If you’re thinking about getting a pet turtle, you’re in for a treat. Turtles are low-maintenance, long-lived, and fascinating to watch. But with so many different types of turtles to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for you. Here are some of the best pet turtles for beginners.
Ease of Care
Some turtles are very easy to care for, while others require more specialized diets and environments. Consider your level of experience and willingness to take on a more challenging pet when choosing a turtle.
Easy to care for turtles:
Red-eared slider
The red-eared slider is a hardy and adaptable turtle that is easy to care for. They are very active and enjoy swimming, so they will need a large tank with plenty of water and a basking area. They are also easy to feed, as they will eat a variety of foods including commercial turtle pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables, and live insects.
Painted turtle
The painted turtle is another hardy and adaptable turtle that is easy to care for. They are also very active and enjoy swimming, so they will need a large tank with plenty of water and a basking area. They are also easy to feed, as they will eat a variety of foods including commercial turtle pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables, and live insects.
Musk turtle
The musk turtle is one of the smallest and most low-maintenance pet turtles. They are not as active as other turtles, so they can be kept in smaller tanks with less water. They can also be fed a diet of commercial turtle pellets and live insects, making them very easy to care for.
Specialized care turtles:
Box turtle
Box turtles are a bit more challenging to care for than the previous turtles mentioned. Box turtles are terrestrial turtles which means they will require a terrarium and not an aquarium. They require a specific type of substrate, heat, and UVB lighting. They also require a diet of fruits, vegetables, and insects.
Wood turtle
The wood turtle is another species that requires a bit more specialized care. They are semi-aquatic, so they will need a large tank with both water and land areas. They also require a specific type of substrate, heat, and UVB lighting. They also require a diet of fruits, vegetables, and insects.
Spotted turtle
The Spotted turtle is another species that requires a bit more specialized care. They are semi-aquatic, so they will need a large tank with both water and land areas. They also require a specific type of substrate, heat, and UVB lighting. They also require a diet of fruits, vegetables, and insects. They are also considered as a threatened species, so proper care and research are vital.
It’s important to note that all the turtles species mentioned in the article are wild animals and their care should be done by following the proper guidelines and with the help of a veterinarian specialized in reptiles.
Size
Turtles come in all shapes and sizes, from the tiny musk turtle to the massive alligator snapping turtle. Consider the size of your turtle when choosing a species. The smaller the turtle, the less space it will need.
Small turtles:
Musk turtle
Musk turtles are one of the smallest pet turtle species, reaching an adult size of around 4-5 inches in length. They are a great choice for those with limited space, as they can be kept in smaller tanks.
Mud turtle
Mud turtles are also a small species, reaching an adult size of around 4-6 inches in length. They are also a great choice for those with limited space, as they can be kept in smaller tanks.
False map turtle
False map turtles are a slightly larger species, reaching an adult size of around 7-9 inches in length. They will need a larger tank than the previous two species.
Mississippi map turtle
Mississippi map turtles are a larger species, reaching an adult size of around 8-12 inches in length. They will need a larger tank than the false map turtle.
Reeve’s turtle
Reeve’s turtle is a medium-sized turtle, reaching an adult size of around 4-8 inches in length. They will need a tank that is larger than the musk and mud turtle but smaller than the Mississippi map turtle.
It’s important to remember that these are adult sizes and the size of the enclosure will depend also on the number of turtles you will have, their activity level and the space they need to swim. It’s always better to have a larger enclosure than a smaller one. Also, it’s important to check the regulations of your state or country regarding the size of the enclosure for the specific species you are interested in, as some species might have different regulations.
Temperament
Turtles can have very different personalities, so it’s important to choose a species that matches your lifestyle and expectations. Some turtles are very active and need a lot of room to swim, while others are content to spend most of their time basking.
Active turtles:
Red-eared slider
Red-eared sliders are very active and enjoy swimming, they are also quite hardy and adaptable. They are known for being very outgoing and interactive with their owners, often swimming up to the front of the tank when they see their owners. They are also known to be very active during the day, making them a great option for those who enjoy watching their pets.
Painted turtle
Painted turtles are also very active and enjoy swimming. They are known for being very hardy and adaptable. They are also quite outgoing and interactive, they will often swim up to the front of the tank when they see their owners. They are also known to be very active during the day, making them a great option for those who enjoy watching their pets.
Chicken turtle
Chicken turtles are also active and enjoy swimming. They are known for being hardy and adaptable. They are known to be less outgoing and interactive compared to the red-eared slider and painted turtle, but they can be quite active during the day. They are also known to be very active in the water, making them a great option for those who enjoy watching their pets swim.
Sedentary turtles:
Box turtle
Box turtles are known to be relatively sedentary, they are terrestrial turtles and they spend most of their time on land. They are not as active as aquatic turtles and they tend to be more solitary. They are known for being shy and not very outgoing, but with proper care and handling, they can become more accustomed to human interaction.
Wood turtle
Wood turtles are also relatively sedentary, they are semi-aquatic turtles and they spend most of their time on land. They are not as active as aquatic turtles and they tend to be more solitary. They are known for being shy and not very outgoing, but with proper care and handling, they can become more accustomed to human interaction.
Spotted turtle
Spotted turtles are also relatively sedentary, they are semi-aquatic turtles and they spend most of their time on land. They are not as active as aquatic turtles and they tend to be more solitary. They are known for being shy and not very outgoing, but with proper care and handling, they can become more accustomed to human interaction. It’s also important to note that spotted turtles are considered as a threatened species, so proper care and research are vital.
It’s important to note that the temperament of a turtle is not only determined by the species but also by the individual animal. Some turtles might be more active and outgoing than others, regardless of their species.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing a pet turtle, the most important thing is to choose a species that matches your lifestyle and experience. Smaller turtles like the musk turtle and mud turtle are great for beginners, while more experienced turtle owners may want to consider the red-eared slider or painted turtle. Whatever species you choose, be prepared for a long and rewarding relationship with your new pet turtle.
