Turtle/Terrapin recommendations based on ....

[twisted_angel]

Hello

I wondered if some of you knowledgable people could advise me on which turtle would be best fo me to give a home to.

I have space for a 4ft maybe 5 ft at a push tank for long term. I can long term also privode a decent outdoor pond.

I understand minimal handling of turtles is advised but i would like a turtle with maybe a little be of character and that may take food from hand once use to me.

I think i would like maybe 2 turtles min and would like to make the tank a centrepiece of our front room as i read turtles are quite entertaining to watch but not for handling.

Any recommendations and any good caresheets so i can read up before deciding.

Thank you

[stustan64]

I would go for musk turtles. They stay a lot smaller than sliders and map turtles. You can normally quite easilly find either common musks or razor back musks in the UK. Both form of musk mentioned should not reach any more than 7 inch shell size, but normally stay a bit smaller. Where as sliders and map turtles can reach up to and some times over 12 inches in size which ultimately will need either an indoor or outdoor pond.

I have a few of both and they all have there own personalities, some will feed from my hand where as others hide and pick up there food when i retreat.

There are debates all the time about weather you should keep turtles together or not, i personally keep all of mine together without any problems but if you do get more than one you may well have to separate them at a later date.

There are loads of caresheets on here, so just take your time and read as much as possible beofre committing.

All turtles need UVB lighting and a heat lamp over a basking area so they can get out of the water and totally dry off. There are a lot of things to take into account so do really do as much reasearch as possible.

[twisted_angel]

Thank you.

I have opted for the Musks and rehomed 2 this afternoon. Their aquarium needs couple modifications but i am really pleased. They are really entertaining. I have been sitting here for 2 hours watching them

[stustan64]

Well done you!!! They are amazing little creatures! I still spend hours each day watching mine! They never fail to make me smile!

Get some pics up!

[twisted_angel]

Originally Posted by stustan64

Well done you!!! They are amazing little creatures! I still spend hours each day watching mine! They never fail to make me smile!

Get some pics up!

Thank you so much. I have posted some in the photo section. I am so proud of them. The move today does not seem to have unsettled them. They have both ate from my hand and seem to be sitting watching me as much as i am entertained by them

[stustan64]

There looking good! Now all you have to do is avoid anywhere that sells them little "friends"! I can no longer go into any pet shop that i know is selling them! Only ever results in one thing!