Other small turtles

Subject:

Comments:
: I get lots of email from ppl looking for info on turtles, and one of the most frequent requests is for info on what kinds of potential pet turtles stay small. So here's my response to that question: : _____________________________________________ : If you want a small turtle... : There are a number of species that stay small and can become good pets. American box turtles don't get very large and are very attractive, but they do require plenty of room to move around or they can become depressed, lethargic and anorexic. If you can make an outdoor enclosure where it could live at least part of the year, a box turtle might be a good choice. : Care info: <http://www.micronet.net/users/~turtles/pondfolder/boxcare.html> : North American Wood Turtles are considered the most intelligent species of turtle and they make excellent pets. They are threatened and protected throughout most of their range, but it is legal to keep captive bred individuals. A permit may be required in your area if you live within their natural range (Northeast U.S, some points in southern Canada.) : Care info: <http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/Biology/Harbour/SPECIES/TURTLE/WOOD/INTRO.HTM> : Among the more aquatic species, mud turtles are cute and small. Many people think that mud and musk turtles are some of the best species for pets. The little Muhlenberg Bog Turtle seldom gets larger than three and a half inches--the smallest turtle in North America. It is extremely endangered, but is being captive bred and sold. A permit would be required, but the breeder could tell you how to arrange that. The striped mud turtle grows to about 4 1/2 inches, and the Eastern mud turtle gets just a tiny bit larger. Spotted turtles don't get larger than 5 inches. Map turtles are highly aquatic and generally stay under 8". You can see some pix and info at these webpages. : spotted turtle: : <http://www.lpzoo.com/animals/herps/facts/spotted_turtle.html> : striped mud turtle: : <http://www.rmplc.co.uk/sites/bcgonweb/sbpict1/page19.html> : Eastern mud turtle: : <http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/wildlife/endspec/mutufs.html> : bog turtles: : <http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/wrcf/keynotes/bogfact.htm> : map turtles: : <http://www.micronet.net/users/~turtles/maps/graptemys.html> : Whatever you choose, you should look for a captive bred turtle. Wild caught turtles cost much less to buy, but are extremely likely to die unless they receive veterinary care right away. Even turtles that are eating and active may be harboring a lethal infection which will kill them within a few months. Avoid buying any turtle in a pet store as they are almost never captive bred, and they often die a few weeks after you get them. : Here are some of the places I've found that sell captive bred turtles: : <http://www.angelfire.com/ky/turtle4all/index.html> : <http://www.pythons.com/hamper/turtle.html> : <http://www.best.com/~watr/cfrf/> : <http://www.gherp.com/> : Good luck with your new pet! : Mary at The Turtle Puddle : The Turtle Puddle : <http://www.micronet.net/users/~turtles/pondfolder/pond.html> : The Ultimate Malayan Box Turtle WebPage : <http://www.micronet.net/users/~turtles/amboinensis.html> : Exotic Turtles : <http://www.micronet.net/users/~turtles/exotics/exotics.html>

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL: