Care Sheet for TurtlesAverage Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 2.33 (1=lowest, 5=highest) Last Updated: 02/14/2004 |
Main Category: | Aquatic/Land |
Sub Category: | Turtles |
Care Sheet Submitted By: | Elfomatic |
Years Experience: | 5 to 10 Years |
Species: | Wood Turtle |
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: | Northern Wood Turtle, South American Wood, etc. |
Sexing and Characteristics: | Hatchlings are dark brown but more color -- orangish, reddish -- is added as they get older. Shell is dark brown.
They are often found near ponds and streams in the wild and are considered by most to be semi-aquatic. |
Mostly Active During: | Day |
Substrate and Water Needs: | For hatchlings, housing should be tilted to form a shallow end where the water will be. Water should be no more than 2 inches deep as wood turtles are not terribly good swimmers and should be able to stand on the bottom and stand up to breathe.
Larger turtles housed outside will need a shallow pond with gently sloping sides.
Substrate is not necessary. |
Lighting and UVB: | A basking light is needed to make a basking spot of about 90 degrees. UVB is needed for vitamin D3 synthesis. |
Temperatures and Humidity: | These are very hardy turtles that can tolerate a wide variety of temps. Generally it is good to keep them at about 75-85 in the daytime with nighttime temps dropping no lower than 60 degrees. |
Heating and Equipment: | No undercage or heat rock is required.
A hidebox is recommended. |
Caging Provided: | Hatchlings do best in a sweaterbox with one end tilted down to form an area for water. The cage is generally undecorated and easy to clean but fake and live (safe) plants can be added to add a sense of security.
As they get bigger they will need to be housed outdoors. Most people wait until they are over 4 inches. Othwise they are prone to the elements and predators. |
Diet: | Carnivorous |
Description of Diet: | This species eats a little fruits and veggies but it is mostly carnivorous, especially young ones. They love insects and worms. Cat food is also appreciated. Make sure it is chicken or fish. Beef is too fatty. Tuna and cooked chicken is also liked. Don’t feed them every day even if they look hungry. This will cause them to become overweight and may cause distortion in the shell. |
Supplements, Nutrition and Usage: | Calcium supplements are recommended. |
Maintenance: | Have them dewormed regularly. Clean out the cage every week or so. Clean the water regularly as they tend to deficate in it and drag their food in there. |
Some Words on this Species: | You should never attempt to collect this species from the wild as they are considered endangered in most states. If you attempt to get one from a breeder they will more than likely be expensive because they are highly desired.
Most consider this to be the smartest reptile. It is hands down the smartest turtle. They have been known to run mazes at a speed similar to rats! They will readily learn to recognize you and most have been known to eventually recognize their name.
Another cool thing is that you may sometimes see them stomp the ground when they are hungry. They learn this from the wild where they stomp to simulate thunder to make earthworms appear to eat. |
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