Dwarf Turtle Costs: A Quick Guide To Their Pricing

Dwarf turtles are a popular choice for those looking for a pet turtle that stays small. While the cost of turtles varies depending on the species and seller, dwarf turtles are generally reasonably priced. For example, red-eared sliders, one of the most common pet turtles, can be purchased for as little as $20, while other species like the African sideneck or Mississippi map turtle may cost nearly twice as much. Dwarf turtles are also available from specialist sellers such as Tortoise Town, which offers a range of captive-bred dwarf turtles, including baby, juvenile, and adult turtles, with prices starting at $14.99.

Dwarf turtle species and their average price range

Dwarf turtles are relatively inexpensive compared to other pets like cats and dogs. The cost of a turtle depends on its species and size. The price range for dwarf turtles is between $5 and $600.

Mississippi Mud Turtle ($6-$40)

The Mississippi Mud Turtle is a semi-aquatic species that typically grows to a length of 3-5 inches. They have a dark-coloured shell, with yellow or orange splotches on their temple. In the wild, they feed on molluscs, crustaceans, worms, fish and amphibians. As pets, they can be fed crickets, mealworms, shrimp and chicken.

Common Musk Turtle ($5-$50)

The Common Musk Turtle is another small species that grows to a length of 2-4.5 inches. They have a brownish-tan shell with a distinctive keel down the centre and yellow stripes on their head. Their diet consists of aquatic plants, insects, worms, fish, shrimp and commercial turtle food.

Spotted Turtle ($200-$600)

The Spotted Turtle is a semi-aquatic species with a beautiful black shell covered in bright yellow spots. They typically grow to a length of 3-5 inches and can live up to 50 years. As pets, they require clean water, UVB lighting and temperatures between 70-80°F during the day.

Red-Eared Slider Turtle ($20-$50)

The Red-Eared Slider Turtle is a popular pet turtle that usually grows to a length of 6-12 inches. They have a green or brown shell with yellow stripes and distinctive red patches behind their eyes. They are good swimmers and enjoy basking in the sun. Their diet consists of aquatic plants, insects, worms, shrimp, commercial turtle food and occasional treats like boiled chicken.

Reeve's Turtle

The Reeve's Turtle, also known as the Chinese Pond Turtle, typically grows to a length of 6 inches, but some variations can reach up to 9 inches. They are not strong swimmers and require a tank with enough water to right themselves if they end up on their back.

Diamondback Terrapin ($250-$400)

The Diamondback Terrapin has a distinctive shell with diamond patterns and a range of colours, including grey, white, yellow and orange. They are semi-aquatic and prefer to live in brackish or salty water. Their diet consists of insects, fish, shrimp, crickets and commercial turtle food.

Where to buy dwarf turtles

Dwarf turtles can be purchased from pet stores, breeders, or non-profit adoption and rescue organizations.

Pet Stores

Pet stores are a common place to buy turtles. Red-eared sliders, one of the most common pet turtles, can be purchased for as little as $20. However, it is important to avoid purchasing turtles that are less than four inches in length, as these are often carriers of salmonella.

Breeders

Breeders also sell turtles, and while they may have rarer specimens, they tend to be more expensive.

Adoption and Rescue Organizations

Turtles can often be found at non-profit adoption and rescue organizations, as potential owners may buy them without recognizing the time and care commitment they require. Adoption fees may be comparable to the price of a turtle in a store, or they may be free of charge.

Online Retailers

Dwarf turtles can also be purchased online from retailers such as Tortoise Town and My Turtle Store, which offer a wide variety of turtles and supplies.

Dwarf turtle tank requirements

Tank Size

The size of the tank will depend on the size of the turtle. A good rule of thumb is to provide a minimum of 10 gallons of water per inch of the turtle. For example, a 4-inch turtle should have a minimum water depth of 6–8 inches. It's also recommended to start with at least a 50-gallon tank, even if your turtle is smaller than 5 inches, as they will usually grow to that size.

Land Area

Turtles, especially semi-aquatic turtles, need a basking area for health reasons. In their natural habitats, turtles spend a lot of time in the water but also spend a significant amount of time basking in the sun. Therefore, it's important to provide a land area in the tank where they can dry off and enjoy the sun. This can be provided by stacking smooth rocks and sloping large smooth gravel to one side to make a land area, or by using wood or a plastic "turtle dock".

Water Temperature

The water temperature in the tank should be kept between 74–78 degrees Fahrenheit, and up to 80 degrees for hatchlings. The basking spot temperature should be higher, at between 90 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lighting

In addition to a heat lamp over the basking area, turtles require a full spectrum of reptile Ultraviolet (UVA/UVB) light. Exposure to UVA/UVB is necessary for proper calcium metabolism and also appears to have other benefits to overall health, such as improving appetite.

Filtration

Turtles produce a lot of waste, so a good quality filter is essential to keeping the tank clean and the turtle healthy. Choose a filter rated for at least double the volume of water you will be filtering, as turtles are messy pets.

Tank Decorations

When designing a tank, it's important to keep it uncluttered and easy to clean. Turtles can knock things over and push things around. While plants may be a nice aesthetic touch, turtles are likely to make a snack of them or uproot them. Therefore, plastic plants are not recommended. The best tank accessories for turtles are larger rocks and stones, and driftwood.

Dwarf turtle diet

The cost of dwarf turtles varies depending on the species and the seller. Red-eared sliders, one of the most common pet turtles, can be purchased for as little as $20 in pet stores, while some types can be bought from breeders at a much higher price. Less common species, such as the African sideneck or Mississippi map turtles, may cost almost twice as much as red-eared sliders.

Now, onto the requested topic of dwarf turtle diets.

Dwarf turtles are semi-aquatic and can be found in both slow-flowing rivers and lakes or ponds. Their diet will depend on the specific species of dwarf turtle, but they generally eat a variety of plants and animals. Some species of dwarf turtles, like the African dwarf mud turtle (Pelusios nanus), are endemic to Africa and are the smallest of all African turtle species, barely reaching 4 inches as full-grown adults.

The Razor-back musk turtle, a species of dwarf turtle, has a diet of aquatic vegetation and small invertebrates. They are known to eat snails, insects, worms, and plants.

The Stinkpot turtle, another dwarf turtle species, is also known to eat plants and small invertebrates. They are commonly found in eastern North America, from Florida to Canada, and as far west as Texas and Wisconsin.

The Golden thread turtle (Ocadia sinensis), a beautiful dwarf turtle species from eastern Asia, has a diet that likely consists of aquatic vegetation and small invertebrates.

The Painted turtle, a native species to North America, is another dwarf turtle with a varied diet. They can be found in still or slow-moving freshwater habitats and have vivid, beautiful colours.

The Red-eared slider, a popular pet dwarf turtle, is an excellent swimmer and enjoys basking in the sun. They are known to be personable and will quickly learn to swim to their owner when they want to eat. While their diet is not specifically mentioned, they are likely omnivores like most dwarf turtles.

It is important to provide dwarf turtles with a suitable habitat and a varied diet that meets their nutritional needs.

Dwarf turtle care

Dwarf turtles are a relatively new species in captivity, with the African dwarf mud turtle, Pelusios nanus, being imported into the United States for the past eight years. These turtles are popular due to their small size, with adults growing to a maximum of 4.7 inches (12 cm) in carapace length.

Housing

Dwarf turtles can be kept in a range of enclosures, depending on their size and the number of turtles being kept. For example, adult turtles have been kept in Rubbermaid stock tanks ranging from 50 to 150 gallons, while hatchlings can be set up in smaller tubs with just an inch of water. It is important to provide a nesting area for breeding, and a basking platform for all turtles. The water depth can vary from a couple of inches to around 10 inches, and it is recommended to include "furniture" such as driftwood and PVC piping, as well as floating aquatic plants, to reduce stress.

Lighting and Temperature

Dwarf turtles require lighting and temperature control. Normal incandescent bulbs can be used for heat, with a separate bulb for UVB radiation. Temperatures in the 80s are recommended, with a basking temperature in the low to mid-90s. While warm temperatures are preferable, the author notes that their own dwarf turtles have tolerated temperatures as low as 57°F (13.9°C) overnight.

Filtration

Filtration is recommended, and commercial filtration systems for small to medium aquaria are considered suitable. However, it is suggested to use a filter rated for at least double the amount of water in the enclosure.

Diet

Dwarf turtles are mostly carnivorous, although they will accept some plant food. In captivity, they can be fed commercially produced turtle food, such as Zoo Med Natural Aquatic Turtle Food (Hatchling Formula) and Tetra Reptomin Floating Food Sticks, as well as shrimp, trout chow, bloodworms, and mealworms.

Handling

Dwarf turtles are feisty and may try to bite, so should be handled with care.

Frequently asked questions