10+ Types of Pet Turtles That Make Great Pets

Last Updated on February 11, 2024 by Aftab Tariq

Types of pet turtles encompass a wide variety of fascinating creatures. Some turtles make excellent household pets, but it’s crucial to understand their care requirements to ensure their well-being. Turtles come in many species, each with unique characteristics and needs.

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Proper research is essential to meet their housing, feeding requirements, and lighting needs. Turtles can differ greatly in size, from small, pint-sized turtles to larger ones, offering a range of options for prospective pet owners. Knowing the lifespans of different turtle species is important since these charming pets can be long-term companions.

One of the key factors to consider when keeping pet turtles is their diet. Turtles have specific dietary requirements, and it’s essential to provide them with a balanced meal plan to maintain their health. Neglecting their feeding requirements can lead to various diseases and health issues in these wonderful reptiles.

Turtles, ancient and resilient, make unique pets. Their history spans millions of years. Proper environment and lighting, along with care, are vital for their well-being.

List of Types of Pet Turtles

Here is the list of 10 Types of pet turtles.

1. African Side Neck Turtle

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African Side neck Turtles are unique creatures with distinctive anatomy, including their side-necked appearance. These turtles live up to 70 years, but their care requirements are essential to ensure a long and healthy life.

UV lights are necessary for D3 and vitamin A synthesis, helping prevent deficiencies. Basking platforms are crucial for their well-being, as these turtles love to soak up the sun. Keeping their tank clean with a filtration system is essential.

Their size varies with age, and they need a proper tank with stable temperatures for swimming and basking. African Side neck Turtles have specific dietary needs, and providing the right food choice is important. Their interactions can be fascinating, and understanding their unique necks and shells can be rewarding for turtle enthusiasts.

Breed Overview

2. Red-Eared Slider

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Red-eared sliders are popular aquatic turtles species known for their vibrant appearance and unique characteristics. These guys can live up to 50 years and require specific care to thrive.

Housing requirements are essential, as they need space and a tank with a water filtration system to keep their environment clean. Basking areas with UV lighting are a must for maintaining their health. Cleaning the tank and providing shelter are necessary tasks in their care routine.

Red-eared sliders are relatively large turtles, and their size can vary depending on age and nutrition. Temperature control is crucial, and they bask for warmth. These sliders are among the most popular turtle species, and proper care is key to their well-being.

Breed Overview

3. Western Painted Turtle

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The Western Painted Turtle is known for its distinctive markings and striking appearance. These turtles are a slider that thrives in aquatic environments. They have specific tank requirements, including access to plenty of space and a water filtration system to keep their homes clean.

Basking lights are necessary for regulating their body temperature and eye health. Ensuring they have a proper diet is crucial for their well-being. Their shells are a defining feature, and understanding their anatomy is key to their care.d other

Western Painted Turtles are social creatures and are often kept in groups, so providing the right tank and plenty of space is essential to accommodate multiple turtles.

Breed Overview

4. Eastern Box Turtle Pet

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Eastern box turtle are fascinating reptiles with distinct personalities. They require specific care to thrive in their habitat. Providing a suitable cage with the right substrate is vital, as these turtles need space to roam and burrow.

UVB rays in the atmosphere are crucial for their health, and a basking light should be provided to regulate their body temperature. Box turtles tend to soak in a pool, so access to water is essential for hydration and bathing.

Like all reptiles, they are susceptible to illnesses, so understanding their food preferences and addressing any health problems promptly is essential. These turtles have a unique appearance and manner that makes them a kind addition to your collection of reptile friends.

Breed Overview

5. Common Musk Turtle

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The Common Musk Turtle, often called the Stink pot due to its unique odor, is a small and intriguing addition to the world of turtle species. These musk turtles are known for their distinctive appearance, with spots on their shells, and they are skilled swimmers. Their reputation for being excellent swimmers adds to their popularity as pets.

Handling small pet turtles differs significantly from other turtle types due to their small size and the potential danger posed by their sharp claws. The presence of these turtles in the pet industry is due to their manageable size and the fact that they have specific enclosure needs, including access to water.

UVB illumination is vital for their health, and the right lighting level is crucial. Despite their odour and potential challenges in handling, Common Musk Turtles have earned their place in the turtle world for good reason.

Breed Overview

6. Mississippi Map Turtle

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The Mississippi Map Turtle, a kind of map turtle, is a unique species known for its distinct appearance and characteristics. These turtles are native to the Mississippi River and its surrounding areas, making them a popular choice for people in those regions.

They have an average lifespan of 30 years and are recognized for their saw back shell. A proper diet is essential to prevent deficiencies and health issues. Lighting in their enclosures plays a crucial role in their overall health.

These turtles can be susceptible to infections and stress, so creating the right environment is important. Due to space limitations, they are often chosen by people who want a pet turtle but have limited room to spare. Understanding the care of these map turtles and their turtle relatives is essential for their well-being.

Breed Overview

7. Yellow-Bellied Slider

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The Yellow-Bellied Slider is a well-known and active turtle species, often chosen by pet owners for its vibrant appearance and unique features. One fact about these turtles is that they are a popular breeder species due to their manageable size and reputation for being a great addition to the world of turtle pets.

They require a suitable enclosure or tank with access to basking platforms, as they need water and land areas. The diet of Yellow-Bellied Sliders consists of a variety of foods, making them easy to care for. Another fact is that they are a type of slider, which means they enjoy swimming and are skilled swimmers.

Proper illumination is essential in their cage to maintain their health and well-being. Yellow-bellied sliders are something special among turtle species, and their presence in the pet industry is a testament to their appeal to turtle enthusiasts.

Breed Overview

8. Spotted Turtle

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The Spotted Turtle, a smaller species, is known for its distinctive spotted shell and exceptional beauty. These turtles can live up to 100 years, which is a testament to the commitment required when keeping them in captivity.

Providing the right housing, including basking platforms and plenty of space, is vital for their well-being. Their diet includes various foods, including leafy greens, fruits, and meat.

The opportunity to care for such a unique species of Turtle is a privilege, and they are often adorned with ornaments in turtle enthusiasts’ homes. Spotted Turtles are skilled swimmers and thrive in a water-rich environment. Their captivating appearance and specific care requirements make them a special addition to the world of turtles.

Breed Overview

9. Wood Turtle

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Wood Turtles, found in various states, are a unique species known for their distinctive needs and characteristics. Being a breeder of these turtles requires a deep understanding of their diet, which includes earthworms, insects, leafy greens, proteins, and more.

Creating the right environment in their enclosure, with access to water and a pond area, is essential for their well-being. Handling these turtles, however, requires interaction and care to ensure they thrive.

Research is crucial to meet their specific needs, which often involves feeding them plenty of slugs and snails to provide the protein they require. Wood Turtles are a captivating species, and their presence in the world of turtles adds to the diversity and charm of these fascinating creatures.

Breed Overview

10. Reeve’s Turtle

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Reeve’s Turtle, an alluring species in the world of turtles, is chosen by experienced reptile owners who understand the care and commitment required. Their friendly nature is a fact that brings immense pleasure to those who have the patience to handle these turtles with care.

With a life expectancy spanning decades, owning one is a matter of long-term dedication. Reeve’s Turtles are a slider species and need a proper enclosure with access to water.

This commitment is a course of action that reptile enthusiasts willingly embrace, as they provide the requirements and precautions to ensure the well-being of these captivating turtles.

Breed Overview

Types of Pet Turtles

Turtle Name                                               Skill Level  

Red-Eared Slider                                          Beginner

Painted Turtle                                              Beginner  

Eastern Box Turtle                                       Intermediate  

Musk Turtle                                                 Intermediate  

African Sideneck Turtle                               Intermediate  

Wood Turtle                                                Advanced

Common Snapping Turtle                          Advanced 

Among the types of pet turtles in Australia, popular choices include the Eastern Long-neck Turtle (Chelodina longicollis), known for its easy care, and the Murray River Turtle (Emydura macquarii macquarii), a short-necked turtle.

Conclusion

Deciding to adopt Types of Pet Turtles small is a significant commitment with many responsibilities. These companion animals have an average age of 50, making them a lifelong addition to your household. Meeting their specific care requirements and providing suitable enclosures and equipment are essential factors.

Turtles, as a result, require ample room and maintenance to ensure their well-being. This decision is a fact that necessitates careful consideration and dedication to providing the commitment and care necessary for these remarkable creatures throughout their lifetime.

Discover different types of pet tortoises in the UK, giving you a variety of options that suit your preferences and care preferences.

Various pet turtles for sale offer diverse options for potential owners to choose from based on preferences and care requirements.

Note: Be careful around snapping turtles—they have a strong bite and can get stressed easily. Make sure to check if you need a license in your area because they may be legally protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

ASPCA: Pet Safety Warnings for Our Bird and Reptile Friends.

Univ. of Illinois Vet Med: Elements Your Reptile Might Lack: Basic Considerations.

Univ. of Florida: Consumer Advisory for Acquiring Pet Reptiles.

CDC: Guidelines for the Secure Handling of Pet Reptiles and Amphibians.

Aftab Tariq

I am a dedicated content writer with more than five years of experience, particularly skilled in the art of storytelling. My writing journey commenced during my college years, where I pursued journalism and unearthed my talent for creating captivating narratives.