indoors, a stock tank or a large tub is a must. If the tank is large enough, up to three of these turtles can be kept in the same place. If ever they show signs of aggression, however, they have to be placed in isolation.
As for the size of the tank, the average depth should be 20 inches, length is 84 inches, and width is 48 inches. A 75-gallon tank, meanwhile, will be good for up to two male chicken turtles. Since females are larger, one turtle will need a tank with an average capacity of 125 gallons.
To mimic the conditions of their natural habitat, it is also important to put a driftwood or artificial plants. One of the best products to have is the Exo Terra Plastic Terrarium Plant.
They are a realistic replica of plants that will provide the turtle with a natural hiding spot.
Chicken turtles can also live in outdoor ponds, although it is necessary to provide them with an area for hibernation when they get tired of swimming.
Foods and Vitamins
Similar to many other types of turtles, they are omnivores. A varied diet of plant and animal matter will be necessary to keep them in their best state of health. When they are younger, most of them are carnivorous. To be specific, some of the foods that can be given to chicken turtles include fish, tadpoles, crustaceans, aquatic insects, and crayfish. Plants, such as water lettuce and water hyacinth, should be introduced once the turtles mature.
For the vitamin supplements, like with the other turtles, calcium is one of the most important to be a regular part of their diet, especially for their shell and bones. One of the best is the Rep-Cal Phosphorus-Free Calcium with Vitamin D3.
It is made using 100% oyster shell and is formulated to improve the turtle’s ability to absorb calcium. When this is given, the turtle will not require any other supplementation.
Health Problems
One of the reasons why chicken turtles are popular as pets is the fact that they do not suffer from a lot of health problems, especially if you are cautious of how to take care of them.
However, if the water is not clean, they can exhibit different forms of shell and skin infection. More so, if the water supply is contaminated, it is not unusual for them to have abscesses in the ears.
Obesity can also be a problem, specifically if you feed them only with commercial turtle pellets. To avoid this, they should be given a varied diet.
Other Tips for Taking Care of Chicken Turtle
Take note of the things mentioned below when taking care of chicken turtles:
- Those that are held in captivity as pets should not be released in the wild. Having non-native species in the wild can introduce diseases and confusion.
- To prevent the spread of infection in the enclosure of the chicken turtle, one product that can prove to be promising is the Zoo Med Wipe Out 1 Cleaner.
- For the captive care of the pet turtle, ensure the best living conditions. In this case, it is recommended that the air temperature should be 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. For the basking temperature, it can be as high as 90 degrees. The water temperature, on the other hand, should be 75 to 85 degrees. To make it easier to monitor the temperature, invest in a product like the Zoo Med Economy Analog Dual Thermometer and Humidity Gauge.