Read About Painted Turtles

Painted Turtles are one of the most common turtles in North America and are often kept as pets. Everything you need to know about them is contained in this article.

Painted Turtles - Facts

1. Description:

   Painted turtles are widely found across North America. They love to sun themselves on logs and rocks.

2. Varieties:

   Besides the painted turtle, another close relative is the Red Ear Slider.

3. History:

   Painted turtles and Red Ear sliders are both of the family Chrysemys, and there are many subspecies and regional color variations.

4. Physical Traits:

   The painted turtle's shell is a medium to dark-green color, with highlights or patterns of color on their back.

5. Other Defining Characteristics:

   A painted turtle's skin is dark-green to almost black, with red and yellow stripes on the head, neck, legs, and tail. They are often seen sunning themselves on the shore, or on logs or rocks.

6. Habitat:

   The painted turtle lives mostly in slow-moving water such as marshes, swamps, and ponds with soft, muddy bottoms.

Painted Turtles - Concerns

1. Benefits:

   Painted turtles are fairly easy to care for and are entertaining to watch. They may live over 20-years in captivity.

2. Liabilities:

   Turtles are popular pets for children, but many turtles die an early death because of incorrect care.

3. Health Issues:

   Turtles can spread salmonella. You should wash your hands thoroughly after handling a turtle. They can also suffer from parasites.

4. Specific Care Needs:

   Painted turtles need an aquarium with several inches of water and a dry area for basking. They eat vegetables and greens, as well as insects, worms, and fish. A calcium supplementation is also needed if the turtle does not get enough natural sunlight.

5. Reaction to Children and other Pets:

   Turtles are really not good pets for young children, as they do not understand the importance of proper diet and care. Since a young child is rarely careful in handling a small pet, the turtle may become afraid and tuck its legs and head into its shell.

6. Special Household Needs:

   Pets should generally not be allowed around turtles, as they may try to attack or even eat the turtle.

Painted Turtles - How to Choose

1. What to Look for:

   You should look for an alert, active turtle with clear eyes.

2. Supplies:

   A good water filtration system is beneficial for keeping the water clean. You will also need a spot lamp for basking purposes, some live or artificial plants for hiding, and a fluorescent UV-B light to help provide necessary vitamin D3.

3. Expense:

   Besides the cost of the turtle, the major expense will be providing food for the turtle.