Pet Turtle Identification

Turtles have enjoyed popularity as household pets for many years. Some species are sold in pet shops while others that are native to North America find their way into households after being captured by children.

  1. Slider Turtles

    • The most common species used for pet purposes is the slider turtle. Although there are several subspecies, the red-eared slider is the most popular. These aquatic reptiles represent the specimens most often found in pet shops.

    Box Turtles

    • These are land-dwelling creatures that grow to a length of about six inches. They make good pets for country dwellers because it is easy to re-create their natural habitat outdoors.

    Painted Turtles

    • Painted turtles are aquatic reptiles native to North America that grow to a length of 10 inches with colorful shells. If kept as pets, these require heat and UV lamps due to their sun-basking habits.

    Mud Turtles

    • As with box turtles, these are primarily land-dwelling reptiles that enjoy digging in mud. If kept indoors, these turtles require a large tank with both water and a land area.

    Considerations

    • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), turtles pose the risk of spreading salmonella and should be kept away from food, children under the age of five and the elderly.