Turtles That Prefer Land: Non-Aquatic Pet Species

While most turtles are aquatic, there are some species that are not. The Wood Turtle, for example, is not aquatic and can drown in water that is too deep. They require a decent-sized enclosure, and are often kept in outdoor environments. They are known for being very friendly with the right handling and interaction, and they are also pretty hardy. Their diet should be high in protein, including insects, slugs, earthworms, snails, and leafy greens. They can be difficult to come by and may be illegal to keep in certain states, so it's important to do your research before acquiring one.

Wood turtles are semi-aquatic and can drown in deep water

All turtles are reptiles and breathe air, meaning they cannot breathe underwater. They require access to the surface to breathe and will drown if prevented from reaching it. While turtles can hold their breath for extended periods, they are not immune to drowning.

The risk of drowning is especially high for baby turtles, as their bodies are weaker and they lack swimming experience. Additionally, certain turtle species, such as box turtles and tortoises, are not strong swimmers and are more susceptible to drowning in deep water.

To prevent drowning, turtles have evolved unique respiratory adaptations. For example, some turtles can absorb oxygen through their skin or cloaca, allowing them to stay submerged for longer periods. However, this does not eliminate the risk of drowning, especially if they are trapped underwater or unable to reach the surface.

In captivity, it is crucial to provide turtles with a properly set-up enclosure to minimise the risk of drowning. This includes ensuring the water depth is appropriate for the turtle's size and providing ample space to swim and surface for air.

Overall, while wood turtles can make friendly and hardy pets, their semi-aquatic nature means their water habitat must be carefully managed to prevent drowning.

Eastern box turtles are mostly land-based and rarely found in water

Eastern box turtles are predominantly land-based and rarely found in water. They are a subspecies of the common box turtle, native to the eastern United States. While they are in the pond turtle family, Emydidae, they are largely terrestrial. They have a distinct dark brown, hinged shell with yellow and orange markings, which provides excellent camouflage in their natural habitat.

Eastern box turtles prefer a humid environment with a shallow pool of water and a moist substrate. They require a specific diet, including a variety of plants, mushrooms, fruits, insects, fish, small amphibians, eggs, and even animal carrion. They are known to be opportunistic omnivores and will feed on whatever is available in their environment.

These turtles are slow crawlers and extremely long-lived, with a lifespan of up to 100 years or more. They are also slow to mature and have relatively few offspring per year, making them susceptible to human-induced mortality, such as vehicle collisions. Due to their declining population, they are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Species Red List.

In captivity, Eastern box turtles require high humidity, warm temperatures, and a suitable substrate for burrowing. They need access to fresh and clean water at all times, as well as a basking area to regulate their body temperature. Captive diets can include live invertebrates, wild strawberries, fish, and various types of fruits and vegetables.

Eastern box turtles are not strong swimmers and can drown if placed in water that is too deep. Therefore, they are considered semi-aquatic, as they spend most of their time on land and only wade through shallow water sources.

Spotted turtles are weak swimmers and prefer shallow water

Spotted turtles, scientifically termed *Clemmys guttata*, are one of the smallest species of pet turtles, typically measuring between 3 and 6 inches. They are coveted by hobbyists worldwide due to their captivating appearance, moderate size, and adaptability to both indoor and outdoor environments. These turtles are semi-aquatic, but they are not particularly strong swimmers, especially during their early life stages. Therefore, it is crucial to provide them with a suitable environment that accommodates their swimming abilities.

Spotted turtles are native to North America and can be found in the Eastern and Midwestern regions of the United States, as well as the southern tips of Canada. They favour shallow, standing waters such as swamps, marshes, woodland streams, and wet meadows. They are also known to inhabit brackish water streams and vernal pools. Their preferred spots typically include areas with soft mud, water lilies, moss, and cattails.

When setting up an enclosure for spotted turtles, it is important to consider their swimming abilities. They should be provided with water levels that allow them to comfortably touch the bottom while also reaching the surface. For hatchlings, a water depth of 1 to 1.5 inches is generally sufficient, while adult turtles may require deeper water. It is important to provide a gradient or a ramp to aid their movement between wet and dry zones.

To create a conducive environment for spotted turtles, introducing logs and raised platforms is essential. These structures provide exercise and enrichment opportunities, as well as essential resting spots. Aquatic and plastic plants can also be added to create clandestine spots for the turtles to hide and rest. While ensuring ample dry areas for basking is crucial, as spotted turtles often bask during cool weather.

Cleanliness is of utmost importance for the health and well-being of spotted turtles. A shallow-water compatible filtration system can be beneficial in maintaining water hygiene and reducing manual cleaning intervals. If tap water is used, it should be devoid of chlorine, as it can hamper the filtration process and impact the turtle's health. Regular water changes and a good filtration system are crucial to maintaining a healthy environment for these turtles.

In terms of temperament, spotted turtles exhibit a delightful mix of curiosity and alertness. They are agile and active, especially during cool seasons. However, it is important to respect their space and minimise handling, as excessive handling can cause stress. If there is a genuine need to handle them, it should be done briefly and gently, and hands should be washed afterward as a health precaution.

Common musk turtles are feisty and release a musky odour when they feel threatened

Common musk turtles, also known as stinkpots, are small turtles native to eastern North America. They are a popular choice for pet owners due to their size and relatively low-maintenance care requirements. However, their feisty temperament means they are not a commitment to be taken lightly.

Common musk turtles are known for releasing a strong, foul-smelling odour when they feel threatened. This defence mechanism is where they get their nickname, "stinkpot". The odour is emitted from scent glands located on the corners of the plastron, which exude an orange-ish liquid. This behaviour is less likely to occur in captive musk turtles that are handled frequently and learn that they are not in danger of being eaten.

In the wild, common musk turtles are highly aquatic and can be found in slow-flowing sections of streams and rivers, as well as lakes and ponds. They are clumsy on land and tend to stick to shallow waters as they are not strong swimmers. In captivity, they do not require deep water and should be provided with a suitable tank that allows them to swim with ease. The water depth should be shallow enough for the turtle to touch the bottom while still being able to stretch and reach the surface without paddling.

Despite their small size, common musk turtles can live a long time, with a lifespan of up to 50 years or more. They are carnivorous and primarily feed on small snails, molluscs, crayfish, and aquatic insects in the wild. In captivity, they can be fed earthworms, crickets, fish, shrimp, and commercial turtle pellets.

Due to their feisty nature, common musk turtles should be handled with care. They have long, flexible necks that make it easier for them to bite if they feel uncomfortable. It is recommended to pick them up towards the rear of their shell to minimise the risk of being bitten.

Razorback musk turtles are sedentary and produce little waste

Razorback musk turtles are native to the south-central United States, where they inhabit freshwater habitats like rivers, streams, and swamps with slow-flowing water. They are small, colourful, and have a distinctive sharp keel running down the centre of their shell. Despite being aquatic turtles, they are poor swimmers and prefer to walk along the bottom of their substrate. They are also quite messy feeders.

The turtles are omnivorous but tend to be more carnivorous in captivity, eating mostly meaty foods. They are not social and are known to be shy, spending much of their time hiding and basking. They are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and sleep at night. They are most active in the morning and late afternoon when the sun is still out but the temperature is cooler.

Due to their small size, razorback musk turtles require a smaller enclosure than other turtle species, but they still need plenty of hiding places. Their enclosure should have a basking area with a temperature of 85-90°F (29.5-32°C) and an ambient temperature of 75-82°F (24-28°C). The water depth should be kept shallow, at about 8-12 inches (20-30 cm), as they prefer to walk along the bottom rather than swim.

Razorback musk turtles are also quite messy, so their enclosure will need regular cleaning and a powerful filter to keep the water clean. A gravel vacuum can be used to remove about 25-30% of the water every week or two, and a dechlorinator should be added to the new water before refilling the tank.

As they are not strong swimmers, razorback musk turtles produce less waste than other aquatic turtles. Their diet consists of a variety of meaty foods and vegetation, including:

• Black soldier fly larvae
• Chopped fish
• Turtle pellets
• Live mealworms
• Live small earthworms
• Aquatic plants

Frequently asked questions