Kristopher’s Pet Blog

When considering getting a new pet your options are limitless. In one pet group alone, lets say dogs, the number of breeds with their own individual characteristics and personality traits is endless. However finding a pet that suits you, as far as your family situation and living conditions is a whole different story.

Do you have the time and resources to walk a dog, clean a cats litter box or maybe even train a horse? Or do you live in an apartment or condo where your pet options are much more limited? If this is the case you may want to learn about the different turtle types.

There are four basic types of turtles: Turtles, terrapins, tortoises and sea turtles. These are all turtles, but with their own unique lifestyles and mannerisms.

Turtles

Lets start with the turtle. Two prime examples of turtles are the red eared slider and the painted turtle. These are considered turtles because they’re amphibious, meaning they live partially on land and in water.

Tortoises

This is far different from the terrestrial, or land dwelling tortoise. A box turtle is a good example of a tortoise. If you thought turtles and tortoises were one in the same you need to read on.

If you put a box turtle in a painted turtles amphibious habitat with a swimming area, your little tortoise could drown! Tortoises have been known to wade in shallow waters, but can get fatigued and drown if they can’t easily escape deep waters.

Terrapins

The terrapin is actually what a pet turtle/tortoise is referred to in the UK. If you ever visit England and start bragging about your pet turtle be prepared for some funny looks.

When people in the UK discuss turtles they’re referring to sea turtles, which can grow to a whopping 2 meters and are certainly not considered pets. Therefore, pet turtles are dubbed terrapins.

Sea Turtles

Sea turtles inhabit every ocean in the world except for the arctic ocean. It is far too cold to support a sea turtle. As beautiful and majestic as they are, most sea turtles are not considered pets.

However there are fully aquatic turtles that you can keep in their fish tanks. To avoid confusion these are simply labeled “aquatic” turtles in pet stores.

Pet turtles have a high fatality rate due to ignorance of how to care for turtles. Turtles are often viewed as something like a pet rock. This no maintenance neglectful attitude will cause illness and unnecessary death.

Regardless of what type of turtle you choose, make sure you educate yourself on the matter. That leaves less room for error and your pet turtle will thank you for it.

Whether you’re interested in a turtle, tortoise, terrapin or sea turtle you can be a satisfied turtle owner in a very short time. There is a bit to learn due to the fact that people underestimate turtles as a no brain-er pet. It definitely can be easy with just a little know how and routine maintenance you would give any other pet. These types of turtles all have their own unique needs and care, so adjust accordingly.

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