Group:
Origin: Eastern, Souther and Western United States.
Average life span: 30 to 50 years
Disposition: Like most other aquatic turtles, they don't seem to enjoy being handled much. Most babies, new turtles or stressed turtles will shrink in their shell when behing handled. Turtles use to their owner will kick their feet as if swimming in the air. Sometimes this is painful because their claws are long and sharp, especialy males.
Size: Averge of 5 to 8 inches long.
Heating/Humidity: A basking area of atleast 90 degrees is needed. The water should be atleast 80 degrees, a submergible water heater will probably be needed to get the water this warm. UVB is needed.
Housing: 30 gallon tank is minimum for an adult. Be sure there is no way the turtle can push up the lid of the tank if he can reach it. Turtles are great escape artists and have plenty of time to figure their way out.
-A good qualitiy filter is needed. Canister filters work great, also Emperor Bio wheel filters are very good. These will keep the water clear for a long time. The entire tank should be emptied and cleand atleast once a month.
-The more water in the tank the better, a full tank of water is best.
-A dry area is needed, they must be able to get out of the water completly. New turtles ramps that stick to the tank by suction cups are great to use. Self made turtle canopies are even better. This is where the lights should be placed.
-It is best not to put any thing on the bottom of the tank. Many people use pebbles but algea easily starts growing on them.
-Hides are not needed but preferd. If the turtle gets scared it has a place to retreat. A great hide for instance would be a flower pot with a large entrace hole. Make 100% sure the hide is stable and can not fall on or trap the turtle.
Feeding: Feed babies every day for their first year. After they reach 4 inches they should be fed every other day. They will always beg for food but dont give in.
-Babies are very carnivorous and Adults are more omnivorous
-Comercial canned turtle pellets are great, but they need more than just pellets to stay healthy.
-Feed them lots of live food such as crickets, feeder fish, earth worms, aquatic snails and so on.
-When adults, feed them fruits such as apples, melons, grapes, strawberries and so on.
-Vegies such as carrots, broccoli, greens and squash.
-Aquatic plants such as anacharis plants, duckweed, water hyacinth, water lettuce, and watter lilly