This Western Green Mamba (Dendroaspis viridis) is screaming “Happy Rattlesnake Friday” to everyone in our herp photo of the day in our Herp Photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user fangfatale We celebrate all things venomous on Rattlesnake Friday to help remind people of the importance of the maligned animals. Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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You know it is going to be fun when you start out the day with an Eastern coachwhip in our herp photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user jodscovry! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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SO bright and brilliant, this Yellow Anaconda shines in our Herp Photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user mattf77 ! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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The Curly tailed lizard is a common sight in the southern US, but not so common as pets. They are totes adorbs as you can see in our herp photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user Upscale!

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If this axolotl in our Herp Photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user tadpoleo doesn’t make you smile, I am not sure what will! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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Both in young and old (this is a hatchling) the plastra of Western Painted Turtle, Chrysemys picta bellii, bears a variable dark figure against the red.
For nearly my entire life I have been enchanted by the beauty and abundance of the 4 subspecies of painted turtles—the eastern, the midland, the southern, and the western. Where I spent my childhood, both the eastern and western subspecies were common. But to see both the southern and the western painteds in the wild, it was necessary to travel several hundred miles. But travel those distances I did, and was happy to do so.

Of the four subspecies, the southern is the smallest and the western, at a straight-measure carapace length of 8 to 10 inches, the largest. The western also has the largest range and just happens to be the most colorful. It may be seen throughout most of the central states, to the Pacific Northwest, southwestern Canadian Provinces, and in several disjunct river systems and lakes of our southwest. The olive-ish carapace may or may not have a busy pattern of light lines and the plastron is red to reddish (especially bright on hatchlings) with broad areas of dark pigment following the scute junctures. Face, neck, limbs, and tail are olive to dark grayish green and are busily striped or spotted with yellow.
Continue reading “Meet the Western Painted Turtle” …read more
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Do you know a diabetic? Let them know that animals like this Gila Monster in our herp photo of the day in our Herp Photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user LJs Herps Are helping to save their lives! Medication made from the venom of Gila Monsters helps to keep blood sugar balanced for millions in the world. We celebrate all things venomous on Rattlesnake Friday to help remind people of the importance of the maligned animals Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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Blue Tongue Skinks are such aazing pets, they deserve the spotlight of Herp Photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user PatS !! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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This Blue Beauty in our Herp Photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user DunnsMtnReptiles is experiencing the world for the first time! What an amazing shot! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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This Nosy Be Panther Chameleon is taking aim in our Herp Photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user kenw ! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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Adult female Cuban Treefrogs can be quite a handful.
Cuban Treefrog: Osteopilus septentrionalis.

Color: Variable, often some shade of uniform tan, or occasionally green, bluish green, pasty-white, or mottled. All individuals are capable of a wide range of color changes.

Skin (glandular) secretions: Irritating, toxic

Size: Sexually dimorphic. Males are adult at from1 to 3+ inches, females are larger and bulkier occasionally attaining a snout-vent length of 5 ½ inches.

Food: Besides invertebrates small vertebrates including other frogs are consumed.

Lifespan: Males 1 to 3 years, females to 5+ years.

How long in the USA: First recorded on the Florida Keys in 1930s.

Native to: Cuba, Bahamas, Cayman and other Caribbean Islands.

Current Range in USA as of 2021: Currently expanding, now throughout most of Florida, occasionally reported from southern Georgia. May be unexpectedly carried to more distant area in plant shipments.

Habitat: Many and varied, but often most common near human habitations. Plant nurseries, ponds, puddles, irrigated areas, illuminated areas to which insects (and other frogs) are drawn.

Comments: The presence and spread of the Cuban Treefrog in Florida has created at least two very different biological outlooks. One viewpoint, based as much on this frog’s cannibalistic propensities as on any thing else dictates that each-and-every-one found be humanely euthanized. The argument is that Cuban Treefrogs deplete populations of our native hylids, in some cases to the point of localized extirpation. To this I respond that on the southern peninsula, where the Cuban Treefrogs have been present for most of their 90 years, I can still find native species without looking too hard.

The opposite viewpoint is that this species has been in FL for 90 years and its presence should now be ignored allowing Mother Nature to work things out. Sadly, in those early years this frog’s presence on the Keys was ignored. But then, so was the presence of virtually every other non-human ignored.

Do Cuban Treefrogs belong in the USA? The answer is a resounding and unequivocal “no.” But perhaps they are not quite as devastating as so often portrayed.
Continue reading “The Cuban Treefrog, To accept or to extirpate.” …read more
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Herpy Halloween from this Bearded Dragon with big aspirations uploaded by kingsnake.com user Snakeskii . Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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Happy Rattlesnake Friday! What a gorgeous albino helleri in our photo of the day uploaded by kingsnake.com user lichanura ! Be sure to tell them you liked it here! As always on Friday, we celebrate all of our venomous reptiles for their contribution to the world. It is our goal to help dispel the fears surrounding our beloved venomous creatures.

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There is no mistaking why these guys are called the yellow-belly puffing snake (Spilotes sulphureus), as you can see in our herp photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user zmarchetti ! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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This Leaf-tail Gecko (Uroplatus fimbriatus) has his eye on you in our Herp Photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user zmarchetti ! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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Looking like velvet, this Mexican Black Kingsnake shines in our Herp Photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user BBretro . Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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We totally LOVE this Cribo in our Herp Photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user steve fuller ! We are so jealous! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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This adult Fer-de-lance is coiled in ambush position at the base of a tropical tree.

The Fer-de-Lance, Bothrops atrox, or Jergon (as it is known in the Iquitos, Peru region) is one of those well camouflaged venomous species that is everywhere and nowhere. There were times when we could walk all around the biological preserves and never see one, and there were other times when they were literally in all areas. The latter seemed especially true when rains had induced frog activity, and frogs are a favored prey item of the Jergon.

A dangerously venomous, crepuscular and nocturnal, species of neotropical rainforests, the fer-de-lance is primarily a terrestrial snake, especially when adult. Neonates are more inclined to access low shrubs and other vegetation. Adult size ranges between 3 and 5 feet. It ranges widely east of the Andes Mountains from Panama to Bolivia and northern Brazil. It also occurs in Trinidad.

A viviparous species, litters are large, often consisting of 25 to 40 (up to 80 have been recorded). The neonates have a light colored tailtip and utilize caudal luring.
Continue reading “Abundant and Dangerous, The Terciopelo, Jergon, or Fer-de-Lance” …read more
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Happy Rattlesnake Friday! Heading south of the border for this Olemecan Pit Viper (Atropoides olmec) in our photo of the day uploaded by kingsnake.com user PeteSnakeCharmer ! Be sure to tell them you liked it here! As always on Friday, we celebrate all of our venomous reptiles for their contribution to the world. It is our goal to help dispel the fears surrounding our beloved venomous creatures.

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This little Retic has it’s eye on you in our Herp Photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user Steve_Ray ! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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Stunning headshot of an Eastern Indigo in our herp photo of the day! Uploaded by kingsnake.com user CtrsOfNightshade . Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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This curious little Nile Monitor is checking us out in our herp photo of the day! Uploaded by kingsnake.com user mantafish . Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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As fall creeps in, this Wood Frog in our herp photo of the day, brings back memories of summertime herping. Uploaded by kingsnake.com user casichelydia . Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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A Dusky Pygmy Rattler basks on the roadside.
Dusky is an excellent descriptive for this little rattlesnake, Sistrurus miliarius barbourin. The ground color is usually gray and bears a profusion of even darker stippling that is heaviest dorsally. Oval, light edged, black dorsal blotches are larger than the lighter, often orange, interspaces separating them and there is smaller light edged lateral blotches. The tail is dark on adults but yellowish on neonates and juveniles, bears a tiny tailtip rattle that is broken easily, but that is barely audible even when entire. The crown is dark with an orange(ish) central stripe that extends onto the neck. The chin and belly are dark with scattered darker blotches. A nervous snake, if approached it will usually tilt the head upwards and twitch. The tail is often also elevated and shaken. The yellow tail of the juveniles serves as a caudal lure. Prey includes nestling rodents, frogs, salamanders, and arthropods.

Sadly, the young of many harmless snakes (most commonly hatchling racers, rat snakes, and hog-noses) are mistaken for a pygmy and are summarily dispatched.

As suggested by its common name, this small but heavy bodied snake is adult at 15 to 24 inches in length. The largest example I have seen pushed 33 inches. It is common to abundant in some areas but entirely absent in others.

A viviparous species, between 2 and 9 young are produced in each clutch. Neonates measure a rather slender 6 inches in total length.

This subspecies ranges in brushy to lightly wooded habitats from southeastern South Carolina to southeastern Mississippi, and throughout Florida excluding the Keys. It intergrades with both the Carolina and Western subspecies at the northern and western extremes of its range.
Continue reading “Common, Venomous, and Interesting, The Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake” …read more
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Happy Rattlesnake Friday! Today we bring you this serene headshot of a lovely Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus), uploaded by kingsnake.com user MartinWhalin1 ! This guy was found in the wild in Arizona and as you can see, he was respected by the herpers and he gave them respect in return. Be sure to tell them you liked it here! As always on Friday, we celebrate all of our venomous reptiles for their contribution to the world.

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How adorable is this Newt in our Herp Photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user plagueguitarist ! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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A whole lot of AWWWWS for this newborn Collared Lizard in our Herp Photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user the4thmonkey! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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Love the darker phase of this greyband in our Herp Photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user trevid ! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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Hopefully the gorgeous blues of this Dendrobates auratus uploaded by kingsnake.com user amazonreptile will brighten your day. Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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There is hardly any way to misidentify a hatchling Great Plains Skink.

There are in the USA 3 groups of moderately large-size (to 12+”, tail included) skinks. On the Pacific Coast there is the Gilbert Skink group with 5 subspecies, on the Atlantic Coast there is the 5-lined group with 3 full species, and in the Central States the subject of our discussion, the Great Plains Skink, Plestiodon obsoletus, a stand-alone species.

It is probable that the Great Plains Skink is the largest of the genus, having been measured at 13 ¾”. It also differs in several other respects. Although the male’s temporal area swells slightly during the spring breeding season, it does not assume the bright orange-red color of the males of other species. It is the only skink species in the USA that has the lateral scales in oblique (slanted) rows. And rather than the uniform warm brown that gradually supercedes the brightly striped dorsal pattern and blue tail of the hatchlings and juveniles of the coastal species, the adult of the Great Plains Skink is grayish-yellow to straw-yellow and may or may not have the dorsal and dorsolateral scales edged with dark brown that gives the impression of stripes. And the hatchlings are usually a jet black with a cobalt blue tail and bold white or orange labial spots.

Breeding occurs in the spring and in early summer the female lays and guards a dozen to 20 eggs (sometimes less, sometimes more) that hatch after about 60 days.

This is a skink of the wide open spaces, although populations are often concentrated near permanent water sources. It ranges from southern Texas to extreme southwest Iowa and southern Nebraska, southwestward to central and southern Arizona. It also occurs in northern Mexico.

Continue reading “The Beautiful Great Plains Skink” …read more
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Happy Rattlesnake Friday! This copperhead in our photo of the day uploaded by kingsnake.com user AlexNevgloskiwould like you to give a hoot and not pollute! Be sure to tell them you liked it here! As always on Friday, we celebrate all of our venomous reptiles for their contribution to the world. It is our goal to help dispel the fears surrounding our beloved venomous creatures.

Upload your own reptile and amphibian photos at gallery.kingsnake.com, and you could see them featured here!

And seriously, please do not leave your trash behind when herping and put everything back the way you found it! …read more
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Look close to see the egg tooth on this hatching California Mountain Kingsnake in our herp photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user JKruse looks like he is hoping for snacks! Be sure to tell them you liked it here.

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By Arman

Just like our bones, calcium phosphate is the main mineral in a turtle shell. Its embryos develop shells through the fusion of backbones and rib bones. The carapace is the shell’s upper portion, and the plastron is the lower portion. The plastron and carapace are joined together with a bridge, which is a structural material.

In almost all the turtles, a protective layer of scutes composed of keratin covers the shell, though some turtles such as leatherback and soft-shelled turtles lack scutes. Turtles represent a unique type of structure in biology because turtle shells form through the fusion of bones.

The oldest known fossilized turtle shell was 210 million years ago. It was near the time of the Triassic Period when dinosaurs first appeared on earth.  Found in Germany, the shell belonged to the Proganochelys quenstedti, an extinct turtle species. Because of a fully formed shell fossil, it gave scientists some clues about its evolutionary history.

In China, a partially formed fossilized shell from the turtle species, Odontochelys semistestacea, was discovered in 2008. The shell was estimated to be about 220 million years old. It had a fully developed plastron, however only a partially developed carapace was made of broadened ribs. Scientists believed that this fossil represented an early view of how turtle shells evolved. The broadened ribs on the carapace led the scientists to take a closer look at a similar-looking species known from fossils in South Africa.

Tyler Lyson, a scientist from the Smithsonian Institution, analyzed 45 specimens of Eunotosaurus africanus, a 260-million-year old fossil reptile from South Africa. He found that his species has several features in common with modern-day turtles, including paired rib bones and the absence of rib muscles that are used for breathing in many vertebrates. He stated the findings in a news release.

Tyler said that after they got the intermediate shell, a transitional form that connects the gap between the turtles and other reptiles and helps explain how the turtle shell evolved. Eunotosaurus was an early offshoot of the lineage that gave rise to modern turtles.

Those findings suggested that the evolutionary origin of turtle shells may have begun about 40 million years earlier than thought. The evidence on fossils was consistent with genetic studies that also suggested that the turtle shells’ evolution started during the Permian period 260 million years ago.

One of the most massive extinctions on earth happened at the end of the Permian period about 252 million years ago. It was amazing to think that these prehistoric turtles managed to survive.

Co-authors of the study included Allison Hsiang, Gabe Bever, Jacques Gauthier, and Torsten Scheyer. The research was funded by the Smithsonian Institution, Swiss National Science Foundation, the U.S. National Science Foundation, and the Yale Peabody Museum.

…read more
Read more here: Turtle Times

By Arman

The gender of most amniote reptiles is determined by the ground temperature in which their eggs incubate. Therefore, a breeder can manipulate the incubation temperature of eggs to cause developing embryos to become males or females. The other way of knowing is to wait three to five years before seeing the development of secondary sexual characteristics. Once slider turtles mature, their tails and toenails provide proper identification of gender. The shell shape and its size may also offer clues as well.

The sea turtles, on the other hand, have seven known species that can live for an astonishing 80 years. Sea turtles live mostly in the sea but venture to dry land to have their babies. Both sexes can be seen tending to them. Males and female sea turtles are often the same, which makes it difficult to tell them apart.

Sliders Turtles

If you want to undergo an expensive and invasive procedure, you can ask a veterinarian to perform an endoscopy of a turtle’s cloaca. By doing this, you don’t need to wait for other characteristics to appear and positively identify its gender.

Male slider turtles have thicker, and longer tails than females do. The vents of males are located closer to the tips of the tail than they are in females. The Male’s vent is outside their shell’s edges while the female’s vent is located inside the shell’s margins.

When compared to females, male slider turtles have longer toenails. A courting male toenail uses its toenails to tickle and stimulate female faces. A young female slider exhibits this behavior at times, so the act is not really indicative of gender. But if the female responds to the male’s advances, a male will use the fingernails to cling to the female’s shell. 

Though size may not give a definite indication of the turtle’s gender, it can still provide a clue. Slider turtles females mature at a greater size than males. While male slider turtles mature at about 4 inches in plastron length, females mature at 5 to 7 inches. Eventually, males may attain 8 inches, but the largest sliders are usually female. Large female sliders may exceed 13 inches in plastron length.

Shell shape may exhibit the gender as older males have concave plastrons. Scientists believe that this adaptation provides males with more stability during mating. This is because the concave surface fits well with the convex surface of the female’s carapace.

Sea Turtles

When you look at the front flippers of sea turtles, you can see that they have long and curved claws. Scientists suggest that claws may exist to them so they can grasp the female’s shell during mating.

Observing the sea turtle’s tail may also give a clue. Sexually mature male turtles develop a longer tail, which houses the sexual organ. However, sexual maturation may occur at different stages for different species, which may make identifying a male from a female difficult.

The …read more
Read more here: Turtle Times

By Arman

Though everything about turtles looks a bit awkward, these animals are fascinating to observe in captivity or the wild. Whichever it is, it is essential to know that some turtles are active during the day (diurnal), while others are at night (nocturnal). By identifying their form and activity patterns, you can already make a few generalizations since related species often have similar habits.

Tortoises and Primarily Terrestrial Species

Most tortoises are diurnal and will spend their days eating, foraging, and mating and nights hiding in a deep burrow or vegetation. Pancare tortoises protect themselves by wedging their flat bodies into tight rock crevices. Though box turtles or the Asian turtles of the genus Cuora feature a hinged shell, they are not closely related to North American box turtles. The Asian box turtles are primarily nocturnal, while the North American box turtles are almost exclusively diurnal and are semi-aquatic leaning towards terrestrial. 

Aquatic Basking Species

Most basking species – including painted turtles, red-eared sliders, map turtles, and cooters – are diurnal. During the day, these turtles hunt for food, find mates and bask on exposed logs and rocks. Sleeping behavior among these turtles is highly individualistic and different members of the same species may choose to sleep underwater, or on exposed wood, rock, or sandy beach.

Bottom Dwellers

Mud and musk turtles are most active after dark but can also be proactive by day. Visitors can often observe the small turtles foraging on the bottom at night. Common and alligator snapping turtles are primarily nocturnal, though they may occasionally be seen swimming near the surface during the day.

Both species like in the water, so when female turtles must lay eggs, they do it under cover of darkness. The mata mata turtles are much like the snapping turtles ecologically because of being nocturnal.

Sea Turtles

Primarily, sea turtles are diurnal and spend their nights floating near the surface or tucked into a rock or coral crevice. Young sea turtles sleep on the surface and have been observed resting with their folded back front flippers over their shell. Egg-laying behavior is the only exception; at night, female sea turtles will come ashore to dig a hole in the sand where they will deposit their eggs. Some sea turtle species hatch at night and are thought to navigate by moving towards the brightest horizon.

…read more
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By Arman

Setting up your turtle’s habitat is key to keeping them healthy. This needs to be right as this is where your pet will spend most of its time. 

In this post, I will share with you the general guidelines to make your turtle’s home a good and clean one.

How to Choose a Turtle Tank

The first thing you need to consider is your turtle’s size. Many start off weighing a few grams but can grow to be as big as 80 pounds. So, research the type of turtle you will get so that you can buy a turtle tank that will suit your pet turtle. You can also start small and then build a bigger one as your turtle grows.

For example, some turtles hibernate, while others don’t. Not allowing your turtle to hibernate can result in health issues down the road. If your turtle is from a tropical environment, you want to ensure that the temperature is constantly warm throughout the year. 

Some people provide small enclosures. Most turtles in the wild occupy at least half a mile areas, so putting them in a little cage is like taking your turtles to one square mile and keeping it in a room that they can never leave.

If possible, it is a good idea to give your turtles outdoor space to roam around. Most turtles don’t do well long-term indoors unless the care is excellent. If the weather permits, place your turtle’s habitat outside.

Materials Need For the Tank

For your turtle’s tank, you need to purchase the following:

Habitat

There are many different materials you can use for this, but it is recommended to use plastic tubs or troughs, kiddie pools, and Christmas tree boxes. If you have an aquatic turtle, a fish tank is a good idea. You can also use plastic bins over aquariums as these are easier to clean and weigh less than glass aquariums.

Rocks to Lie On

Most turtles like to sunbathe. However, ensure that the rocks are bigger than the size of your turtle’s head to prevent them from consuming too small rocks.

Thermometer or temperature gun

Use this device to check the temperature of the water

Food: Fresh and Pelleted

• Protein: Feed turtles wax worms or comet goldfish, mealworms, and crickets a few times a week
• Vegetables: Serve 1 to 2 teaspoons of dark, leafy greens such as mustard greens, collards, or kale three or four times a week
• Commercial turtle food: Turtles also like frozen or freeze-dried fish food, turtle pellets, or canned turtle food.

UV Light and a Heat Lamp

UV light is like a natural light of the sun, so make sure you put this but set it on a timer, so it mirrors the patterns of the sun. Turtles need UV light to avoid getting sick and having problems. …read more
Read more here: Turtle Times

This Tiger Jag Coastal Carpet python in our herp photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user reelmassacre looks like he is hoping for snacks! Be sure to tell them you liked it here.

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By Arman

You cannot get a sunburn through glass, but that does not mean it stops all UV rays. Even if you do not get burned, rays that cause skin or eye damage can still pass through.

As sunlight enters through window glass or plastic, UV radiation is filtered out. Turtles should be exposed to direct sunshine for 10-12 hours daily if artificial UV light sources are not accessible. The majority of them make use of the warm sunlight that falls on their basking areas.

Types of Ultraviolet Light

The phrases ultraviolet light and UV refer to a wavelength range of 400 nanometers (nm) to 100 nanometers (nm). On the electromagnetic spectrum, it is located between violet visible light and x-rays. UVA, UVB, UVC, near-ultraviolet, medium ultraviolet, and far-ultraviolet are the different wavelengths of UV. 

UVC is entirely absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere; hence it poses no health concern on turtles. UVA and UVB are the most common wavelengths of UV light emitted by the sun and other artificial sources.

How Much UV Is Filtered by Glass?

UVB is almost wholly absorbed by glass that is transparent to visible light. It can indeed acquire a sunburn through the mirror because this is the wavelength range that can cause a sunburn.

The visible spectrum is much closer to UVA than UVB. The ordinary glass allows 75% of UVA through. UVA damages the skin and causes cancer-causing genetic alterations.

Do Coatings and Tints Protect Against UVA/UVB?

UVA protection is sometimes applied to glass. Most sunglasses constructed of glass are coated to prevent both UVA and UVB rays. Automobile windshields with laminated glass provide some (not complete) UVA protection.   Similarly, most home and business window glass does not filter much UVA.

The amount of visible and UVA light that passes through tinted glass is reduced, but some UVA still gets through. On average, 60–70% of UVA still passes through tinted glass.

Leaving Turtles In UV Light

A turtle can produce vitamin D3 by basking on sunny rocks and logs in nature, which is needed to digest calcium for a hard shell and other nutrients essential to his health. Artificial UV light delivers the same benefits in a home aquarium. 

Metabolic bone disease delayed shell growth, and untimely death is all symptoms of insufficient UV exposure. If you leave the light on for 10 to 12 hours every day, your turtle will get enough UV light.

Catching Some Rays

UV light is composed of UVA and UVB rays. While UVA rays help your turtle feed, breed, and activity, UVB sunshine is required for nutrient digestion. Because UVB light cannot pass through the glass, placing your turtle in a sunny window will not give him the full range of light he needs. 12 to 15 inches above the top of your turtle’s shell, hang your UV light.  Replace the bulb once a year.

Light Bulb For Turtles

In the wild, turtles rely on …read more
Read more here: Turtle Times

By Arman

Box turtle care may appear simple, but because these reptiles are hardy and long-lived in the wild, they are sometimes ignored as pets. The majority of people have no idea how to care for them properly. Because box turtles can live up to 60 years, knowing how to care for them is crucial to their health and longevity. 

Sizing the Box Turtle’s Home

If you have a pet box turtle, it will desire and need some space to move around.  Turtles do not appear to move much, but they still require space to exercise. The turtle will start to suffer if you do not supply it with freedom. 

Sandboxes, mixing tubs, kiddie pools, or heavy-duty plastic storage boxes are better alternatives to a glass tank for a box turtle.

What Is A Substrate?

A substrate is a type of material that reptile owners use as bedding for their pets. As a substrate, clay, coconut fiber, wood shavings, and various other materials are utilized. The substrate requirements of all reptiles are different.

Each species or subspecies prefers a different type of substrate. Many pet owners prefer commercial substrate, which in certain circumstances is better than the natural substrate. The subspecies or species determine the type of substrate chosen.

Right Habitat Substrate for Your Box Turtle

The substrate you use for your box turtle’s habitat’s floor is also crucial. One of the best options for bedding is a humid substrate material. Box turtles can also be kept in a mixture of sand and dirt, which should not be completely dry. 

The turtle’s skin will break due to a dry substrate, compromising its health and well-being. The habitat’s substrate should be cleaned out every week to provide optimal care, health, and comfort.

The ideal substrate is one that closely resembles the environment a box turtle would encounter in the wild.

The majority of box turtles reside in densely wooded places where sunlight rarely reaches the ground. The soil is loose and wet, and the terrain is not sandy, dry, or packed. It demonstrates that high humidity is ideal for box turtles and that they can survive in low-light conditions.

To replicate the natural ecosystem, you must accomplish three simple things.

• Plant tiny trees, bushes, or other types of vegetation
• Create a humidified atmosphere.
• Place loose, wet soil that can hold the earth’s moisture.

Types of Substrate

The composition of commercially accessible substrates ranges from delicate and dry sandy substances to wet soils and more extensive dry “chippings.” Some popular varieties include:

• Play Sand

Tortoise owners have always utilized play sand because it looks similar to the natural surroundings of desert and Mediterranean tortoises. Even though this may be true, pure sand is not advised as a substrate, mainly because it can be swallowed unintentionally. Sand is indigestible, and if consumed, it will remain in the tortoise’s intestines. It is essential to avoid …read more
Read more here: Turtle Times

By Arman

Turtles are among the most popular exotic pets, and several turtle breeds have risen to the top of the reptile pet. Tiny pet turtles are also known as small-dollar turtles, quarter turtles, turtles, dwarf turtles, and other names in the market. Only a few turtle species remain more than a foot long in adults, even though there are more than 250 species worldwide.

Smaller turtles are frequently assumed to make better pets due to their size and associated environmental requirements; even tiny turtles can have special needs that prevent them from being the ideal pet choices. The padlopers, for example, are not excellent captives because of their unique feeding requirements.

The Five Padlopers Species

Padlopers are a type of small African turtle. Adult speckled padloper turtles only reach a length of 3.75 centimeters. The karoo padloper is slightly larger, measuring 4.3 centimeters in length and having a somewhat domed shell. 

The white markings on the shell of the Namaqualand speckled padloper give him this name, and he grows to be about 2.5 to 3 inches long. The Nama padloper is 3 inches long, compared to 2.5 to 3 inches for the typical padloper.Mud and Musk Turtles

Mud and musk turtles are both about 5 inches long. Mud turtles reach a length of 3 to 4 inches and make excellent pets. In captivity, these animals can live to be 50 years old. 

Musk turtles are known as stink pots because they have smell glands that generate a foul odor as a kind of self-defense. These fragrance glands are present in both mud and musk turtles, but the mud turtle in captivity does not utilize them.

Spotted Turtles and Reeves Turtles

Spotted turtles are black turtles with yellow spots on their heads, necks, legs, and shells that grow around 3.5 to 5 inches long. Reeves turtles can be found in mainland Japan, China, Taiwan, and Korea. These creatures are rectangular rather than spherical, and they grow to be roughly 5 inches long.

Common Pet Turtles

The red-eared slider is 7 to 9 inches long, while the eastern box turtle is 4.5 to 7 inches long. The western painted turtle can grow up to 4 and 10 inches long. The female map turtle is 7 to 10.5 inches long, whereas the male map turtle is 3.5 to 6.5 inches long. The wood turtle grows to be between 6.5 and 9.4 inches long.

Tiny Turtles Need Care Too

Turtles are relatively easy to handle; they do require frequent attention. They’re just like any other house pet.   They, like any other companion animal, want your love and care. Turtles are often a messy animal that quickly pollutes the water. Regular tank maintenance is required; after every 15 days, you must thoroughly clean the tank.

Do Turtles Stay Small in a Small Tank?

If properly cared for, turtles in smaller enclosures will quickly outgrow them and find something more considerable. Turtles confined to a …read more
Read more here: Turtle Times