Small pet turtles are irresistibly cute, and their charm has led to a law in the United States that prohibits the commercial sale of turtles under four inches. This law was enacted in 1975 following a period where baby turtles were commonly sold by mail order or in “dime stores.” The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned these tiny turtles due to the risk of salmonella infection from children putting them in their mouths. This law likely saved the lives of hundreds of thousands of turtles who would not have reached adulthood otherwise.
Fortunately, with increased awareness, the dream of owning these petite reptiles is still alive. However, the health and well-being of the turtle should always come first over personal pet ownership ambitions. All turtles grow, so when choosing your turtle, consider the average adult size of the specific species.
Caring for small turtle species requires attention to their specific habitat and diet needs. Here’s a guide to help you provide the best care for these reptiles.
Firstly, for the Mississippi mud turtle, maintaining the water temperature is crucial. The water should be between 74F and 84F, and a submersible heater can be used to keep it stable. Additionally, a basking lamp should be placed over a stone or log in the aquarium to ensure the basking area temperature is between 85F and 92F. In the wild, Mississippi mud turtles consume aquatic animals such as mussels, insects, and crayfish, along with some plants and small amphibians. To replicate this diet in captivity, feed them worms, small or medium feeder fish, and insects. Commercial food can be used as a supplement, but some prefer a primarily commercial diet. Small Turtle Species #2: Bog Turtle (3-4 inches) The Bog Turtle is the smallest natural turtle in the United States, with the longest recorded specimen being only 4.5 inches long. They are found in two main locations: the northern population in states like New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, and the southern population in Virginia, Tennessee, and others. Both populations are threatened due to black-market sales, so ensure you purchase from a reputable breeder that deals in captive-bred turtles. Bog turtles can be housed in a 40-gallon aquarium, and they are easily recognizable by their yellow or orange splotches on the temples. Their shell is typically dark brown or black, possibly marbled with red or brown streaks. They are adaptable and hardy, eating a variety of foods. For breeding, maintain water temperatures between 65F and 75F with a basking spot between 85F and 90F. Small Turtle Species #3: Common Musk Turtle (2-4.5 inches) The Common Musk Turtle is another small species, with females being slightly smaller than males. They are found in most of eastern North America and are known for not liking brackish water, instead burrowing in mud during winter. These turtles are good climbers and may climb high into trees, so extra precautions are needed to prevent escape in an aquarium setting.They do not need as deep water as other turtles. For example, the common musk turtle is fine with about 18 inches of water. No substrate is necessary, but large gravel can be used to make the aquarium more attractive. Fun Fact: The common musk turtle is also called the ‘stinkpot’ turtle because of the acid it excretes that gives it a musky odor. In the wild, it eats small invertebrates like snails and mollusks. As a pet, it will love worms, crickets, and cut up fish. This turtle does not bask as much as other turtles, but still likes the option. Therefore, a basking spot of about 90F should be offered. Like all small pet turtles, a UVB lamp should be available to help them absorb nutrients. Keep the water temperature between 72F and 78F for a happy turtle.
Small Turtle Species #4: Michigan Spotted Turtle (3-4 inches). The spotted turtle ranges between 1 and 5 inches. Most of these turtles reach between 3 and 4 inches by adulthood. The Michigan Spotted turtle is commonly found around Michigan. Its natural habitat ranges around all of the Great Lakes and the Eastern Coast of the United States. It is easily identified by the yellow polka dots along its back. These spots fade as the turtle gets older and often transition into a yellow hue. It’s even possible to find a spotted turtle without spots. It has a wide, smooth carapace in brown or black and is a very attractive turtle. The Michigan Spotted Turtle has no problem thriving in captivity, making it an excellent pet for new turtle owners. This turtle is semiaquatic and needs some land area in its habitat. An aquarium of at least 20 gallons is recommended. A larger aquarium will give more room for landscaping and the turtle more room to move. The water part of the aquarium should be about 3 to 6 inches deep with water between 75F and 85F. The ambient air should range between 82F and 86F with a basking spot of 88F. Spotted turtles love to eat and will eat a wide variety of food, which is another reason they are easy to keep. They can eat pre-killed adult mice, fish (live or frozen), worms, pink (baby) mice, crickets, and commercially prepared turtle food. Small Turtle Species #5: Reeve’s Turtle (6 inches). The Reeve’s turtle, also called the Chinese Pond Turtle, is from Asia. Its habitat includes China, North and South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. They are somewhat easy to find as they breed easily in captivity and are more readily available in the warmer months between May and September. The Reeve’s turtle is not the smallest of the small turtles. The largest variations can grow up to 9 inches, but they are usually about 6 inches long with females being larger than males. They like water that is either still or slow moving and can be found in the wild in quiet marshes, swamps, and sometimes even flooded rice paddies. One strange thing about these small pet turtles is that they are not great swimmers! They do better in water that is not too deep, but deep enough that they can right themselves if they end up on their back.When considering the water depth for a turtle, a general guideline is to have water that is 1.5 times the length of their shell. For instance, a six-inch turtle would require water approximately 9 inches deep.
Reeve’s Turtles demand ample space due to their size and high activity levels. An individual turtle should be housed in a 50-gallon aquarium, with each additional turtle necessitating at least another 15 gallons. Even hatchlings should begin in a 10 to 15-gallon tank. For those who prefer a less stressful aquatic setup, pet tortoises might be a better option. They offer a different set of characteristics compared to turtles, making them appealing to some pet owners. The basking area is an essential component of a Reeve’s Turtle’s habitat. They prefer temperatures around 85F to 95F for basking, with an ambient temperature of 75F to 85F and water temperatures between 70F to 80F. A shaded area and hiding spot are also crucial for their comfort. Reeve’s Turtles can exhibit territorial aggression, especially when handled frequently. They may become aggressive with each other but typically do not cause harm. This species is best suited for moderately experienced turtle owners. Small Turtle Species #6: Diamondback Terrapins (5-9 inches) The Diamondback Terrapin is a popular turtle species with a notable size variation between males and females. Males average around 5 inches, while females can reach up to 9 inches. A key way to differentiate their sexes is by examining their tails; males have wider and longer tails. As they mature, males remain smaller than females with tails about three times as long. This can complicate sexing young turtles, potentially requiring expert consultation. There are seven subspecies of Diamondback Terrapins, all residing along the Eastern and Southeastern coastal regions of the United States, with some populations in west Texas and southern Florida. They are known for their high-contrast carapace with yellow and orange hues, and lighter legs that are grey and white. Color variations are common, with spotted skin or a grey or white shell adorned with orange and yellow. In Connecticut, the collection or possession of Diamondback Terrapins is prohibited due to their threatened status, under the state’s Endangered Species Act. Diamondback Terrapins are generally docile, but females can be more aggressive and are more likely to bite. Due to their larger size, extra caution should be exercised when handling female terrapins.When caring for adult terrapins, it’s essential to provide adequate space to prevent them from nipping at each other. A 40-gallon long aquarium is suitable for one or two adult terrapins. Some people prefer using Rubbermaid bins instead of traditional aquariums.
Water quality is crucial for terrapins. The water should be filtered, circulating, and maintained at a temperature of 76F to 78F. They also require a basking area with a temperature of 80F to 90F. Feeding should be either commercial turtle food or a variety of shellfish like shrimp to mimic their natural diet. Diamondback terrapins have unique water requirements compared to other turtles. In the wild, they live in brackish water, which means that wild-caught turtles need saltwater added to their tanks to prevent shell rot at a ratio of about 1 tablespoon per gallon. It’s more accurate to use a hydrometer and aim for a buoyancy rate around 1.014. Captive-bred turtles raised in freshwater may not need salt added, but watch for signs of shell rot and add salt if necessary. If your turtle is kept in brackish water, provide a dish of fresh water for drinking. There are several benefits to owning small pet turtles. Affordability is the first benefit; small turtles are relatively inexpensive and require minimal additional costs beyond the initial setup. Less work is required overall, with minimal substrate to clean, weekly filtration system maintenance, and feeding every two or three days. Easy feeding is another advantage of small pet turtles. They are not as difficult to feed as other reptiles and amphibians, provided they receive a biologically appropriate diet. They will eat a variety of food specimens, making it easier to ensure they are well-fed. Small pet turtles, while not tiny, do not grow to be very large. Species like the box turtle only grow up to 6 or 7 inches in length and are readily available in pet stores across the US, making them great pets. As long as they have the right home habitat, small pet turtles can make excellent pets.Always choose a turtle from a reputable buyer who sells captive-bred turtles in order to get the healthiest turtle possible.
I’m Stacey, the owner of this website and lifelong reptile lover, caretaker, and educator. Here you will find everything from information on how to care for reptiles, to even how to give your reptiles the best fighting chances against a range of common reptile diseases and illnesses, and everything in between!
