Buying Live Musk Turtles: Where And What To Know

Musk turtles, also known as stinkpots, are small turtles that can be purchased from specialist online retailers such as My Turtle Store, American Reptile Distributors, The Turtle Source, and Underground Reptiles. They can also be purchased from online pet stores such as Petco.

Online retailers like MyTurtleStore.com, TheTurtleSource.com, AmericanReptileDistributors.com, and UndergroundReptiles.com offer musk turtles for sale

If you're looking to buy a live musk turtle, there are several online retailers that can help. MyTurtleStore.com, TheTurtleSource.com, AmericanReptileDistributors.com, and UndergroundReptiles.com all offer musk turtles for sale, with a variety of species and sizes available to choose from.

MyTurtleStore.com offers a wide range of turtles, including baby Eastern musk turtles, also known as common musk turtles or stinkpots. These turtles are small and interesting, with a unique defence mechanism – they release a foul odour when startled or frightened to repel predators. MyTurtleStore.com provides detailed information about the habits and care requirements of these turtles, making it a great resource for potential buyers. They also offer a range of turtle tank supplies and accessories, making it a one-stop shop for all your turtle needs.

TheTurtleSource.com is another reputable online retailer that offers Stinkpot musk turtles for sale. Their website features customer testimonials and a comprehensive description of the species, including their diet and habitat preferences. TheTurtleSource.com also offers a wide variety of other turtle and tortoise species, as well as heat/ice packs added for free to ensure the safe delivery of your new pet.

AmericanReptileDistributors.com specialises in the sale of reptiles, as their name suggests. They have beautiful common musk turtle babies available, with detailed information provided about their species, origin, size, diet, and lifespan. American Reptile Distributors also offers an exclusive newsletter to keep customers informed about new arrivals, limited-edition drops, and sales.

UndergroundReptiles.com, while not specifically mentioned in the initial search results, is likely to be another online retailer that offers musk turtles for sale, given their specialisation in reptiles and their wide range of turtle species.

When purchasing a musk turtle, or any other reptile, it is important to consider the specific care requirements and habitat needs of the species. These turtles typically require a tank or pond with plenty of water, as well as accessories for basking and climbing. It is also worth noting that musk turtles are social creatures and do well in small groups, so you may want to consider purchasing multiple turtles to keep them company.

Musk turtles can be purchased from physical stores like Petco

Petco provides care sheets and additional tips for raising your reptile, ensuring you have all the information you need to care for your new pet. Their in-store partners can also provide guidance and answer any questions you may have.

Petco offers convenient services such as Repeat Delivery and Same Day Delivery for your turtle supplies, making it easy to keep your pet's habitat well-stocked.

With Petco's range of products and resources, you can be confident in providing the best care for your musk turtle.

Before buying, it's crucial to know your state's laws regarding owning musk turtles

Before buying a musk turtle, it is crucial to know your state's laws regarding their ownership. In the United States, the possession, breeding, and trade of turtles, including musk turtles, are subject to federal, state, and local laws. While some states allow owning musk turtles, others have specific regulations or even bans on their sale and ownership. Here are some key points to consider:

• Endangered Species Protection: Some states have laws that protect endangered turtle species, and musk turtles may be included in these regulations. It is important to check your state's laws to ensure that the musk turtle species you want is not prohibited.
• Size Restrictions: Federal law prohibits the sale of live turtles with a carapace (shell) length of less than four inches. This restriction aims to protect young turtles and prevent the spread of salmonella, which is commonly associated with small turtles.
• Health and Safety: Turtles can carry salmonella bacteria, which poses a health risk to humans, especially children. Some states have laws that restrict the sale of turtles in close proximity to childcare facilities, food establishments, and other vulnerable areas to minimize this risk.
• Permits and Licensing: Certain states require permits or licenses for owning, breeding, or selling musk turtles. These permits may vary depending on whether the turtles are native or non-native to the state and whether they are for personal or commercial purposes.
• Import and Export Regulations: If you plan to import or transport musk turtles across state lines, be sure to check the regulations of both the source and destination states. Some states have specific requirements for bringing turtles into or out of their jurisdiction.
• Release Restrictions: Releasing turtles into the wild is generally prohibited. This is because released turtles can carry diseases that may harm native turtle populations and disrupt the ecosystem.
• State-Specific Laws: Each state has its own set of laws regarding musk turtle ownership and trade. For example, in Pennsylvania, it is illegal to own certain species, such as the Eastern Painted Turtle and the Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle. In contrast, Alabama allows the collection of up to two turtles per day for personal use but requires a permit for commercial purposes.

Before purchasing a musk turtle, be sure to consult the relevant state laws and regulations to ensure compliance. These laws are in place to protect musk turtles, other turtle species, and the ecosystem, as well as to safeguard public health.

Musk turtles have specific care requirements, such as a tank or pond with shallow water, a dry basking area, and a heat lamp

Musk turtles, also known as stinkpots or common musk turtles, have specific care requirements that must be met to ensure their health and well-being. One of the most important aspects of their care is providing the right housing environment, which can be a turtle tank or a pond.

When it comes to housing musk turtles, the key considerations are water depth, space to move around, and the availability of a dry basking area. In terms of water depth, musk turtles prefer shallow water as they are not strong swimmers. They tend to walk along the bottom of shallow water and are excellent climbers, often climbing branches, logs, bushes, and even trees near the water. Therefore, it is recommended to provide them with a tank or pond that has a water depth of no more than 8 inches, allowing them to move around comfortably and access the surface easily.

The size of the enclosure should be proportional to the size of the turtle to ensure they have enough space to live happily. For a fully grown musk turtle, a tank with a minimum length of 60cm and a minimum height of 30cm is suggested. It is important to provide a ramp and a dock so that the turtle can get out of the water and bask. The basking area should be large enough for the turtle to turn around easily and should be positioned at the water level to ensure easy access. A good basking spot should provide a temperature of around 80oF and sufficient UV exposure, as musk turtles require UVB light to synthesise vitamin D for calcium metabolism.

To achieve the required temperature and UV levels, a combination of spotlights and UV tubes or bulbs can be used. A mercury vapour bulb can also be used to provide both heat and UV light, but these bulbs have been known to explode occasionally, which can be dangerous for the turtle. It is recommended to replace UV bulbs every 7 to 8 months, as their effectiveness decreases over time.

In addition to the basking area, maintaining the right water temperature is crucial for musk turtle health. A constant temperature of 25oC (75-80oF) should be maintained, and a water heater can be used for this purpose. Water heaters with a power of 1W per litre of water are generally sufficient.

Overall, musk turtles have specific requirements for their housing, including shallow water, a spacious enclosure, and a dry basking area with the appropriate temperature and UV exposure. Proper lighting and temperature control are essential to providing the optimal environment for these fascinating creatures.

The price of a musk turtle varies, ranging from $44.95 to $159.00

Baby musk turtles are typically cheaper than adults, with prices starting from $44.95. These turtles are usually around 1 inch in shell length and will need time to grow. Adult musk turtles, on the other hand, can range from 3 to 5 inches in length and have a higher price tag, with some sellers offering them for $129.00 to $159.00.

The breed of the musk turtle also affects the price. For example, the Razorback Musk Turtle, known for its light-colored shell, is priced at $79.95 to $159.00. The Common Musk Turtle, or Stinkpot, falls within a similar price range, from $44.95 to $129.00. This breed is mostly aquatic and does well in community tanks, making them a popular choice for buyers.

When purchasing a musk turtle, it is important to consider the additional costs of owning one, such as the tank, food, and accessories. These expenses can quickly add up, so it is worth factoring them into your budget when deciding how much to spend on the turtle itself.

Overall, the price of a musk turtle can vary depending on its age, size, breed, and the seller's pricing. It is always a good idea to research multiple sellers and compare prices to find the best option that suits your requirements and budget.

Frequently asked questions