Different Kinds of Pet Turtles

If you're thinking of getting a turtle as a pet, you should be aware of the different types of turtles available and how to appropriately house and care for them. Some turtles, such as the box turtle, may live almost exclusively on land while the red-eared slider turtle spends most of its time in the water. All turtles require a heat and UV light source, food and a water supply to survive in captivity. Turtle enthusiasts commonly use an aquarium or terrarium to house pet turtles. Families with pet turtles need to practice proper hygiene practices as turtles often carry salmonella bacteria on their shells and skin, according to the FDA.

  1. Eastern Box Turtles

    • The eastern box turtle can grow up to 6 inches in length and has a dark shell with orange markings. This species of turtle is protected in certain states, which don't allow residents to capture them without a permit. Prospective owners interested in this turtle species should check their local guidelines and only legally purchase it from a reputable pet store. This turtle thrives when kept in an outdoor enclosure under direct sunlight but can also live in a terrarium that contains potting soil and a source of fresh water. These turtles eat berries, vegetables, greens and animal protein like worms and slugs.

    Red-Eared Slider Turtle

    • The red-eared slider turtle can grow over a foot in length when fully mature and requires a large aquatic environment housed in an aquarium. This species of turtle was originally found along the Mississippi River and is easily recognizable by the red marking behind its ear, which may appear as a spot or stripe. Owners must provide a basking spot for this turtle so it can crawl out of the water and warm up under the aquarium lights. Red-eared slider turtles eat an omnivorous diet consisting of fruit and vegetables and animal protein like crickets and mealworms.

    Mud Turtles

    • The most common types of mud turtles seen in pet stores include the eastern mud turtle, striped mud turtle and yellow mud turtle. These turtles have rectangular shells and distinct markings or shell colorings. Mud turtles enjoy exploring land as well as water and owners should design this turtle's habitat with that in mind. It may take time for this turtle to become used to eating floating pellet food because in the wild it subsists on omnivorous material found on the bottom of rivers and streams.