Pet Turtles That Do Not Require Aquariums

Turtles are complex and interesting animals that also make terrific pets for children, as they are small and relatively easy to handle and take care of. Before purchasing a pet turtle, however, you need to figure out what kind you want to bring into your home. Several species are sold as pets. Some, such as red-eared sliders, require an aquatic habitat. Others, however, are terrestrial and do not need water.

  1. Mud Turtles

    • Mud turtles are classified as semi-terrestrial turtles and do not require an aquatic environment in order to thrive. This species of turtle is on the smaller side, usually not exceeding 5 inches in length even as an adult, thus making them convenient pets. In the wild, mud turtles live in damp, muddy habitats and like to bask in the sun during the days. You can keep pet mud turtles outdoors if you have a safe, fenced-in area in your backyard that is damp and muddy. You can also set up quarters for them indoors.

    Russian Tortoise

    • The Russian tortoise --- a small species of tortoise --- is terrestrial, meaning that it does not require an aquarium and can live either outdoors or indoors. Tortoises require a warm environment to live, so if you are in an area that gets cold during the winter, you may need to bring your tortoise indoors during colder months. Indoors, keep the tank that houses the tortoise well lit for at least 12 hours each day, as the tortoise likes to bask in the light. The size of the tank should also be at least 10 times the length of the tortoise in order for it to live comfortably.

    Box Turtles

    • Box turtles are one of the most popular species of pet turtles. Box turtles are a terrestrial species and prefer an outdoors habitat that includes an easy-to-reach water bowl for the turtle to drink from, as well as a few large rocks for the turtle to climb on and bask in the sunlight during the day.

    Keeping Turtles Outdoors

    • If you choose to keep pet turtles outdoors, it is important to construct a sturdy pen with enough space for the turtle to roam comfortably and to bask in the sun. Build the pen so that the turtle is not able to dig under it. Turtles are skilled diggers and will escape if given the chance.