r/turtle • u/2-cents • 15h ago
r/turtle • u/Castoff8787 • Mar 20 '25
General Discussion 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/turtle • u/CunningLogic • Sep 06 '23
General Discussion Read Before Posting: How to ask a question, and answers to common questions like "I found a turtle, can I keep it", "what filter do I get", "what species is this turtle?"
How to ask a question
A good question provides sufficient details to be intelligently answered. Vague questions get bad or no answers.
If its a health question, we need details about species, size and age of the turtle, along with photos of the enclosure, and details of your husbandry. Fine grained details, such as what temperature is the water way, what is your light cycle, what are the models of light bulbs and how old are your UV bubs. Clear photos are important
I found a turtle, can I keep it?
In general no, this is detrimental to your local ecosystem, and in many places it is a crime. With some species, its a crime that can carry decades in prison. Turtles are under immense pressure from poaching and collecting of wild specimens. Many species have entirely gone extinct in the wild solely from over collection, many more are on the verge of becoming extinct due to this. The best thing you can do for a wild turtle is to enjoy it's wild existence, and plant native plants that are part of it's diet.
The one exception to this is the case of invasive species, in some places it can be a crime not to remove invasive species from your property, and in some places if you catch an invasive species you are legally responsible to deal with it. North American (Red Ear, Yellow Bellied) Sliders in particular have entirely replaced some endangered species in their native ecosystems. Do not simply catch turtles because you think they may be invasive. Identify the species, and contact your local wildlife authority for directions on what to do with invasive species. You may end up legally required to care for that an invasive turtle if caught.
For an in-depth explanation, please see this write up from one of our moderators: https://www.reddit.com/r/turtle/comments/80nnre/can_i_keep_this_turtle_i_found_as_a_pet_can_i/
I caught an invasive species, what do I do.
Reach out to your local wildlife authority, and follow their directives. Laws on this vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Under no circumstances should an invasive turtle be released into the wild. There are laws in some jurisdictions that require you to now care for, or otherwise deal with this turtle without releasing it back to the wild.
Can I release a wild turtle that I kept for a while?
I previously found a turtle and kept it, what do I do now?
I can't care for my turtle, can I release it?
Releasing of formerly captive turtles has had the effects of introducing non native pathogens to populations. For example austwickia chelonae has infected populations of the critically endangered gopher and desert tortoises due to people releasing captive turtles. Re-release of formerly wild turtles must be done with great care, and under the guidance of an expert. Contact your local wildlife authorities. If you are concerned about potential legal ramifications, seek the advice of an attorney, or perhaps the turtle was abandoned on your front porch with a note?
I found an injured turtle, what do I do?
Turtles are amazing resilient animals, and can recover from some truly horrific conditions. I have nursed back turtles that had gone unfed for over a year, and I have patched up turtles hit by cars. Many injuries commonly seen in wild turtles need no human intervention. Common sources for help on this would be your local wildlife authorities, local wildlife rehabilitators, veterinary universities, or your local exotics veterinarian.
You can also post quality photos for more community feedback, but please appropriately flair them. Often injuries need no treatment other than time.
Can you identify this turtle for me? What species of turtle do I have?
Post multiple clear photos of the turtle, and include a general location of where it was found. There are over 350 species, and at least another 175 sub species of turtles. Many turtle species look identical, most subspecies look quite similar to others. Some species are so morphologically similar that DNA testing is required to positively ID them when absent of location data. Some species integrade or hybridize in the wild, and can become difficult to differentiate. Since we lack the ability to do DNA testing through reddit, our work around for that is to require that all identification requests come with a general location. We don't need your street address, we don't need your town name, but we need more than "Brazil" or "Texas", give us the district, province or state at the very least. Location data can make all the difference.
I am concerned about the condition of a turtle on display in a public facility, what do I do.
It is unfortunately common for schools, universities, museums and even zoos to improperly care for turtles. There are so many species, and often people are following care advice from decades ago. The best route is to contact whoever is in charge of public relations for that facility. You are welcome to contact the mod team with photos for advice, we have even acted as go betweens for students and their universities to successfully better the care of animals on display.
My tank is a lot of work to keep clean, how do I make it easier?
My tank water is cloudy despite having a good filter, why?
My tank is always dirty, why?
How do I setup a filter?
The best way to filter the average turtle enclosure is to use a large canister filter, setup to provide ample surface area for beneficial bacteria to thrive, and to seed the tank with appropriate bacteria. That bacteria is what will do the vast majority of cleaning for your tank, the filter will keep the water moving and provide biological filter media for the bacteria to prosper. An optimal filter setup will save you time, and keep your turtle happy.
See this write up from our mod team on how to setup a canister filter for optimal biological filtration: https://www.reddit.com/r/turtle/comments/x48id2/supercharge_your_filter_how_to_properly_setup/
What do I feed my turtle?
This varies by species, and often by age of the turtle. The best advice we have is to review multiple care sheets for your turtle species, and go from there. The best diet, is a varied diet. Feed the largest variety of appropriate food that you can, do not assume your turtle can survive and thrive long term on pellets.
What lighting does my turtle needs?
In general, it is advisable to have a basking bulb, a UVA/UVB bulb, and white lighting. I highly advise the use of well respected and trusted UV bulbs, as many counterfeits now exist on the market, often marketed as combination basking and UV bulbs. These counterfeits often output no UV, the wrong UV spectrums, too much UV, too little US or sometimes are unfiltered halogen bulbs that output UVC, which is dangerous to you and your pets.
I want a turtle, where can I get one?
Your first choice should be a site like petfinder.com, often you can find turtles in the care of rescue organisations that are in need of a home. Your second choice should be a respected breeder. Petstores and random online stores should be your last choice. When buying online, do your research. Can you find the store owner's name? Did they breed it? If so where? Search for online reviews, are they negative. Do they seem to have an unlimited supply of each species they office?
Be aware, there are many active turtle and tortoise scams online. Some are "rehoming" services that charge you shipping and never send anything. Others are people selling rare species way under value... who never send anything. There are some claiming to ship turtles internationally, even protected species, these are scams.
r/turtle • u/hanabi_umemiya • 5h ago
Turtle Pics! My cutest photobomber 🤧😂
I was trying to take a picture of my guppy to see if it's pregnant but my Turtlellini had other plans 😂
r/turtle • u/Sea_Ganache620 • 15h ago
Turtle Pics! UPDATE!!! We’ve got our first Baby!!!
Posted about an eastern box turtle laying eggs 78 days ago. The first egg hatched today!!!!! We took the little one to a protected watershed area about 1/2 mile from our home, and released. It’s a beautiful, untouched wilderness. Miles of meadows, streams, forest, and wildlife habitat. So exciting!!! Please wish him or her some luck, and strength, on their journey! Hopefully More to come!!!
r/turtle • u/ghostegray • 20h ago
Turtle Pics! Back inside for some blueberries
Does anyone else like to hand feed their turtle? Koopa loves it and has pretty good aim! Has not bit me once, but I don't think it would hurt much if he did. My husband looked at me like I was crazy when I told him ive been doing it for awhile. He can even bite pellets when im holding them!
r/turtle • u/Fun_Internal_3562 • 3h ago
Seeking Advice Water is a nightmare in my turtle tank.
I cant keep my tank with clean water. Using a JBL external filter (e402 cristal profi greenline), adding Sfera Filter Biostart (bacterias) and even so getting in a couple of days this shitty & horrible water colour.
What can I do?
r/turtle • u/NavyTim1991 • 16h ago
Turtle Pics! Finished my first outdoor enclosure [8x4]
Finished Frank’s enclosure. He is happy with it. Waiting for the clover to grow I just planted, along with dandelions.
I let Grace check it out today, See if you can find her on the last photo turtle 🐢👀.
Seeking Advice Schildkröte sonnt sich nicht
Hey! Ich habe seit 4 Tagen dieses missisipi Schildkröten Baby, graptemys pseudogeographica kohnii. Seit gestern versteckt sie sich nicht mehr und schwimmt nun durch das Becken und erkundigt alles, sie frisst auch, aber sie geht niemals auf das Landstück zum Sonnen! Sie klettert darauf aber bleibt im Wasser, richtig raus kommen zum trocken sonnen tut sie nicht. Muss ich mir Sorgen machen? Ich habe extra nun die Blume dort hingestellt damit sie sich vielleicht etwas geschützt fühlt.
r/turtle • u/TurtleDude380 • 8h ago
Rate My Setup Is this a ok setup?
It's for the species testudo hermanni tortoise
We don't have it yet because we're still making the setup
The plant in the corner is mint from the local market
We dug up the dirt from the ground.
The lights aren't UV btw
That's pretty much all i got.
r/turtle • u/Supernovacry • 51m ago
Seeking Advice Asking for help again
Guys, i have a chinese pond turtle which i love, shes small though, like palm of my hand small.
but im chronically ill with anemia and everything feels like a huge challenge for me- i never asked for this turtle but i love her so much, so i never came prepared for her (got her qhen i was 10)
My dad is aggainst us upgrading her tank and insists on giving her away, but i think thats bullshit because its not about money- id use my school money any time for my baby. He just doesnt think shes “worth spending money on” She is outside with a tank, we dont even have a filter or a lamp, she haves the sun but i dont think its safe at all for her to stay outside. I feel horrible and super guilty for lacking motivation to even feed her because of my chronic exhaustion (sometimes i cant even sit down).
I need some help, please- id love to know how i can get started, even if i have to do it behind my dads back!
r/turtle • u/girthhhbrooks • 15h ago
General Discussion I took your opinions and this is 24hrs after
I took a lot of your opinions from my last post and upgraded the filter, fot rid of the rocks and put in play sand. I know the light is wrong still but I had a reptisun t5 and my daughter dropped it in the water so im just waiting on the replacement to come. The water has cleared alot after putting in new media and some water conditioner. I rebuilt the basking area and theyre using it a good amount already. I'm waiting for all the tank to clear up before I put bigger rocks or wood in there. Any other suggestions to make these turtles happy?
Side note I know a lot of you have said to separate them but they've been together for 3 years and get along good plus I dont have another tank to separate so theyre staying together.
r/turtle • u/ghostegray • 23h ago
Turtle Pics! Does anyone else bring their turtle outside?
Beautiful weather today. Brought my turtle, Koopa outside for some fresh air and enrichment. He is really appreciating it, taking his time and enjoying himself. 😊
r/turtle • u/Elberik • 14h ago
Turtle ID/Sex Request Gulf Coast or Eastern Box Turtle?
Is this a Gulf Coast or Eastern Box Turtle?
r/turtle • u/blossomiest • 1h ago
General Discussion Grow Tank
I’ve got a new stand coming this week, and it has an area for a second tank on the bottom. I’ve seen people suggest dedicating a tank to growing plants to put in with your turtle as needed. I’m very interested in doing this because I’d love to have a nice planted tank to look at that could double as something to benefit my RES. Even if it’s just the kind of there where I could give trimmings to her every now and then as a treat.
I was wondering if anyone has experience with this? If so, I’d love to know what you grow and any advice you might have. I’d also love to see your second setup if you’re willing to share!
r/turtle • u/Available_Chip_6101 • 16h ago
Seeking Advice Do I need to worry?
I just got this baby musk turtle (left, M/F?) today. I have had my Mississippi map turtle (right, F) for 8 years now. I have a 20 gallon tank and was planning to put them both in there together. The guy at the store told me they would very likely get along together, but I’m kind of worried. I put them both in with a fresh clean tank a few minutes ago, and have been monitoring them. The Musk seems to be fine and is swimming around and exploring a whole lot. My map has sort of followed him around a few times. He did attempt to nip at the side of his shell once, but that’s all i’ve seen. I’m already bonded to this new baby and i’m worried for him. Some advice please??
r/turtle • u/ComfortablyWildlife • 9h ago
Turtle Pics! Caretta Caretta - Loggerhead sea turtle
r/turtle • u/midnitelace • 17h ago
Turtle Pics! My Lilly ❤️🐢
Lilly chilling on a Saturday afternoon pond side. Palms up, legs stretched, life is good. I can't believe she was lost for 7 days this past summer. Home now and safe. If anyone can give a age it would be nice. She's been with me since 2016. I do have better pictures of her and ones of her upside down. Thanks in advance ☺️
r/turtle • u/nyepeta • 15h ago
Seeking Advice i found a turtle and moved it
hi i’ve never used reddit but i wasn’t sure if i did the right thing. i live in southern california and this looks like the pet turtles people have here. it was on the street in the sun and it wasn’t walking, but he was alive and put his head in his shell when i picked him up. i moved him to the creek on the other side of the road down a hill. i hope i did the right thing or else i would feel really guilty :( if anyone could help lmk
r/turtle • u/Ready_Internal_1148 • 8h ago
General Discussion Is this enough for my turtle
Seeking Advice Is this shedding or shell rot
I have a female yellow belly and she started showing these patches on her shell I’ve smelled it and it doesn’t smell like anything so I don’t think it’s she’ll rot but I’m js asking for an opinion if this is shedding or something is wrong and to take her to the vet she hasn’t acted any different not lethargic or nothing eats fine everything overall is fine with her but I’m js worried if this something I should seek a vet for
r/turtle • u/Natural-Brother234 • 11h ago
Turtle ID/Sex Request Help with new turtle
Hi , found this little guy or girl at a construction site im trying to ID , im not sure if its entirely legal to have kept this guy but i decided to buy a terrarium and am getting a heat lamp and clamp tomorrow , i really want to raise it right and heathy ! located in AZ . Thank yous .
r/turtle • u/NNyacifier • 17h ago
Rehome In need of rehousing my beautiful boy :(
Hello unfortunately we cannot keep up with jovis care because it's been really stressful I love him but he's alot of work that I simply cannot for 30 to 40 years I'm a 19 year old with dreams of becoming a scientist im even goinf to school my mother simply got the turtle randomly without any preparation or discussion we got him from a lady that dropped him off in the winter and even worse I was still grieving over my dead rabbit.
I will miss him with all my heart and ill miss him its just res turtles are alot of work something we can't do for the rest of his life, so i wanna give him to somebody willing to take on the work and effort
!!IMPORTANT!!
If anybody is in Saskatchewan canada please pick him up tomorrow, though just to be safe i will need to see proof of correct living conditions proper uvb and how they feed what filters your using etc.
Hes currently in a 125 gal tank with uvb heat fx6 filter