There is a wide variety of turtle species, and some make better pets than others. Some will grow to a very large size, others are known for being more sociable and less aggressive, and they all have different requirements for space, lighting, and diet.

Here are 15 turtle species that make good pets, and everything you need to know to properly care for them.

Tip – box turtles for sale

Turtles aren’t generally a good choice of pet for young children. They can become stressed or aggressive if handled too much or improperly. Turtles can also carry the salmonella bacteria, which could be transferred to children if they don’t have good hygiene practices.

01of 13Red-Eared Slider

Red-eared sliders are one of the most popular of all aquatic turtle species. They tend to be friendlier and more sociable than some of their relatives, they’re pretty active, and they’re widely available, usually costing around $20 on average. Also, the males are some of the easiest turtles to care for. box turtles for sale

These turtles are generally housed indoors, but with the right shelter, cleaning, and warmer temperatures, they can also do well in an outdoor pond. As they mature, it can be easier to provide them with the space they need outside.Red-eared sliders can grow to a decent size, and their tank will need to be large and have adequate areas for basking. It will need UV lighting and a good water filtration system. These guys are known for being rather messy!

Their size, subsequent dietary needs, and larger housing requirements mean they can be more expensive to look after than some turtles. With the right care, though, they’re generally a hardy and healthy species, and frequently surpass 50 years of age. Like other turtles, it’s best to keep handling to a minimum to avoid stressing them.

Species OverviewCommon Names: Red-eared slider turtle, red-eared slider, red-eared terrapin, red-eared turtle, slider turtle, water slider turtle

Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta elegans

Adult Size: Around 12 inches

Physical Characteristics: Green and yellow markings on skin and shell; red patch behind each eye

Life Span: 20 to 30 years

02of 13African Sideneck Turtle 

African sideneck turtles are unique little aquatic turtles with distinctive long necks that can’t be retracted fully into their shell, and their anatomy differs from traditional water-based turtles.Because of their unique appearance and size, they’re often a popular choice, but they have more complex care requirements than some other turtles.

Their water needs to be kept very clean and requires weekly changing. A good filtration system, however, facilitates less frequent changing. They also need a fresh and varied diet to prevent Vitamin A and D3 deficiencies.Despite their small size, they enjoy swimming and need a large tank, ideally at least 75 gallons. They need suitable basking platforms with UV lights for them to lie under. And the temperature should never drop below 70 F—this is one of the reasons that they’re best kept indoors.Sidenecks can be curious turtles that, if you don’t force interactions, won’t scuttle away to hide when you come to observe them. However, they shouldn’t be handled.

Also, they typically cost $50 to $100 on average.Species Overview

Common Names: African side-neck turtle, African side-necked turtle, African helmeted turtle

Scientific Name: Pelomedusa subrufa

Adult Size: 8 to 12 inches

Physical Characteristics: Dark brown shell; olive to brown skin; black markings on head

Life Span: Can be up to (and sometimes more than) 50 years

03of 13Eastern Box Turtle – box turtles for sale box turtles for sale

Eastern box turtles for sale need a lot of space, but they’re adaptable and, with the right housing, they can live indoors or outdoors. They can cost $50 to $300 on average.  They prefer a humid environment, and need a shallow pool of water in their enclosure and a moist substrate.

Also, they will need a UVB basking light if they’re kept indoors.If their environment is too cold and dry, it can lead to them more easily picking up respiratory infections.These turtles can be shy, but they don’t tend to be aggressive, and with the right gentle interactions and minimal handling, you can start to see their personality come out. They may even be tempted out to greet you if you have a tasty tidbit.Species Overview

Common Names: Eastern box turtle, land turtle box turtles for sale

Scientific Name: Terrapene carolina carolina

Adult Size: 5 to 7 inches

Physical Characteristics: Brown high-domed shell with bright yellow, orange, and red markings

Life Span: 40 to 50 years in captivity with good care (and up to 100 years in the wild)

04of 13Western Painted Turtle 

A Western painted turtle could appeal if you want a turtle that is distinctive and attractive to look at. They have detailed shell markings.Although they aren’t big, these aquatic turtles need a large tank or outdoor space, a good water filtration system, and basking lights to help maintain a warm temperature. Their housing needs are similar to that of the red-eared slider.

Because they like to eat while swimming, selecting food that can be easily lifted out of the water if it isn’t eaten is a good choice to help keep the tank clean for longer.They can be quite shy and aren’t turtles that will enjoy frequent handling. They are also more expensive than some other turtles, with average prices from $100 to $200.Species OverviewCommon Names: Western painted turtle

Scientific Name: Chrysemys picta bellii
Adult Size: Up to 10 inches

Physical Characteristics: Olive to dark brown upper shell; yellow, red, or orange lower shell; yellow, orange, and red stripes on skin

Life Span: Can be up to (and sometimes more than) 50 years

05of 13Mississippi Map Turtle 

Mississippi map turtles for sale have a distinctive dorsal fin running along their shell, and this is why they’re also sometimes referred to as the “sawback”. They don’t need quite as big an enclosure as some of their aquatic turtle relatives, and this can make them an appealing choice for those with space limitations.

While they can live up to 30 years, their lifespan is a bit shorter than average. And they can cost around $30 to over $100, depending on factors like the breeder you purchase from and the turtle’s age.They can be warier of people than some other turtles, and this means they can be more prone to stress.

You’ll need to keep handling to a minimum and create an environment that allows them peace and places to take cover.Map turtles tend to be quite hardy and less prone to health issues than some species. However, potential problems include intestinal parasites, infections, metabolic bone disease, and overgrown beak and nails. Clean water, good lighting, and an appropriate diet are absolutely essential to prevent health issues, fungal infections, and deficiencies.Species Overview

Common Name: Mississippi map turtle

Scientific Name: Graptemys pseudogeographica kohni

Adult Size: Up to 10 inches (females); up to 5 inches (males)

Physical Characteristics: Dark olive to brown upper shell with ridge; yellow lower shell; yellow stripes on head; crescent shaped yellow marks behind eyes box turtles for sale

Life Span: 15 to 25 years, but up to and over 30 years possible

06of 13Common Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)

Common musk turtles are one of the more popular aquatic turtle species. They’re small, and their care requirements are a little less intensive than some.They aren’t turtles that do well with a lot of handling, though. They can be feisty and, if they feel threatened, they release a foul and musky odor.

This is how they got their nickname: “the stinkpot”.They aren’t as strong swimmers as some aquatic turtles, so the water in their enclosure shouldn’t be too deep. They should also have plenty of areas to get out of the water easily to bask under UVB lighting. As with all other species, prices vary based on various factors, but you could find these turtles for sale for under $100.

Species Overview

Common Names: Common musk turtle, Eastern musk turtle, stinkpot

Scientific Name: Sternotherus Odoratus

Adult Size: 3 to 5 inches

Physical Characteristics: Black, gray, or brown shell; yellow stripes from nose to neck; males have spikes on tails

Life Span: Up to and over 50 years

07of 13Spotted Turtle Spotted turtles for sale

If you have limited space and are looking for an aquatic turtle, the spotted turtle is one of the smallest species allowed to be kept in captivity. They’re also pretty to look at, with their distinctive spotted shell, and with the right housing, they can live indoors or out.These turtles can cost $100 or more, and they’re a long-term commitment, with some living to be over 100 years of age!Like musk turtles, they aren’t particularly strong swimmers, so their water should not be too deep.

They also need warm basking platforms and ornaments that provide them with the opportunity to get out to rest.A good varied diet with plenty of meat, along with some leafy greens and fruit, is important too. And, like other turtles, handling should be kept to a minimum with the spotted turtle. box turtles for sale

Species OverviewCommon Names: Spotted turtle, Clemmy, Michigan spotted turtle

Scientific Name: Clemmys Guttata

Adult Size: 4 to 5 inches

Physical Characteristics: Yellow spots on black upper shell; yellow to orange lower shell; dark skin with yellow, pink, and orange markings

Life Span: Can easily live up to 50 years, with some recorded as living over 100 years

08of 13Yellow-Bellied Slider

Yellow-bellied sliders are one of the most popular aquatic turtle species to keep as pets, as they tend to be relatively hardy when they get the right diet, enclosure, and lighting.They need a large tank or suitable outdoor enclosure, as they’re bigger than the likes of the stinkpot or the spotted turtle.Unlike some turtles, they tend to be most active during the day, which appeals to a lot of pet parents looking to observe them.

They get stressed by handling, and bite when they feel threatened, but you might be able to get them used to some handling over time.Because of their popularity, they’re relatively easy to come by. Just make sure you source your yellow-bellied slider from a reputable breeder or supplier. These turtles are affordable, as hatchlings might cost around $20 on average while adults might be up to $100 on average.

Species Overview

Common Names: Yellow-bellied slider

Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta scripta

Adult Size: 5 to 9 inches (males); 8 to 13 inches (females)

Physical Characteristics: Brown or black upper shell with yellow stripes; yellow lower shell with black spots

Life Span: Up to 40 yearsContinue to 9 of 13 below

09of 13Reeve’s Turtle

The Reeve’s turtle for sale is probably one of the most sociable of all the turtles on this list. They typically cost $50 or more on average.With care and patience, they sometimes even enjoy being stroked, which is unusual for an aquatic turtle. Of course, handling can still be stressful for them, so this should only be done when needed.

Their care requirements are similar to the red-eared slider, although they’re smaller and don’t require such a large enclosure.They tend to be a relatively healthy turtle, although they don’t have such a long life expectancy. This may appeal to people who aren’t looking for such a lengthy commitment.

Species OverviewCommon Names: Reeve’s turtle, Chinese pond turtle, Chinese three-keeled pond turtle

Scientific Name: Mauremys reevesii

Adult Size: 6 to 9 inches

Physical Characteristics: Olive, tan, or black upper shell; cream, tan, or yellow lower shell with dark markings; yellow markings on neck and head

Life Span: 10 to 15 years usually, or up to 20 years

10of 13Wood Turtle 

The wood turtle for sale is known for being very friendly with the right handling and interaction, and pretty hardy. Their needs aren’t as complex as most aquatic species. box turtles for sale

They do need a decent-sized enclosure, though, and this means they’re often best suited to being kept in an outdoor environment.Because they aren’t aquatic, they could drown in water that’s too deep, so it’s important to keep their pond area at a suitably low level.

They also need a diet that is high in protein. Suitable foods include insects, slugs, earthworms, snails, and more, along with leafy greens.These turtles aren’t so easy to come by and can be illegal to keep in certain states. You should make sure you do your research and ensure you’re sourcing a wood turtle from a reputable and ethical breeder.

They can cost hundreds of dollars.

Species Overview

Common Names: Wood turtle, old red leg

Scientific Name: Glyptemys insculpta

Adult Size: 5 to 8 inches

Physical Characteristics: Olive green to brown upper shell; yellow or brown lower shell with dark markings; yellow, orange, or red coloration on neck and legs

Life Span: Up to 50 years

11of 13Russian Tortoise 

Also known as the Horsfield’s tortoise, the small Russian tortoise for sale can be housed indoors and outside, and they require time outdoors. Because they like to burrow, ensuring the enclosure is secure is imperative when they’re outside.Their enclosure should have sand/soil substrate, UVA/UVB light, and a basking spot, and it needs to be large enough to give your pet plenty of room. These tortoises also hibernate.To keep your tortoise healthy, feed them a variety of plants that are suitable. Don’t give them animal protein, grains, or fruits.You can interact with this tortoise, and you can get them accustomed to being handled, provided that they don’t get stressed when you hold them. They typically cost around $200.

Species OverviewCommon Names: Russian tortoise, Afghan tortoise, Afghanistan tortoise, steppe tortoise, Central Asian tortoise, four-toed tortoise, Horsfield’s tortoise

Scientific Name: Agrionemys horsfieldii or Testudo horsfieldii (Recently given its own genus as Agrionemys horsfieldii, but still commonly referred to as Testudo horsfieldii)

Adult Size: 4 to 8 inches

Physical Characteristics: Olive to light tan upper shell with dark markings; four toes on front legsLife Span: 50 years 

12of 13Red-Footed Tortoise 

The red-footed tortoise for sale is easy to care for, and is not considered high-maintenance, especially when you set up their enclosure properly to give them everything they need in terms of heating, lighting, humidity, and substrate.These docile tortoises don’t like being handled, and are also known for being shy and hiding. They can bite with their strong mouth. box turtles for sale

They need a large outdoor enclosure that is escape-proof because they like to burrow. When you need to keep them indoors, they require a very large enclosure, so be sure you have the space for them.  These tortoises are expensive, with average prices between $150 and $500. Also, because they can live a long time, they are a long-term commitment.

Species OverviewCommon Names: Red-footed tortoise, redfoot tortoise, redleg tortoise, Savannah tortoise

Scientific Name: Geochelone carbonaria  

Adult Size: 10 to 16 inchesPhysical Characteristics: Black, gray, or brown shell with tan or yellow areas; orange, red, or yellow marks on body and faceLife Span: Up to 50 yearsContinue to 13 of 13 below

13of 13Hermann’s Tortoise 

The Hermann’s tortoise for sale doesn’t get too large as an adult. These tortoises are also docile and rarely bite—however, they don’t like being handled.One thing to keep in mind is that this pet does best when housed outdoors in a secure enclosure. If you don’t live in an area with a climate similar to that of the Mediterranean, this pet may not be right for you. And to prevent your tortoise from hibernating, keep their enclosure at a consistent temperature.Provide your Hermann’s tortoise with a varied diet that includes grasses, leafy greens, and some fruits and vegetables.These tortoises are more expensive than some other pet turtles.

Their cost can range from $150 to $500 on average.

 Species Overview

Common Name: Hermann’s tortoise

Scientific Name: Testudo hermanni

Adult Size: 6 to 8 inches

Physical Characteristics: Brown and yellow shell; thick scales

Life Span: 75 years or more

The post 13 Types of Turtles That Make Great Pets appeared first on Passion Tortoise.

While they are not native to the UK, it is thought around 1% of all homes own one, which makes them just as popular as hamsters, snakes and guinea pigs.

But since they’re not as domesticated as cats and dogs, it’s not always easy knowing which tortoise is right for a first-time owner. Don’t worry, the team at Petz is on hand to make things clearer so you can decide which species of one of these wonderful reptiles is the right one for you.

The essentials to keeping a tortoise

Firstly, no matter what breed of tortoise you have, there are some musts:

• Tortoises require UVB light to synthesize vitamin D3. All indoor enclosures should include a 10% fluorescent UVB tube light with a reflector that angles the rays down to the tortoise
• Tortoises are all plant-based. While how you make up their diet depends on the breed and where they are from, most will survive on a diet of leaves, vegetables and small amounts of fruit every so often.
• A tortoise needs space. Most will benefit from outdoor explorations, especially in summer. Enclosures should be sunk into the ground, and non-seethrough so they are less likely to escape.
• They need calcium for bone structure and growth. Vitamin D3 from their lighting helps them absorb calcium, but they may need some calcium supplements.
• A tortoise needs a substrate to allow them to dig, as well as a large enough table or enclosure.
• Their lifespan can depend on the exact breed, but expect anything between 50 and 100 years.

The best tortoise breeds for beginners

Some breeds are easier to care for than others. Things to bear in mind include the size they grow to, the amount of food they require and any other care needs.

1. Greek Tortoises

Greek tortoises, also known as the Mediterranean Spur-Thighed Tortoise, are usually recommended to first-time owners because they are significantly smaller than other breeds, reaching about 25cm fully grown, and are relatively easy to look after. They are also active in the day making them an easier pet to engage with.

A Greek tortoise is easy to identify because of its domed shell and golden black colour patterns. Although they are small, they can live for around 50 years which many people wouldn’t expect, but some have been known to reach 100! Therefore, they are a big commitment.

Like most other breeds, a Greek tortoise is a complete herbivore, so feeding them is pretty simple. Their diet consists largely of leafy greens like collard greens, broccoli, dandelion greens, and a small amount of fruit such as chopped raspberries, strawberries, or apples every few weeks or so.

Greek tortoises should have an environment that is 23°C-32°C, a UVB light, a hot basking area and 40%-60% humidity. For an adult, they need to be kept in a 3 x 6ft enclosure. Since tortoises like to roam, you should aim to provide as much room as possible.

Outside space is vital for all breeds, so you should allow them space outdoors too in nicer weather. They love basking in the sun! But some good news – Greek’s are terrestrial, so can’t climb, meaning you don’t need to build tall fences.

2. Hermann’s Tortoise

The Hermann’s tortoise is another breed recommended to beginners because they are slightly smaller than the Greek tortoise. They have a unique single, horn-like claw found at the tips of their tails, differentiating them from other breeds.

They need an enclosure at 21°C to 26°C, giving you a slightly smaller area to get it right versus the Greek tortoise. A Hermann’s tortoise will also prefer outdoor housing to indoor, although will likely need to be kept inside throughout winter in the UK. A 2 x 4ft enclosure is the minimum required indoors.

Even though they aren’t much of a climber, they are good at it unlike the Greek tortoise, so any closed-off areas will need tall fencing. They love to run, dig, forage and sunbathe.

Hermann’s tortoises have a mild temperament, only biting if they feel they need to protect themselves. However, they generally don’t like to be handled often, preferring to stay grounded.

They can live for 75 years, so it is likely you’ll not only need to have no commitment issues but also arrange for their rehoming if something were to happen to you. Males can also become violent in the mating season if housed with females, so keep them separate unless you intend to breed them.

3. Horsfield’s Tortoise

Other common names for Horsfield’s tortoise are Russian tortoise, Afghan tortoise, Afghanistan tortoise, steppe tortoise, central Asian tortoise, and four-toed tortoise.

Horsfield’s tend to have a lifespan of 50 years, which is slightly shorter than some other breeds. They will grow anywhere between 4-8 inches long, and calcium and vitamin D3 powder supplements are recommended.

Natural grazing of safe grasses, weeds, and plants is ideal, but a variety of greens and hay can be a good substitute. As they are an Asian breed rather than Meditteranean, avoid fruits altogether.

Horsfield’s love to burrow, so if they are outdoors, you need to sink their fencing into the ground. They can tolerate a slightly fluctuating temperature but always aim for the high 20°C’s. One thing they don’t like is moisture and humidity, so avoid damp areas and keep everything dry and warm.

A 4 x 2ft tortoise table is ideal if kept indoors, although they do prefer to be outside. They’re aggressive to their own species, so it isn’t recommended to house two males together. If a male and a female, they need a very large enclosure with sightline breaks.

4. Cherry Head Red-Footed Tortoise

From South America, these are the cousins of the regular red foot tortoise and are closely related to the yellow foot tortoise too. Since they’re smaller, they’re a better choice for a first-time owner.

As you’ve probably guessed from their name, they have bright red/orange patches on their head and feet making them distinctive. They have almost identical care requirements to their larger cousins and are found naturally in areas of Brazil so contrary to belief, weren’t bred for humans.

Cherry head red-footed tortoises are intelligent creatures, quickly learning feeding routines and where everything is in their enclosure. Therefore, routine is important. They may not be ideal for anyone who can’t stick to regular feeding times. You should also expect to spend a few hours every week sorting their food and cleaning their table.

But they are shy, so it may take time until one of these little guys is calm around their owner. Excessive handling can cause stress. They’re very sensitive too, so can feel the slightest of touches and therefore need gentle handling.

Unlike some other breeds on our list, they aren’t massively territorial so can live with others of their kind. But they can get competitive over females and injure one another. Cherry head red-footed tortoises are typically active during the day and don’t generally hibernate.

A 3 x 5ft enclosure is recommended, which is slightly larger than for other breeds. Since these tortoises are native to more tropical areas, they will need more humidity in their environment. You should aim to maintain a humidity level of around 70% to 80%. A reptile hygrometer and humidifier will be vital.

Unlike many other tortoises, cherry head tortoises are omnivores with their diet consisting largely of leafy greens, some vegetables and fruit, and a small amount of protein. One small serving of moistened, low-fat cat food or lean meat every other week is enough.

Cherry head red-footed tortoises have grown in popularity over the years, and numbers are waning in the wild because of this. Therefore, only buy yours from reputable breeders. This is less of an issue in the UK than the rest of the world as they aren’t native, but it is still worth checking everything is above board.

5. Leopard Tortoises

Leopard tortoises are native to South Africa, Ethiopia, and Somalia. They are also one of the largest domestic tortoise breeds and also commonly live between 80 and 100 years, although 50 years is more common in the UK. Unsurprisingly, their name comes from the markings on their shells which emulates the big cat.

They are slow, good-natured and quiet. They’re unlikely to bite or be aggressive towards humans, but aren’t keen on being handled. If threatened, they will instead retreat into their shells.

Leopard tortoises aren’t climbers and don’t generally burrow, unlike some other breeds on our list. Males can get aggressive with each other in mating season in the wild, but in captivity, most are docile with other tortoises.

All of the above points regarding behaviour make them great for beginners. However, there are some conditions that mean they may not be for everyone:

• Leopard tortoises have no tolerance for the cold and need hot temperatures all year round. Between 23°C and 35°C is ideal in the daytime, with nighttime temperatures not going below 21°C.
• Humidity between 40% and 60% is great in the day and up to 80% at night.
• They need a lot of space, which can be a clincher. An enclosure around 10 x 10ft is perfect, which means they may not be ideal for smaller homes.
• Their diet largely consists of high-fibre grasses and greens. Avoid leafy greens that are high in oxalates, such as chard and spinach.

This could make them a better pet for anyone familiar with keeping tortoises or reptiles, however, their docile behaviours make them a great pet if you’re willing to put in time and effort.

Final Note

Always research every breed of tortoise individually, in terms of food, humidity, space and behavioural attributes. Despite being the same animal, all breeds are different and require different care based on where they come from in the wild.

If you are ever unsure about anything, a vet is the first place to go. You should register your tortoise with an exotic vet who knows all about the animal.

Also, research everything before you buy a tortoise – winging it as you go along could cause detrimental health effects on your animal.

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