Map, Mud or Musk Turtle?

[Trillian]

Well having read all the info about how big Sliders get (why do petshops only seem to stock this species? ), I'm going to try and get either a Musk, a male Map or a Mud turtle as they seem to be more suited to the ultimate size of tank that I can have (prob 3-4 foot but no bigger).

So I was wondering if any one could give me the Pros and Cons of the three species. In particular, adult tank size, availability, daily activity level, ease of care, special requirements etc. Thanks.

[James_T]

This may sound funny, but do you want a turtle that swims? The mud/musks tend to be bottom walkers, with some of the muds prefering their enclosures to be about a third land. As such with muds and musks you're going to need a much wider tank to make up for the fact you can't fill it as deep. Maps are pretty much identical to sliders in care, although they tend to be slightly more carnivorous, and at a minimum size tank for a male would be around 200L. I must stress the importance of ensuring you have a male unless you want something nearing female slider size. Although this would be fairly easy as I know of a number of male maps looking for a good home.

[Geomyda]

Originally Posted by Trillian

Well having read all the info about how big Sliders get (why do petshops only seem to stock this species? ), I'm going to try and get either a Musk, a male Map or a Mud turtle as they seem to be more suited to the ultimate size of tank that I can have (prob 3-4 foot but no bigger).

So I was wondering if any one could give me the Pros and Cons of the three species. In particular, adult tank size, availability, daily activity level, ease of care, special requirements etc. Thanks.

Musks, and Muds are far less productive for the Turtle Farms in the USA, therefore, the number and price of these animals tends to be higher. Maps though are very widely available, because they too produce quite large clutch sizes.
If you ask however, the shops should be able to get Mud/Musk turtles from their importers?
07 Hatchling Razor back Mud turtles (KInosternon carinatus)

[Trillian]

Originally Posted by James_T

This may sound funny, but do you want a turtle that swims?

I do. I would prefer an aquatic as opposed to a semi-terrestrial species.

Lovely photo, Geomyda.

[James_T]

What I meant is, even with aquatic species, you get turtles that swim lots and can easily float on the surface (maps, sliders etc), and turtles that walk on the bottom and aren't great swimmers (muds/musks.

[Trillian]

Originally Posted by James_T

What I meant is, even with aquatic species, you get turtles that swim lots and can easily float on the surface (maps, sliders etc), and turtles that walk on the bottom and aren't great swimmers (muds/musks).

Oh well either of those behaviours is fine. For the bottom walkers, I presume you just have a lower level of water??

I was in a petshop today and there was an near-adult YBS in a two foot display tank and it was so big, it couldn't even haul itself out onto the dry dock which was titchy. It was quite distressing to just see the poor thing swimming round and round with nowhere to go...

[Geomyda]

Originally Posted by Trillian

Oh well either of those behaviours is fine. For the bottom walkers, I presume you just have a lower level of water??

I was in a petshop today and there was an near-adult YBS in a two foot display tank and it was so big, it couldn't even haul itself out onto the dry dock which was titchy. It was quite distressing to just see the poor thing swimming round and round with nowhere to go...

Certainly, young Mud and Musk Turtles (Kinosternon spp) prefer a shallower set up. Water too deep can unduly stress them.

[Trillian]

Originally Posted by Geomyda

Certainly, young Mud and Musk Turtles (Kinosternon spp) prefer a shallower set up. Water too deep can unduly stress them.

Well I've been doing a lot of Googling (God bless the internet!) and I'm going to try and get either a regular Musk (Sternotherus odoratus) or a Razorback Musk (Sternotherus carinatus). I'm dubious about the ease of finding an Irish breeder though as I've only ever seen Sliders in the petshops here.

[Graham]

I've only ever heard of sliders and cooters for sale in shops over there, you may have to make a trip to England as both of these species are currently available here.

[Trillian]

Originally Posted by Graham

I've only ever heard of sliders and cooters for sale in shops over there, you may have to make a trip to England as both of these species are currently available here.

Any reputable sources in Wales as that would be the closest ferry ride? I doubt if Ryanair would let me carry a live turtle in my hand luggage...especially as it would need more than the 100ml of liquid allowance!