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Box Turtles
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Box turtles are commonly used as pets. They get their name from their high, dome-shaped shells. These turtles grow up to about six inches long. These turtles are usually dark-colored with yellow markings. The males have red eyes and longer tails than females. Although these turtles are small, they prefer outdoor cages rather than aquariums. They also don't like direct sunlight, so make sure their cage is shaded. Box turtles are omnivorous and eat foods like insects or berries. They often hibernate through the winter.
Mud Turtles
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Mud turtles grow to be about five inches long and can be kept either in an outdoor cage or an indoor aquarium. This turtle needs a dry area for rest and a muddy, wet area because it loves to swim. If kept outside, mud turtles will hibernate through the winter. Beware of their defense mechanism, which is a bad-smelling fluid they secrete from their anal glands. Turtles kept in captivity may never have a reason to use this mechanism. Mud turtles are omnivorous, but like eating insects, tadpoles and fish. They have brown shells and green bodies.
Russian Tortoises
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Russian tortoises can reach a maximum of 10 inches long, but males are usually much smaller than females. These tortoises normally live in dry, sandy soil. They have a yellow-green colored shell with black markings and eat all kinds of plants and insects. The Russian tortoise can be kept either inside or outside, although outdoor cages are preferable. If you plant to keep your tortoise indoors, make sure the aquarium is large enough. It should be five times the tortoise's length wide and three times its length tall.
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Mini Turtle Types As Pets
If you want a pet, but want something different or don't think you're up to the demands of caring for a dog or a cat, a turtle might be the answer. There are many varieties of small turtles that make great pets. Turtles can be fun to watch and play with, but they do have specific food and housing needs that you'll need to learn about before purchasing.