How to Raise Soft Shell Turtles

Soft-shelled turtles are a type of aquatic turtle found on nearly every continent. This group of turtles has many different varieties, so care differs according to the needs of the individual type of soft-shelled turtle. The mature size of the soft-shelled turtle ranges between 8 and 80 inches, depending on the variety of turtle. This type of turtle may be difficult to care for and is known to bite caregivers who are not cautious when working with their turtles.

Things You'll Need

  • Incubator
  • Tank (at least 20 gallons)
  • Washed river sand
  • Driftwood
  • Aquatic plants
  • Guppies, platies, mosquito fish (optional)
  • Clean water
  • Filtration system
  • Aquarium oxygen pump
  • Aquatic heater
  • Aquarium thermometer
  • Basking platform
  • UV lamp
  • Food and commercial aquatic turtle diet
  • Siphon tube
  • Antibiotic cream
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hatch your soft-shelled turtle eggs. An incubator is ideal for proper captive hatching. Before you spend the money for a commercially bought incubator, consider making your own from household items and aquarium accessories. For instructions to build your own incubator and hatch your eggs, see Resources 1 and 2.

    • 2

      Research what type of soft-shelled turtle you have. Since they differ so greatly from species to species, take note of your specific turtle's nutritional, lighting, temperature, moisture and filtration needs. This information is key to keeping your soft-shelled turtles happy and healthy.

    • 3

      Provide adequate housing for your turtles. Hatchling soft-shelled turtles may stay in a 20-gallon tank, but will need a larger tank as they grow older. The simplest way to select a tank is to find out how large your turtle may become and purchase the largest tank you have space for and can afford. Place 1 to 2 inches of washed river sand at the bottom of the tank. Add clean driftwood pieces and plenty of aquatic plants to enhance the tank's atmosphere. For an added touch, guppies, platies or mosquito fish may be placed in the tank after water is added.

    • 4

      Use high-quality water and filtration systems, as well as a heater in your tank. Soft-shelled turtles are extremely sensitive to water cleanliness, so use slightly acidic, filtered water that is free of chlorine. Add an oxygen pump to the tank to keep water oxygenated. Install a filtration system in the tank to keep water clean. Set the aquarium heater between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and keep the tank consistently in that temperature range. An aquarium thermometer helps monitor temperatures.

    • 5

      Create a basking area for the turtles. Use a smooth, clean surface that is completely out of the water. Place a UV lamp at a reasonable distance (according to your turtle's need and a pet professional's recommendation) above the basking platform to simulate sunlight.

    • 6

      Feed your turtles a balanced diet. As soft-shelled turtles are carnivores, supply them with a diet of fish, pink mice, crickets, worms and shrimp. Commercial diets (floating pellets) are acceptable for soft-shelled turtles, but ensure that the pellets are supplemented with any of the foods listed above to maintain nutritional balance. Calcium and vitamin A are imperative to your turtle's overall health and development. Add a high-quality aquatic turtle multivitamin to your turtles' diet.

    • 7

      Change your turtle's water every 3 to 4 weeks, using a siphon tube to remove water. Clean any tank accessories that appear dirty at this time. Add new water, treated as described in Step 4, to the tank.

    • 8

      Watch your turtles for health problems. Scrapes or scratches occur on soft-shelled turtles due to the softness of their shells and sharpness of their claws. Sharp or rough tank accessories also cause injuries. Treat any injuries with an antibiotic cream suggested by your veterinarian. Prevent infections from injuries and fungus by keeping the tank and water extremely clean. A proper diet prevents further health problems.