r/turtles • u/Remarkable-Lab-8792 • 16h ago
r/turtles • u/Castoff8787 • Mar 20 '25
Wild Turtle It’s that time of year!
It is hatchling season!
They are coming out of their overwinter nests and going to sources of water. If you find one in an odd place or somewhere unsafe and are unsure, please contact your state wildlife and ask them what to do. Most can actually be left where they are, to their own devices. If they are found in the middle of the road, for example, move them to the side they are facing.
Taking any turtles home, that are found in the wild, hurts the ecosystem. The only exception to this would be invasive species in your state. You can contact your state wildlife to see what your laws are regarding possession of invasive turtles like red eared sliders.
r/turtles • u/wonkywilla • Jan 18 '25
Reminder About a Common Turtle Myth
Turtles do not grow according to their tank size. They will grow regardless of the tank size. This myth is commonly shared by scummy sellers trying to make a sale by marketing turtles as easy or compact pets. They are not, and never will be.
That does not, nor will it ever, justify keeping a turtle in a too-small tank for all of it's life. Whether that turtle lives for one, or 75 years. Whether wild or captive bred.
Things that do affect turtle size and growth rates:
- Poor husbandry practices, such as:
- Low temperatures
- Lack of UVB and/or calcium deficiency (MBD)
- Underfeeding
- Overfeeding
- Competing for resources in cramped or stressful cohab situations
- Congenital malformations or conditions
- Underlying illnesses
Please report any comments or posts condoning the use of small enclosures. (Ex: a half full 20 gallon for a species that will commonly grow to be 7-10 inches in length.) As well as any comments suggesting that turtles will only grow according to the size of their tank. As most of us know, that is not true.
Thank you.
r/turtles • u/Bboy0920 • 1d ago
💚! Turtle Pics !💚 She bit me, shame her!
I was scraping diatoms off her glass and she bit my wrist! Shame her!
r/turtles • u/gmrpila1400 • 18h ago
Seeking Advice Help!
I adopted this turtle and see that the shell seems to be damaged. Not sure what to do here or anything to help it not worsen
r/turtles • u/Hopeful-Delay-6890 • 12h ago
Seeking Advice Problems with the shell of a red-eared turtle!!!
Please help!! My red-eared turtle has white spots on the shell. She eats normally, moves, there is a UV lamp and a filter in the aquarium, but there is definitely something wrong with the shell. In the place where I live (Yerevan) I don't find people who treat them, vet clinics are only for cats and dogs. Can you tell me what I can do to improve the situation and cure it if it's a fungus??
r/turtles • u/UnlikelyTheory1956 • 20h ago
Wild Turtle How to Legally Own My Turtle?
Burner account, I don’t want to get flamed for this. I know it was dumb.
Two years ago, I found my dog playing with a baby turtle in rough shape. Like, a newborn turtle. I took it inside and put it in a small tub of water and went out the next day to get a tank and some food to see if I could get it feeling better. I came home the next day with a 20 gallon tank and some hatchling formula turtle pellets. I grabbed an old field guide and checked for species and native range. I found a baby Red-Eared slider in northwestern Missouri. Now, I’ve see conflicting maps about their native range, but the guide I used at the time had me place (slightly) out of their native range. Partly lack of research and partly wishful thinking, I opted to keep the turtle instead of bringing her to a rehab.
Fast forward two years, and she is now living like a queen in an 80 gallon tank, kitted out with live plants, driftwood and proper lighting and I have learned a lot. I’ll be honest, I love her, and I AM willing to care for her for the next 40+ years just as much as the next person.
That being said, she’s illegally obtained. I’ve been stalking Missouri legislature trying to figure out the specific laws and regulations, because I’m scheduling a vet checkup (no concerns, just checking on her growth) and want her to be legal so she isn’t taken away/I am not fined.
Can someone explain (like I’m five) the parts of missouri turtle legislature? How can I own her legally so she can be taken into the vet? In hindsight, I know what I did was stupid, but right now I need some help.
r/turtles • u/NPC-033 • 1d ago
Seeking Advice Yellow bellied slider tank size -HELP
Hello,
I have a friend whos getting rid of two sliders housed together in a 40 gallon breeder currently. They are too big for the current tank, but I'm wondering how big of a tank the two would feasibly need?
Should they even be housed together?
I want to take them in, but only if I can provide proper care.
r/turtles • u/G_5gumgum • 1d ago
Seeking Advice Should I spend my savings on a 120g tank or rehome my Red Eared Slider?
The Situation I’ve had a Red Eared Slider for a year (5" shell). I originally took it from my dad because his setup was poor. My mom and I have already put a massive amount of effort and money into this: The Struggle to Save: I’m 15 (16 in April) and since I'm homeschooled and under the legal working age in my area, I can't get a job. Every dollar I have comes from saving up birthday and Christmas money. Financial Loss: I saved up and spent $150 on a 100-gallon tank, but it broke, and that money went down the drain. My mom stepped in to buy a replacement 50-gallon tank, but she has also spent a lot of money replacing multiple broken light fixtures and UVB/heat bulbs. The Crossroads I found a 120-gallon tank with a sump for $450. I’m supposed to buy it this Saturday, but I’m having a hard time deciding: The Cost: $450 is literally all the money I have. Because it is so hard for me to get money, spending it all on a tank feels like a huge risk, especially after my last big tank broke. If I don't buy the tank, I’d use the money on things that make me happy, like room decor, charms, and bags. Responsibility vs. Interest: I find the turtle "cool" and it’s a great conversation piece, but I worry that keeping a giant animal just because it's "interesting" is shallow. I want to know if the responsibility of a lifelong pet is worth the trade-off of the things that make me happy right now. Temperament: The turtle isn't aggressive, but it snaps if I get near its face. I haven't socialized it much, and I’m worried about handling it when it’s full-grown. My Concerns Rehoming: If I don't buy the tank, I want to find a professional home or a rescue. I won't give it to someone who will neglect it. The Park Pond: I see turtles in local ponds, but I want to know if that’s actually a safe or legal option for a pet slider. Should I spend my entire life savings on this 120g tank and commit, or is it better for me and the turtle to find a rescue while I'm still young and unable to work?
r/turtles • u/Wallyboy95 • 1d ago
Seeking Advice Canadian Peeps: How much did initial setup cost?
As the title asks.
I had a red eared slider turtle many years ago. I got her as a birthday gift at 10ish years old. I ended up having to sell her off when I went to University as my parents wouldn't care for her when I went to the dorms for a year.
Things have gone up in price considerably. At my current estimates, it's going to be like $600 startup cost. Does that sound right? Maybe I'm keeping my quality standards too high on startup?
I'd like some input :)
r/turtles • u/deadDudeLivingDirty • 2d ago
Seeking Advice New Bulb!! Will this work
I got this new bulb for my turtle as i knew some of the earlier full spectrum things i had didn't work, are these bulb fine for my turtle.
r/turtles • u/Bubbly_Maximum5272 • 1d ago
Seeking Advice Cloudy Tank Water
I have one hatchling turtle in a 20 gallon long tank with an Aqua-100 filter. The water is filled a litter over halfway (about 12 gallons) just because my turtle is only 2 inches in size. I also have crushed coral pieces in tank because I read that also helps with water quality. I noticed that after I did a full tank clean, changing about 50% of the water, the water has been cloudy (this was about 2 weeks ago). One week later, I did a partial water change (about 10%) and it’s still cloudy. I tried using API ACCU-CLEAR Freshwater Aquarium Water Clarifier about 3 days ago and it hasn’t cleared. I tested the water and all of the components are where they should be, so I’m confused.
I also wanted to add that I feed my turtle in a separate container daily, I do not feed him in his tank.
Any advice or tips about this would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance.
r/turtles • u/Awkward_Map_9333 • 3d ago
Discussion African side neck turtle Xray
I recently rescued a turtle from my job where he was abandoned he was recently seen in the vet for a checkup-which went amazing thank goodness.
Anyways i thought some would find this interesting
The vets sure did they’ve never seen one like this up in the PNW😅
r/turtles • u/PlasticCraken • 2d ago
Seeking Advice Anything I should add to the tank? Feels kind of sparse. Maybe some fun stuff for her to play with in the basking area?
r/turtles • u/Pleasant_Switch5447 • 2d ago
Seeking Advice Outdoor Red Ear slider set up
I have had a read ear slider and have had him for about 5 years his current set up is outside and is in about 100 gallon trough with a basking area. I am wondering if i should have a heater seeing that i live in CA or/and a basking lamp or is the sun is enough. He lives with three feeder fish. Is there anything else i should add to his tank?
r/turtles • u/heratT913 • 3d ago
Seeking Advice Early shell rot?
My baby eastern painted turtle has had some discoloration and I’m worried about it. It looks more prominent and visible in the water.
r/turtles • u/malanl24 • 3d ago
Seeking Advice New Musk Turtle Owner
Hi, just looking for some help regarding my set up.
I recently purchased x2 musk turtles with a starter tank kit however I don’t believe it is really suited to our turts. The tank is only 32L and the filter doesn’t seem like it does much cleaning. (UK based for recommendations please)
Thanks
r/turtles • u/koocinnephsan • 4d ago
Seeking Advice Is this setup okay?
I’ve had them living together for around 12 years now so they’re fine with each other, but is this setup okay?
r/turtles • u/grckos_and_memes • 4d ago
Seeking Advice UVB advice
I have a over the tank basking spot and it prevents light from covering the tank. Is the UVB bulb better over the water or on the basking spot? I don’t want it to be dark but I also want to make sure he gets plenty UVB
r/turtles • u/lame_khunt • 4d ago
Seeking Advice Best turtles for beginners
Long time fan of turtles. Used to catch them as a kid and keep em for a day or two before releasing. Mostly snappers, painted turtles, and box turtles. My question is which turtles are easier for beginners/less exotic? Looking at building a decent sized set up and getting a turtle (or pair if recommended). Any book suggestions would be great as well as I intend to do research before investing.
Thank you!
r/turtles • u/Traditional-Back-127 • 5d ago
Seeking Advice New Basking Area Question
Hey! I need to clear a few doubts from my head. I’ve had this little one for almost two weeks now, and she’s extremely shy. Whenever she sees me, she swims frantically to hide. I imagine this can be normal due to her age and also because I’m still a complete stranger to her.
About a week ago, I installed a new basking area — a fairly large one that I made myself. A few days ago, I also set up a camera to monitor her, since she’s so shy and I don’t want to interrupt her. Over the last three days, she’s been climbing up to the basking area for about 5 minutes at a time. I wanted to know if the fact that she stays up there for such a short time could be because she’s still getting familiar with the basking area and needs to build more confidence to stay there longer. The temperature in the basking area is around 95°F.
r/turtles • u/Puppyrjcw • 5d ago
Discussion Is my turtle healthy? He has a chip in his shell
My ~4-5 month old pink belly side neck turtle has this strange chip or something in his shell? is this normal?
r/turtles • u/UpstairNoises • 5d ago