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Turtle

How to Take Care of Map Turtle: Everything You Need to Know

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While aquatic turtles will indeed make great pets, the problem is that they typically need large enclosures to survive. Thankfully, with species like the map turtle, they are generally smaller, and hence, they do not need to have a large habitat.

 

Also known as saw back turtles, they are endemic in North America. This means that North America is the only place where they can be seen in the wild. There are 13 species of the map turtle, which include Northern or common map turtle, false map turtle, Alabama map turtle, Texas map turtle, and Pearl River map turtle.

Physical Characteristics

The map turtles are named after their physical appearance, although it should be pointed out that different species exhibit different characteristics, especially when it comes to coloration. Nonetheless, one thing that is common is that their carapace has a sort of pattern that looks like a map at first sight. The map lines are usually orange or yellow. Between the lines, you can see brown and green.

Another physical characteristic of a map turtle is the presence of thick lines on the face and limbs, which are usually bright yellow.

Map turtles are also known for being relatively small compared to other types of aquatic turtle. On average, the females have an approximate length of seven to ten inches. Males, on the other hand, are commonly three to seven inches in length.

On average, the lifespan of a map turtle is anywhere from 15 to 20 years.

Behavior

Map turtles are known for actively basking under the heat of the sun. While there are some turtles that spend most of the time burrowing, in the case of map turtles, they spend lots of hours enjoying the heat of the sun. Despite this, they also prefer to be near the water, which will allow them to swim anytime they want.

They are also known for being friendly species, which is why they are commonly chosen as pets. However, take note that females tend to be more dominant. If possible, avoid having them in a large group.

Environment

In the wild, you will often find map turtles in clear rivers that are fast-flowing. With this, you have to recreate such an environment if you want to have it as a pet. Although map turtles are small, you need to have a large aquarium that will provide lots of room to swim and move.

For full-grown turtles, you need an aquarium that has a capacity of at least 75 gallons. Since females are generally larger than males, they also need to have a larger housing. More than the size of the aquarium, the more important consideration is the quality of the water that will be used in the tank. The clarity is critical, which makes it important to install a large water filter. This will also eliminate the waste and buildup in the water.

Earlier, we have mentioned that map turtles like basking under the sun. If they are indoors, the best thing that you can do is to install a spotlight that mimics the heat of the sun. In this case, the

#1 Exo Terra Intense Basking Spot Lamp

#2 BYB Ceramic Infrared Heat Lamp

are two of the best choices worth considering.

An outdoor pond will also be an ideal environment for a map turtle, especially for larger species or if you intend to take care of more than one turtle. Make sure to provide them with a basking spot.

Regardless of whether they are kept indoors or outdoors, you need to provide a spot where they can climb when it is time to bask. One of the best products for this is the

#3 Fluker’s Castle Crib Reptile Basking Platform

Foods and Vitamins

Map turtles eat both animal and plant matter, making their diet omnivorous. Because they are aquatic turtles, their foods are floating in the water. When they are young, they prefer plant matter. As they grow older, however, their jaw muscles become developed, which makes it easier to eat animal matter.

Some of the best foods that can be given to feed map turtles include blackworms, bloodworms, feeder fish, crayfish, crickets, and earthworms. Dark and leafy vegetables will also be great, such as parsley, dandelion greens, and romaine. They also enjoy eating freeze-dried shrimp.

There are also many prepared and commercially-available foods that will be good for map turtles. Generally, you have to look for those with about 30 to 40% protein, less than 20% fat, and a high ratio of calcium to phosphate.

Similar to other turtles, it will also need Vitamin D3, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy condition of the shell and bone. With this, consider giving

#4 Zoo Med Repti Calcium

to the turtle to supplement its needs for Vitamin D3.

Health Problems

Shell and fungal infections are some of the most common problems that will confront map turtles. The easiest way to prevent this is to provide them with enough sunlight. If they are indoors, as mentioned earlier, a basking lamp will be helpful. The lamp may not be enough, so you will have to occasionally take the turtle outside.

Ear and skin infections can also be apparent, especially when the water quality is inferior. The right pH and oxygen levels will be important. It is also recommended that you use a product like

#5 Zoo Med Repti Safe Instant Terrarium Water Conditioner

Other Tips for Taking Care of Map Turtle

To have peace of mind and provide the best living conditions for map turtles, below are other important things to keep in mind:

  • Similar to most species of aquatic turtles, map turtles do not like to be cuddled or held. Do not pick them up unless it is necessary to do so.
  • Immediately wash your hands after holding map turtles as they can spread salmonella.
  • Especially if you will keep the turtle in outdoor ponds, add lots of natural plants, such as water hyacinth or water lettuce. This will help to maintain a high level of oxygen.
  • Females can be aggressive, so be sure to not make the space crowded. Adding decors will also help to give each turtle a private space, especially when basking. Better yet, keep them in separate tanks.

How to Take Care of Wood Turtle: Everything You Need to Know

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If you are looking for a turtle to have as a pet, wood turtle is one option that should be on the top of your list. They are usually friendly and tame, unlike others that can be aggressive, especially when they are disturbed or held.

These turtles are largely terrestrial, often found in the Northeastern part of the United States, as well as in Canada. The degradation of their habitat is a significant threat for these turtles, which is why they are already protected by law.

Physical Characteristics

Scientifically, the wood turtle is also known as Glyptemys insculpta, which also speaks a lot about its physical appearance. In Greek, giypt means carved while emys means turtle. On the other hand, insculpta is a Latin word that literally translates to engraved in English. It has concentric rings in its shell, which looks like carved wood, which is why it has been named as such.

Wood turtles are known for being medium-sized, which is also one of the reasons why they will make great pets. The adults will be approximately six to ten inches in terms of length. Meanwhile, the weight can be up to 1.5 kilograms on average.

When it comes to color, the carapace of a wood turtle is usually grayish brown or brown. You can also see black and yellow lines on its ridges. Meanwhile, the inside of the shell, which is called the plastron, is yellow with oblong blotches.

Behavior

Wood turtles are known for being diurnal, which means that they are most active during the day. During the winter, on the other hand, they can be found hibernating. When the weather becomes too cold for them, the wood turtles hide in streams and rivers, among other places where the water won’t end up freezing.

Usually, they are foraging early morning and late in the afternoon. They also take time to relax and bask under the heat of the sun. This is a way for the turtle to maintain the right temperature of its body, which is also technically known as thermoregulation.

Environment

In the wild, the wood turtles are commonly found in Nova Scotia, Michigan, Minnesota, Indiana, and Virginia. Meanwhile, it is also said that 30% of its population is in Canada. They live in streams with slow motions, usually those with vegetated banks and sandy bottoms, which they like for overwintering. They also love rivers with logs and banks, which will provide them with an area for basking. Wood turtles also live in herbaceous vegetation, which provides them an area for foraging.

Custom made enclosures are necessary if you are taking care of a wood turtle as a pet. The size of which will depend on the age of the turtle that you have. Also, because they live both in land and in water, the water should have a depth of about two feet and there should be an area where they can climb if they are looking for a dry spot for basking. It will also be best if the enclosure is placed outdoors when the turtle is already mature.

When preparing the enclosure, it is important to have a substrate. In this case, two of the best choices worth considering are

#1 Zoo Med Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber Substrate

#2 Repti-Chip Premium Coconut Substrate

Also, we have earlier mentioned that they will need a spot for basking. With this, you might want to consider adding the

#3 Fluker’s Castle Crib Reptile Basking Platform

. Meanwhile to mimic the heat of the sun and to provide the temperature that their body needs, you might also want to consider the installation of the

#4 Exo Terra Intense Basking Spot Lamp

Foods and Vitamins

It is also important to note that wood turtles are omnivorous, which means that they can eat both plants and animals. Also, they can eat in and out of the water. Some of the foods that they commonly eat include earthworms, snails, berries, fungi, algae, aquatic crustaceans, apricot, grapes, cherries, apples, carrots, hard-boiled egg, chicken heart, and even dead animals.

To ensure the best state of health of the turtle, it is also important to make sure that they receive enough Vitamin D. Calcium supplements will also be necessary, especially for their shell and bones. Among others, the

#5 Rep-Cal Phosphorus Free Calcium

Is one of the best supplements that you might want to consider giving to wood turtles.

Health Problems

Similar to other turtle species, one of the most common problems would be shell infection, parasites, Vitamin A deficiency, and respiratory diseases. Often, they can get this problem when the water or their habitat is not properly maintained. Eye and ear infections, as well as kidney diseases, can also be common problems, which are often caused by low humidity levels. When they cohabit with other turtles, there is also a higher likelihood that they will exhibit a number of health problems.

Other Tips for Taking Care of Wood Turtle

Aside from the things that we have already tackled above, below are other things that can be done to take care of a wood turtle:

  • Exposure to natural sunlight is important for their health and survival. If they are indoors, an artificial light will be necessary.
  • Keep the temperature of their enclosure anywhere from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, for their basking spot, it can be as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. During the day, it will be best to use incandescent bulbs. On the other hand, during the night, you can switch to ceramic heaters or reptile night bulbs.
  • Females and young wood turtles can usually live in the same enclosure without any problem. However, it is still advised that you keep a watchful eye since adults can be aggressive. Also, males are known to be vicious fighters.
  • If the turtle is young, it should be fed at least once a day. On the other hand, in the case of the adult turtles, they are good enough to be fed once every other day.

How to Take Care of Mud Turtle: Everything You Need to Know

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Eastern Mud Turtle
Eastern Mud Turtle

If you want to have a turtle as a pet, one of the species that should be on the top of your list is a mud turtle. It is known for its small size and minimal care requirements, making it a great choice even for those who do not have a prior experience in taking care of a turtle.

At first look, the mud turtle can be mistaken as a musk turtle. They are quite the same in terms of their physical appearance, but one of the most significant differences is that it is smaller.

Physical Characteristics

On average, the length of a mud turtle is only five inches. Some of them can even be as small as three inches. Their physical characteristics will depend mostly on their type, including the following:

Eastern Mud Turtle

The average size of this turtle is only three to four inches. The shell is smooth and dark, usually olive brown and without markings. The lower shell is hinged and yellow. Inside the legs of the male species, you can see rough and scaly patches.

Mississippi Mud Turtle

The size of this turtle, as well as the shape and color of the shell, is similar to the Eastern Mud Turtle. The main difference is that it has two light-colored lines that are found in its head.

Striped Mud Turtle

Its color is also generally the same as the other species, but the most noticeable physical characteristic is the three stripes with a light color. These stripes run vertically on its shell. These stripes are tan, gold, or yellow.

Yellow Mud Turtle

The biggest difference with the turtles that have been mentioned above is the hint of yellow in its head. This can also be seen in the lower parts of the turtle’s outer shell.

Behavior

Similar to the musk turtle, the mud turtle defends itself from threats by releasing a foul smell. This comes from their anal glands. However, when they are kept as pets, they often do not release the unpleasant smell, mainly because they are not disturbed by potential predators.

Although they are generally well-behaved and small, do not think that they won’t get aggressive when they are disturbed. Their curved beaks can bite you once they are provoked or threatened.

Environment

Mud turtles are known for being semi-aquatic and semi-terrestrial. This means that they can live both in water and on land. Some of their native habitats include ponds and sand bottoms.

At home, they can be housed even in a small enclosure because of their size. Nonetheless, make sure that they have sufficient room to move and swim since they spend most of their time in the water. If you are housing two mud turtles together, a good choice is a tank with a capacity of at least 40 gallons. A bigger tank is better.

Even if the mud turtles do not bask a lot, it is still important to provide them with a place to rest from swimming and for some light when needed. With this, it will be nice if you invest in a product like the Fluker’s Castle Crib Reptile Basking Platform.

To mimic the outside environment, installing a heat source such as the BYB Ceramic Infrared Lamp will help.

The light needs to be turned on for twelve hours every day to supplement the needs of the turtle.

You will also need to install large river stones in the enclosure, which will make the place feel like a natural habitat for the pet. Weekly agitation, however, will be necessary to make sure that the tank remains clean.

Because they spend most of their time in the water, it is also critical to pay attention to the water in the tank. It is recommended that the depth of the water will be at least twice the length of the turtle. It is also important to change one-third of the water in the tank at least once a week. A product like the Zoo Med ReptiSafe Instant Terrarium Water Conditioner

Will help to remove the contaminants that are present.

Food and Vitamins

Mud turtles are omnivorous. However, they consume more of animal matter than plant matter. Some of the staples in their diet include earthworms, freshwater fish, redworms, snails, and insects. Commercial pellets will also make a big part of their diet. They should also be fed leafy vegetables, including dandelion greens and fresh parsley. The key to making them healthy is to provide variety in their diet.

Their food, especially greens, should be dusted with a calcium supplement.  One of the best products that you can incorporate in their diet is the Rep-Cal Phosphorus-Free Calcium.

It contains 100% natural oyster shells, which will provide the calcium that they need.

Health Problems

As long as you take care of the mud turtle, they will enjoy a long life. On average, their lifespan is 50 years. Nonetheless, there are some health issues that should be given attention. Their shell is the first part that will show health problems, especially when the cleanliness of the water is not maintained. Deformity and rotting of the shell are common issues.

Internal parasites, ear infections, and metabolic bone disease can also be apparent if you fail to take care of the turtle. An examination of a fecal sample might be necessary to check for the possible presence of parasites.

Other Tips for Taking Care of Mud Turtle

To ensure the best state of health of the mud turtle, below are some of the most important things to do:

  • Use a submersible or a canister filter. This will ensure the clarity of the water, making it easier to prevent the health problems that have been mentioned above.
  • The right temperature in the tank is important to be maintained, which should be anywhere from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Do not just drop the food in the tank when it is feeding time as this can create a mess and will affect the clarity of the water. It helps to have a small container such as the Zoo Med Combo Reptile Rock Dish.
  • The ambient temperature of the tank can be increased not only through a basking lamp but also with the help of an under tank water heater. With this, one that might be able to help is the Zoo Med ReptiTherm Under Tank Heater.

How to Take Care of Painted Turtle: Everything You Need to Know

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The painted turtle is one of the most common wild turtles in the United States and is also a popular choice to have as a pet. Nonetheless, despite the latter, you need patience and lifelong commitment if you need to take care of one at home since it is quite demanding in terms of its care requirements. You need to be quite hands-on as it requires heavy maintenance.

However, do not be discouraged by the fact that the painted turtle is difficult to take care of. Keep on reading and we will share some practical tips on how to take care of it.

Physical Characteristics

The appearance of the painted turtle will differ depending on its breed. However, as they are named, one characteristic that they share is the presence of a visible marking on their shell, which makes it look like they have been painted.

Southern Painted Turtle

This is not only the smallest from the group but also has the reputation of being the most attractive. The average size is four to five inches. The carapace is dark green with visible orange stripes. The plastron, on the other hand, is solid yellow.

Western Painted Turtle

With an average length of seven to eight inches, this is the largest from the types of painted turtles. They have a green carapace with yellow reticulations and their plastron is usually reddish.

Eastern Painted Turtle

The average size of these turtles is five to six inches. They are known for being able to tolerate the cold weather. In fact, they can be active even under ice. Their carapace is glossy black.

Midland Painted Turtle

The physical characteristics of this type is similar to the Eastern Painted Turtle, including its size and color.

Behavior

The painted turtles are known for being timid. They would want to be left on their own instead of being handled by humans. Otherwise, this can result in stress and health problems. In the wild, when the temperature gets cold, they can be usually seen hibernating.

Environment

Painted turtles are semi-aquatic, which means that they are living both in water and on land. However, most of them will spend their time in the water, so you have to take such into consideration if you plan to have it as a pet at home.

When choosing a housing or enclosure for the pet, you should consider its maximum size to determine the right tank. The minimum capacity should be 20 gallons for one painted turtle. When they are adults, they will spend most of the time swimming, so be sure to give an enclosure that is big enough for their needs.

The enclosure should have a hiding place under the water when they need to hide. It will also be good to add plastic leaves, which will mimic the conditions in their natural habitat. With this, one of the products you might want to consider having is the Fluker’s Repta Vines Pothos.

which will look like real leaves when used in the tank.

Proper temperature and lighting will also be critical in creating an environment that promotes the best for the painted turtle. As a responsible pet owner, invest in a product like the Exo Terra Thermometer.

to properly monitor the environment. To add, you might also want to have the Exo Terra Intense Basking Spot Lamp

How to Take Care of Painted Turtle: Everything You Need to Know

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which can effectively mimic the natural heat of the sun.

As with the other turtle species, you also need to ensure the highest quality of the water. The clarity is important for the turtle to stay healthy. Invest in a filtration system that can effectively get rid of the contaminants that can negatively impact the health of the turtles. Regular siphoning of the water is also important, as well as a replacement within one to three weeks.

Foods and Vitamins

Most of the painted turtles will eat when they are swimming, although there are also some cases when they will feed on land. They are omnivorous, so be sure to provide a perfectly balanced diet with enough plant and animal matter. Some of the foods that should be regularly given include duckweed, water hyacinth, insects, worms, fish, and water lettuce, among others. They will also do well with commercial turtle pellets when combined with those that have been earlier mentioned.

As for their nutritional requirements, it is recommended that their diet should consist of 30 to 40% of protein, low fat, Vitamin D, and a high ratio of calcium to phosphorus. For their vitamins and supplements, one of the best products that you might want to consider giving to your pet is HERPTIVITE Multivitamin for Reptiles.

Health Problems

The health of the painted turtle will be highly dependent on the maintenance of their enclosure. Use a product like the Zoo Med Wipe Out Cleaner.

if you want to keep their cage free of bacteria that can cause infections. When the tank and the water is clean, they can exhibit a number of problems, especially those that will be visible in their shell.

Painted turtles are also known to be prone to swollen eyes, open wounds, difficulty breathing, and inability to swim.

Other Tips for Taking Care of Painted Turtle

Below are other things that you can do to provide tender loving care to your pet:

  • See to it that the temperature in the tank ranges from 72 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, the humidity should be approximately 70%.
  • Use a container when feeding the turtle instead of just dropping their food in the water. This will make it easier to maintain an ideal living condition and prevent contamination. The Fluker’s Food/Water Reptile Corner Bowl.

    will make a perfect place to feed them.

  • A painted turtle is not one of those pets that demand human affection or contact. In fact, as mentioned earlier, they hate it when they are handled. With this, be careful when you have to hold the turtle, such as when feeding. Handle the turtle only occasionally, such as when you have to take it off the enclosure.

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