Cost Of Keeping A Mississippi Map Turtle

Mississippi map turtles are beautiful, with shells that resemble the lines on a map. They are smaller than many other aquatic species, but they require a lot of space to swim. They are not the easiest turtles to keep as pets, as they are shy and can be easily stressed when handled. They are, however, excellent starter turtles and can make good community turtles. The cost of a Mississippi map turtle varies depending on the source, age, and health of the turtle, ranging from $25 to $1000, with most falling between $45 and $85.

A baby Mississippi Map Turtle costs between $15 and $20

The Mississippi map turtle is a fascinating creature that makes for an excellent pet. These turtles are extremely skittish and prefer to be close to a body of water so they can escape at a moment's notice. They are also very active in the water, making them fun to watch.

If you're considering getting a Mississippi map turtle as a pet, it's important to be aware of the financial commitment involved. The initial cost of the turtle itself is relatively low, with babies typically priced between $15 and $20. However, the ongoing expenses of their care can add up over their long lifespan.

Mississippi map turtles require a specific habitat setup, including a tank, filtration system, heating lamp, UVB bulb, and substrate. The cost of these items can vary depending on the quality and features offered. Additionally, regular maintenance and water changes are necessary to maintain optimal water quality, which can also incur costs for testing kits and cleaning supplies.

Feeding your Mississippi map turtle a nutritious and balanced diet is another important aspect of their care. In the wild, they feed on aquatic plants, small insects, crustaceans, and fish. In captivity, their diet should include commercial turtle pellets, leafy greens, vegetables, and occasional treats like fruits or high-quality protein sources. The cost of these food items can vary depending on the specific types offered and the frequency of feeding.

Veterinary care is another expense to consider when owning any pet, including Mississippi map turtles. Regular check-ups with a reptile veterinarian are recommended to ensure your turtle's health and address any potential issues early on. The frequency of these visits and the associated costs can vary depending on the recommendations of your veterinarian and the specific needs of your turtle.

Overall, while the initial cost of a baby Mississippi map turtle may be relatively low, the ongoing expenses of their care and maintenance can add up over time. It's important to be prepared for this financial commitment to ensure you can provide your pet with the best possible care and a comfortable life.

A juvenile Mississippi Map Turtle costs at least $40

The Mississippi Map Turtle, or 'Graptemys pseudogeographica' as it is scientifically known, is a fascinating creature native to the Mississippi River basin. These turtles are characterised by their distinctive shell patterns that resemble contour lines on an elevation map, giving them their name. With a lifespan of up to 30 years, these turtles can be a long-term commitment for experienced reptile keepers.

When it comes to their habitat, Mississippi Map Turtles require a relatively large and deep aquarium, or "turtle tank", as they are strong swimmers who feel most at home in mildly turbulent water flow. A juvenile turtle can be housed in a 20 to 40-gallon aquarium, but as they grow, a larger tank may be necessary. For a single male, a 25-gallon tank is sufficient, while females will need at least a 75-gallon tank due to their larger size.

Water quality and filtration are of utmost importance for these turtles, as they can be quite messy due to their high-protein diet. A powerful filter will help maintain optimal water conditions, and regular cleaning is essential to prevent infections. Additionally, providing a basking area with a temperature of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit is crucial for proper digestion and behaviour.

In terms of diet, Mississippi Map Turtles are omnivores, but adults tend to be more carnivorous than other turtle species. A balanced diet includes commercially available turtle pellets, as well as feeder fish, crickets, earthworms, aquatic plants, vegetables, and fruits.

When purchasing a juvenile Mississippi Map Turtle, it is important to choose a reputable breeder who can provide information about the turtle's health and history. A healthy turtle should have clear eyes and no signs of irritation or infection on its shell or skin.

With a price of at least $40, the juvenile Mississippi Map Turtle offers an affordable entry point into the world of turtle care for those with the necessary experience and dedication to provide a suitable habitat and care for these beautiful creatures.

Mississippi Map Turtles are communal and are best housed in groups

As with most maps, they have very detailed shell and skin patterns. They are great swimmers and frequent baskers. They are very good tank turtles, and adults also do well in outdoor ponds.

Full-grown map turtles need plenty of swimming space, but typically a 75-gallon fish tank will do well for one male turtle; females need about a 125-gallon tank. Gravel built up with some larger rocks to create a beach on one side of the tank serves well as a basking area and dry-docking station for your turtle. A variety of floating accessories for the turtle's use as raft haul-outs are available at pet stores.

Mississippi map turtles require a turtle tank as their enclosure. This is because they will need fully submerged sections without the risk of warping or leaking. The Mississippi map turtle can grow to 12 inches long and needs a proportional amount of space to live happily. For this reason, we suggest a tank with at least 1200mm in width. The tank should also be tall enough to provide areas for the turtle to swim, so we suggest a minimum height of around 300mm. A ramp and dock should be used to ensure the turtle has a space to get out of the water and bask.

The most important decoration in a turtle enclosure is the basking area. It should be large enough to fit the turtle with some room to turn. The basking area should always be in line with the water level to ensure that your turtle can get out easily. There are floating docks available that will reposition to match the water level. A good basking area will also include a ramp for the turtle to make it easier to climb.

Mississippi map turtles require UVB light in order to synthesise vitamin D. Without vitamin D, they are not able to metabolise calcium properly, causing problems with bone growth. A spotlight and UV tube can be used over the basking area of the turtle. Either a 60w or 100w basking bulb should be sufficient, depending on the temperatures achieved. A 12% intense UV tube (either T5 or T8) can be used to provide the intense UV. Alternatively, a single mercury vapour bulb can be used to provide both heat and UV. This bulb should be placed 30cm or closer and will need a porcelain or ceramic lamp holder.

Mississippi map turtles are omnivores. As they grow, you will see them transition from primarily carnivorous to a more balanced diet. They will readily eat a wide variety of foods. There are commercially available diets, like those from Zilla or ReptoMin. These are a great choice offering necessary vitamin supplementation. Along with that, they can be fed feeder fish, feeder crickets, earthworms, krill, bloodworms, occasional crayfish and ghost shrimp, aquatic plants, some vegetables, and some fruits.

They can live up to 30 years

Mississippi map turtles are known to live for up to 30 years or more when kept in captivity and provided with proper care. In the wild, their average lifespan is shorter, ranging from 15 to 25 years.

The longevity of these turtles in captivity underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership. Those considering a Mississippi map turtle as a pet should be prepared for a long-term commitment and ensure they have the necessary knowledge, resources, and dedication to provide optimal care throughout the turtle's life.

One crucial aspect of care is maintaining pristine water quality. Mississippi map turtles require clean, oxygen-rich water to thrive and are susceptible to various health issues, including fungal infections, if their aquatic environment is not properly maintained.

Additionally, these turtles have specific dietary needs. As omnivores, they require a balanced diet that includes both plant-based and protein-rich foods. Overfeeding or an excessive amount of protein can lead to unhealthy growth and shell issues.

Proper lighting is also essential for the well-being of Mississippi map turtles. They require access to UVB lighting to synthesise vitamin D, which is crucial for calcium metabolism and the prevention of bone and shell problems.

Overall, the potential for a lengthy lifespan in Mississippi map turtles underscores the importance of providing them with optimal care, including water quality, diet, and lighting, to ensure their health and longevity.

They are excellent starter turtles

Hardiness and Longevity

Mississippi map turtles are known for their resilience and longevity. They can live for several decades with proper care, and their average lifespan is around 25-30 years. This makes them a long-term commitment, but their hardiness means they are less delicate than some other turtle species. They can withstand a wider range of water temperatures and conditions, making them more forgiving for new turtle owners.

Adaptability

These turtles are highly adaptable to different environments. They can thrive in a variety of aquatic habitats, from small ponds to large aquariums. This flexibility allows new turtle owners to set up a suitable habitat without needing specialized equipment or extensive knowledge. As long as their basic needs for space, water quality, and temperature are met, they will adjust well to their new home.

Diet and Feeding

Mississippi map turtles are omnivores, which means they have a varied diet that includes both plant and animal matter. This makes them easier to feed than more specialized turtles. Their diet can include commercial turtle pellets, aquatic plants, vegetables, and some live food or meat. This diversity in diet makes them a more straightforward choice for beginners, as it is generally easier to source and provide a balanced diet.

Behavior and Handling

These turtles are generally docile and have a curious nature. They can be active swimmers and enjoy exploring their environment. While they may not be as eager to interact or be handled as some other pet turtles, they are not known for being aggressive or particularly shy. This makes them a good choice for owners who want to observe their turtle's behavior without the need for frequent handling.

Enclosure and Maintenance

Mississippi map turtles do not require an excessively large enclosure, making them suitable for a range of spaces. A standard-sized tank is generally sufficient for one or a small group of these turtles. While they do require a commitment to maintaining water quality and temperature, their care is relatively straightforward and does not demand an expert level of knowledge. Regular water changes, cleaning, and providing appropriate lighting and temperature controls are essential for their health and can be easily managed with a basic understanding of turtle care.

Frequently asked questions