The Complete Guide to Keeping Mississippi Map Turtles as Pets

If you’re a turtle enthusiast looking for a unique and fascinating pet, then the Mississippi map turtle might just be the perfect choice for you. These turtles are native to the Mississippi River and its tributaries, and they boast a distinctive pattern of lines and dots on their shells, making them quite the eye-catching addition to any tank. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Mississippi map turtle care, including size, lifespan, diet, tank setup, and more. By the end, you’ll have a good sense of whether this unique species is the right pet for you.

Key Fact Number
Size when fully grown 6-8 inches in length
Lifespan 20-25 years
Minimum tank size 75 gallons
Water temperature 75-80°F
Diet Commercial turtle pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables, worms, crickets, and other insects
Sex determination Physical differences and behavioral differences

Read more

All About the Red Eared Slider Turtle: Care, Lifespan, and Habitat

Red eared slider turtles, also known as Trachemys scripta elegans, are one of the most popular types of pet turtles. These aquatic turtles have become a staple in the pet industry due to their hardy nature and relatively low maintenance requirements. However, as with any pet, proper care is essential to ensure a long and healthy life for your red-eared slider. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about keeping a red-eared slider turtle, including information on lifespan, habitat, size, and more.

Fact Number/Information
Average Lifespan 20-30 years in captivity
Average Size Up to 11 inches in length
Water Temperature Range 75-80°F
Basking Temperature Range 85-90°F
UVB Lighting Required Yes
Diet Protein-rich diet with variety of foods
Habitat Semi-aquatic, need both water and basking areas
Reproduction Oviparous, lay eggs

Read more

Expert Guide to Red Eared Slider Care: Keeping a Healthy and Happy Pet Turtle

Welcome to our expert guide on caring for red eared slider turtles. As an exotic pet expert with over a decade of experience, I am excited to share my knowledge and tips on keeping these fascinating creatures healthy and happy. Whether you are a new turtle owner or have been caring for your red-eared slider for years, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to ensure your pet thrives.

Key Fact Number/Value
Adult Size 6-12 inches
Life Span 20-30 years
Minimum Tank Size 75 gallons
Temperature Range 72-78 F
Lighting Requirement UVB lighting
Feeding Schedule Every day
Diet Omnivorous
Water Quality Keep clean
Maintenance Frequency Once a week
Incubation period 60-90 days
Egg per clutch 4-8 eggs
Gender identification Male-Longer claws, concave plastron. Female-Shorter claws, flat plastron

Read more

Everything You Need to Know About Western Painted Turtles

As an exotic pet expert with over a decade of experience, I’ve had the pleasure of working with a variety of different species of turtles. One of my favorites is the Western Painted Turtle. These little guys are not only beautiful but also easy to care for and make great pets for people of all ages. In this guide, I’ll be sharing everything you need to know about Western Painted Turtles, including their size, diet, habitat, lifespan, and more. We’ll also explore the differences between Eastern and Western Painted Turtles, and find out if the Western Painted Turtle is endangered.

Key Fact Number
Scientific Name Chrysemys picta bellii
Adult Size 7-10 inches
Lifespan in Captivity Up to 50 years
Minimum Enclosure Size 40 gallons for one turtle
Temperature Range 75-82F
Diet Omnivorous (25-30% protein, 70-75% vegetation)
Native Range Western half of North America
Endangered Status Not endangered

Read more

All You Need to Know About Raising a Radiated Tortoise: From Enclosure to Lifespan

Radiated tortoises, also known as Astrochelys radiata, are one of the most striking and unique tortoise species found in the world. These beautiful creatures are native to the southern and southwestern regions of Madagascar and can be found in a variety of habitats such as spiny forests, scrublands, and even in desert areas. Radiated tortoises are known for their striking yellow and black radiating patterns on their shells, which is where they get their name from.

Fact Number/Information
Average lifespan 80-100 years
Size (length) 30-40 centimeters (12-16 inches)
Weight 10-20 kilograms (22-44 pounds)
Population in the wild Fewer than 4,000 individuals
Conservation status Endangered
Price range $1,000-$3,000
Minimum enclosure size 4-5 times the length of the tortoise in all directions
Temperature range 80-85 F during the day, 70-75 F at night
UVB lighting required

Read more

Chinese Pond Turtle: A Complete Guide to Care and Maintenance

Chinese pond turtles, also known as Chinese softshell turtles, are a popular exotic pet choice for many reptile enthusiasts. These unique and fascinating animals have been kept in captivity for centuries, and their popularity continues to grow today. With their distinctive appearance and gentle personalities, Chinese pond turtles make great pets for both beginners and experienced reptile keepers.

Fact Information
Average Adult Size 8-10 inches
Lifespan Up to 30 years
Diet Strictly carnivorous – worms, crickets, earthworms, small pieces of fish or chicken
Temperature Range 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit
Water pH Range 6.5-7.5
Humidity Range 70-80%
UVB Lighting Required for proper calcium metabolism and shell health
Common Health Concerns Shell rot, bacterial and fungal infections, respiratory infections
Sexual Maturity 3-4 years
Incubation Period 60-90 days

Read more