Pet Turtles

It can often be difficult to identify illnesses and disease in turtles. Unlike mammals, reptiles do not show outward expressions of pain or discomfort, and cannot alert their owners to the fact...

Map turtles are also known as sawback turtles. They get their name from the map design on the back of the shell. They live near water and can be seen sitting on logs, rocks and riverbanks to soak...

Red Ear Sliders are a moderately sized, docile species of turtle, popular with reptile enthusiasts as good starter pets for novice owners. Originally hailing from the southern regions of the...

Map turtles are cold-blooded reptiles with a variety of needs that can be provided in an outdoor enclosure. Regardless of how well designed the enclosure, however, map turtles should not be left...

Many people want to keep turtles as pets, and many choose wood turtles. The problem is that these owners often do not know how difficult it can be to care for a turtle and to provide a proper and...

Baby turtles are a great pet to have, especially for small children. However, because they are so young, it is vital that they receive vital care.

Design a turtle enclosure in your backyard for the most natural lifestyle for your pet turtles. Turtles like to be able to dig, hide, rest in water, and in some cases even swim. Keeping a turtle...

Map turtles are North American natives and are found in clear water that moves quickly. They are found in northern and southern states. They get their name from the distinctive patterns on their...

A dual light stand that provides both heat and light is essential for any reptile enclosure, and tortoises need both UVA and UVB lamps to stay healthy and happy. UVA rays simulate natural sunshine...

Slider turtles, which are popular pets, can add charm to any backyard pond. There are two subspecies of Common Sliders---Yellow-bellied Sliders and Red-eared Sliders---and both require similar care.

Turtles sometimes need to regulate their body temperatures by leaving the water and basking in the sun (or under a lamp). You can make a basking ramp for your aquarium, pond or pool with natural...

Tortoises shells are thick, bony armor for the animal within. However, these shells are also webbed with blood vessels that allow the shell to grow and help the tortoise regulate its bodily...

Leopard tortoises can make beautiful and aesthetically pleasing pets. However, you should make sure when you build your tortoise's pen that it has plenty of room and all the right feeding, dirt...

A Sulcata Tortoise can be a demanding animal to care for. They will grow to weigh over 80 pounds and live for over 75 years. Correctly caring for your tortoise is essential to it's well being.

Algae can build up in your turtle pond, turning it from crystal-clear to a murky green color and preventing you from seeing the beauty that lies beneath the water. This happens because the waste...

Painted turtles, or Chrysemys pictas, are a species of turtle in North America (more specifically southern Canada, the United States Northern Mexico). They live in bodies of water that have a...

Turtles are fun pets that many people enjoy keeping. Turtles come in a wide variety, ranging from fully aquatic to land based turtles. Semi aquatic turtles live on land for the most part and only...

Land turtles are species of turtles such as the box turtle and the wood turtle that spend much of their lives on land. When keeping these animals as pets, it is important to give them a secure...

The Western painted turtle, as its name suggests, lives naturally in the west. In general, the species are good beginner turtles because they are hardy and relatively easy to care for. In order to...

Snapping turtles can be a real nuisance in any residential environment. Not only do they consume cute animals like baby ducks and geese, these prehistoric creatures can also be quite...

Alligator snapper turtles are the largest freshwater turtle in the United States and are found mostly in the Southeast. They are omnivorous and will eat anything from ducks to chicken to berries....

There are many "factors" to consider when setting out to "harvest" or collect aquatic turtles. Some of the physical ones may be seasonal, population of the species, location and accessibility. ...

Red ear sliders, also referred to as chelonians, are the most common breed of turtle sold in pet stores throughout the United States. These semi-aquatic turtles are found east of the Rockies in...

Soft-shelled turtles, or "soft-shells," are carnivorous, water-dwelling turtles of the taxonomic family Trionychidae. There are at least twenty-six known species, characterized by their soft...

Painted turtles are a popular reptilian pet due to their small sizes and low maintenance. Knowing how quickly your painted turtle grows will allow you to anticipate the needs of your turtle.

Turtle ponds are self-sustaining, natural ecosystems. They are easy to care for and possess extensive landscaping possibilities. Raising pond turtles and introducing vibrant plants and flourishing...

As with any developing organism, snapping turtle eggs are highly delicate structures. Care and attention are important, but the quality of that care and the environment is vital. Several factors...

Snapping turtles are reptiles that enjoy a slightly marshy environment. The turtles are dark green and have rough bumps on the top of their shells. They also have a longer, sharp beak and quick...

It's very common to come across baby turtles in your backyard or alongside the road, especially if you live near a body of water. Baby turtles can easily be identified with a little research and...

Painted turtles are a lively terrapin species native to southern Canada, the United States and northern Mexico. Living in ponds and other slow-moving, muddy water sources, painted turtles have...

Turtles make wonderful pets. They are easygoing, small in size and fun to watch or interact with. They provide their owners with companionship and joy and, in turn, they should be treated with...

Painted turtles are a popular choice for pet owners looking to acquire a gentle turtle. While many reptiles are not generally at ease with frequent handling, most painted turtles can become...

Setting up the proper environment for your pet turtles is vitally important. The proper setup will provide them with comfort and a feeling of being in their natural habitat, and can mean the...

Having a turtle as a pet is a unique and interesting experience that can provide years of enjoyment. While turtles and tortoises that are provided good care generally remain healthy, occasionally...

Baby red-eared slider turtles are among the cutest reptiles kept as pets. Knowing what to feed it will ensure that it lives to a ripe old age, giving you many years of enjoyment.

Turtles in nature depend upon their surroundings for survival. In captivity, a turtle depends upon his owner to provide a proper environment to ensure his needs are met and that he can live a...

Turtles are one of the easiest, most low-maintenance reptiles to keep as a pet. The goal of all turtle habitats is to design it just as the turtle would live in the wild, only controlled and safe....

The painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) is North America's most widespread species of turtle. Active during the day, small and attractively colored, painted turtles are popular pets. Painted turtles...

Turtles can add a unique touch to any outdoor pond. In addition to the food you provide, they will eat both insects and their larvae, keeping insect populations down. They also will eat plant...

When raising baby turtles, it's important not only to provide a healthy and safe environment but also an enjoyable and interactive one. Whether raising land or water turtles, you can have a good...

The common musk turtle exists in large numbers throughout many states in the U.S., in part because it does well in many types of aquatic environments. This small turtle has an oval-shaped shell...

Turtles can add a unique touch to any outdoor pond. In addition to the food you provide, they will eat both insects and their larvae, keeping insect populations down. They also will eat plant...

Turtles have sensitive eyes that can suffer from two distinct conditions--bacterial eye infections and swollen eyelids, sometimes simultaneously. Without attention, either can be potentially...

The eastern long-necked turtle is native to eastern Australia. Although juvenile eastern long-necked turtles are often sold in pet stores, they are suitable only for an experienced reptile...

People frequently capture or purchase turtles and keep them as pets. Many different types of turtles make good pets, according to the Reptile Channel website. They are easy to care for and require...

Taking on a pet snapping turtle requires some work. Snapping turtles are aquatic, meaning they mainly live in water, and grow on average to be more than a foot long. They grow quickly, so you'll...

Turtles make great pets for anyone who is allergic to animals with fur, such as cats and dogs. Turtles like to eat many different foods, and it will be your responsibility as a pet owner to make...

Baby turtles, especially as pets, can have a reputation for snapping; however, most are not aggressive to people. They're usually housed in aquariums with smooth rocks serving as a "land" area,...

Variety is the most important thing to have while picking food for your pet turtle or tortoise. Turtles are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal foods. It is important to know what...

Painted turtles are native to North America. These aquatic animals prefer to live near still or slow-moving water sources. Their shells range in color from green to black, and some painted turtles...