Turtle and Tortoise

Before acquiring a turtle or tortoise you must explore which  turtle or tortoise would be best for you. Some things to take into consideration are habitat-climate, habitat’s security, indoor/ outdoor enclosures, diet, lighting, heating, vet care, and their longevity.

Types of Turtles

Turtles can be broken into 3 groups aquatic, semi aquatic, terrestrial. Aquatic turtles such as red eared sliders, cooters, Yellowbellies will eventually out grow indoor tanks and need a pond. SMALLER turtles such as musks, muds, and painteds can be properly housed indoors. A turtle's home should be spacious and stimulating. This can be achieved with non toxic plants. All turtles need UVB and a place to climb out of the water to bask. 

Semi aquatic turtles such as wood turtles, spotted turtles and Malayans need an area with both land and water. This habitat is much easier achieved in an outdoor pen. However, adequate indoor accomidations can be provided with careful planning.
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Terestrial turtles such as box turtles do best in outdoor pens. They need a soaking dish large enough to climb into and easy enough to get out of. A hiding spot, a substrate that holds moisture, a proper diet, a secure living area, and stimulating environment.

If you are in an area that has predators such as raccoons pay close attension to the security of the pens. This Link will help you to build a secure pen


Whether you choose a water turtle or a box turtle it is your responsibility to provide the best care possible. All turtles need proper lighting/heat/UVB a spacious stimulating enclosure/tank, hiding places, clean water, secure enclosures, and competent vet care.

Smaller tortoises such as Russians, are a wonderful choice for a first tortoise.

The redfoot tortoise is a wonderful personable tortoise that doesn’t get too large.

Click here to see one example of an outdoor redfoot pen

Tortoises


If turtles just aren’t your thing you may consider adopting a tortoise.

A very important consideration before choosing a tortoise is space and climate. For instance large land tortoises such as sulcata and leopards will eventually need full time outdoor enclosures. If you live in a cold state this will be much harder to provide. See the sulcata reality check by clicking here.
A Sulcata care sheet, as well as leopard tortoise care sheets, can be viewed by clicking here.

The time to find a reptile vet is before you need one. .
Habitat’s for both turtles and tortoises should be secure and safe from predator’s.

We have only touched on some of the more common species of turtles and tortoises. With over 269 species of turtles and tortoises you must do research on the species you are interested in keeping and make choices that are best or both you and the turtle. With the proper environment you will have a wonderful friend that could easily out live you.