The Best Small Turtle Pets for Those with Limited Space

[findi]

Hi, Frank Indiviglio here. I’m a herpetologist, zoologist, and book author, recently retired from a career of over 20 years with the Bronx Zoo. The world’s most popular pet turtle, the Red Eared Slider, is a poor choice for those lacking space for a huge aquarium and filter. A number of smaller, less active turtles are easier to accommodate in homes and classrooms. Today I’ll cover some of my favorite aquatic, semi-aquatic and terrestrial species, all of which are being bred in captivity. Unless otherwise stated, all can be kept in a 20-30 gallon aquarium or similarly-sized plastic bin. This list is by no means exhaustive, so please be sure to post your own choices and share your experiences below. Please see the linked articles and post below for in depth information on care and breeding. Read the rest of this article here http://bit.ly/1i0mSem

Please also check out my posts on Twitter http://bitly.com/JP27Nj and Facebook http://on.fb.me/KckP1m

My Bio, with photos of animals I’ve been lucky enough to work with: http://bitly.com/LC8Lbp

Best Regards, Frank Indiviglio

 

[The Snark]

Hey Frank, thanks for mentioning that. It has been one of my little gripes for many years. I'd guess that way WAY over 90% of the sliders bought are for short term temporary amusement and entertainment. It doesn't matter that they can be bred by the millions. The problem is a whole lot of kids grow up being trained by owning those and similar animals, that animals in general are disposable toys.

 

[Smokehound714]

One species i can recommend is the Stinkpot, a species of musk turtle that stays small, about the size of your palm. They release a disagreeable odor when alarmed or angered, but IMO, that ensures people wash their hands after touching them Possibly the best turtle to own, IMO, if you cannot afford the accommodations that larger species require..

 

[findi]

Hey Frank, thanks for mentioning that. It has been one of my little gripes for many years. I'd guess that way WAY over 90% of the sliders bought are for short term temporary amusement and entertainment. It doesn't matter that they can be bred by the millions. The problem is a whole lot of kids grow up being trained by owning those and similar animals, that animals in general are disposable toys.

Thanks..quite true, sends a very bad message to kids; same , here in US, re green anoles, best, Frank

---------- Post added 11-23-2013 at 03:13 PM ----------

One species i can recommend is the Stinkpot, a species of musk turtle that stays small, about the size of your palm. They release a disagreeable odor when alarmed or angered, but IMO, that ensures people wash their hands after touching them Possibly the best turtle to own, IMO, if you cannot afford the accommodations that larger species require..

Thanks...not sure if you saw the article, it'ss the first species I covered; One of mine is now 44 yrs old; I listed this as the "perfect" aquatic turtle here: http://blogs.thatpetplace.com/thatr...kpot-my-choice-for-perfect-pet-turtle-part-1/ Best, frank

 

[Pandinus97]

Thanks for the article frank, i know there's a species of pygmy musk turtle that only gets about two to three
inches across, last time i saw these guys was at the Reptile Zoo in Monroe Washington

 

[Galapoheros]

I second the mud and musk turtles and some are pretty colorful. They can be bitey things though, the musky smell doesn't bother my nose much. Wow, 44 years, I didn't know they could live that long.

 

[findi]

Thanks for the article frank, i know there's a species of pygmy musk turtle that only gets about two to three
inches across, last time i saw these guys was at the Reptile Zoo in Monroe Washington

Perhaps the Flattened Musk, S, depressus; N America's smallest turtle; protected by captive bred individuals do show up ; more info here:http://blogs.thatpetplace.com/thatr...introducing-five-interesting-species-part-2/; best, Frank

---------- Post added 12-03-2013 at 10:15 PM ----------

I second the mud and musk turtles and some are pretty colorful. They can be bitey things though, the musky smell doesn't bother my nose much. Wow, 44 years, I didn't know they could live that long.

Thanks; they usually stop musking once settled in; Phil Zoo had a Common musk aged 52; that animal would be in its 60's now (longevity tracker I used is no longer functioning), best, Frank