There are many types of turtles and we have discussed some of them here. But what should you buy as a beginner? Which one is the best turtle for beginners? While getting yourself your first turtle, few things you need to keep in mind. First, there are different types of turtles that can be suitable for different types of homes. Secondly, there are many options available when it comes to turtle breeds. Thirdly, be sure to research the proper size and type of enclosure for your new friend. Finally, be prepared to provide a lot of love and attention – turtles need plenty of both! In this article, we will discuss the best turtle for beginners and help you decide which one is the best choice for you.
Related Article: Best Turtles For Your Backyard Pond
What Makes A Turtle Beginner-Friendly?
The decision to bring a turtle into your home is a big one. They require a lot of care and attention, so you should choose them wisely. For your first turtle, it is compulsory that it be beginner-friendly. There are many different types of turtles, but not all of them are beginner-friendly. So what makes a turtle beginner-friendly?
For a beginner-friendly turtle, it should have a few things in common. Here is a list:
Moderate Requirements
When you are a beginner, it is important to have a turtle that has moderate requirements. This means that the turtle will be easy to care for and will not require a lot of work on your part. In addition, a beginner-friendly turtle should have a calm temperament so that it does not scare you or make you feel overwhelmed. They also should not require a lot of specialized care, such as a specific diet or climate.
If you are new to owning a turtle, it is important to do your research before making your final decision. That way, you can be sure that you are getting a pet that will be perfect for your individual needs.
Hardy & Disease-Resistant
When buying a turtle, it is important to get one that is hardy and disease-resistant. The beginner’s first turtle should be able to handle a variety of environments. You want to make sure that you choose the right one for your environment. If you live in an area with cold winters, then you need a turtle that is hardy to the cold. You want to make sure that you choose a species that will not be affected by the cold. If you live in an area with hot summers, then you need a turtle that can handle the high temperature.
Similarly, certain turtle species are not very good for low humidity areas, so you should avoid those species if your area has a humidity problem. Your turtle should not be delicate and can be kept in an outside pond or indoor tank without affecting its health. Outdoor ponds provide a natural habitat for turtles with plenty of space to swim and sunbathe. If you live in an area that experiences cold winters, your turtle can be brought inside and placed in a large tank.
Life Span
Turtles are now gaining popularity as a pet and can be found in many homes across the United States. While most people think of turtles as being short-lived creatures, the average life span of a turtle is around 40 years. However, there are some turtles that have been known to live as long as 100 years. This means that it is important for you to have this much commitment when you decide to take on a turtle as a pet.
Turtles can provide companionship for many years, but they also require a lot of care. You will need to make sure that your turtle has all the comfort for living a happy life. If you can provide them with proper care and love, then you can enjoy having them as a pet for many years to come.
Enclosure Requirements
Selecting the right turtle is critical for beginner turtle owners. Many people select the wrong species of turtle and do not provide an adequate enclosure for their new pet. For your first pet turtle, there are a few things you need to decide first: whether you want an outdoor or indoor turtle, and what kind of enclosure you can provide.
Outdoor turtles require a pond or other large bodies of water in which to live; they won’t be happy in an aquarium. Indoor turtles, on the other hand, can do well in either an aquarium or a tank with a screen lid.
The size of the enclosure is also important. Turtles need plenty of space to swim and explore, so select a species for which you can arrange a suitable tank. You should also consider the temperature and humidity levels in their tank; different species of turtles prefer different levels.
As a first-time turtle owner, it is also very important that you know what species of turtle you are dealing with. Different turtles have different requirements, including whether they live on land or in water. For example, many people think that all turtles live in water, but there are also a number of land turtles. If you are not sure what type of turtle you have, do some research to find out its specific needs. Turtles can be found in a variety of habitats, so it is important to know where your pet came from and how it is supposed to live.
If you’re interested in owning a pet turtle, do your research first to find out what kind of enclosure and care they require.
Related Article: How To Know If Your Turtle Is Happy?
Best Beginner Turtles
There are a few different types of turtle species that are great for beginners. Red-eared sliders, painted turtles, box turtles, and musk turtles are perfect for first-time owners as these all are very hardy and can adapt to a wide variety of habitats. They’re also small enough that they don’t require a lot of space, making them ideal for people who live in apartments or don’t have a lot of room for a pet.
Let’s discuss each of these species in a little more depth.
Red Eared Slider
Red-eared sliders make great beginner turtles because they are the easiest to handle and care for. These aquatic turtles need a large enough tank with plenty of places to swim and hide. Red-eared sliders are native to the United States and like to live in slow-moving water bodies such as ponds, lakes, and rivers. They are omnivorous and eat plants and small worms or insects. In captivity, it is important to give them a mixed diet of turtle pellets, green vegetables, and worms.
Red-eared turtles can grow 8-10 inches, so getting a tank of 75 gallons would be a solution for their lifetime. You won’t need to change the tank size as they grow, which makes it a great investment. These turtles can live for up to 40 years in captivity so they need a commitment to lifelong love and care.
Red-eared sliders are easy to adapt to their environment and do not require anything special to survive. However, they do need a tank temperature of 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit and a basking area with UV light. Without these requirements, your red-eared slider may become sick or die.
Red-eared turtles are loved by beginners due to their calm temperament. They are not aggressive to humans so you can handle them easily. These also make great pets for kids because they are easy to care for and have a low risk of getting sick.
However, red-eared sliders can be very territorial and may engage in fights with other turtles if they are kept together. These turtles need plenty of space to roam and should only be kept with other red-eared sliders of a similar size. If you have more than one red-eared slider, it is important to provide plenty of hiding places so they can avoid conflict.
Related Article: Taking Care of Baby Red-eared Slider Turtle
Painted Turtle
Painted turtles are a great option for beginners when it comes to owning an aquatic turtle. They are similar to red-eared sliders in appearance but have a red and yellow stripe down their back. Painted turtles can be found in most pet stores and can be easy to care for as long as their environment is kept clean. Like all turtles, painted turtles need a place to bask in order to warm up and a place to swim in order to cool down. They should also be fed a diet of both animal and plant-based food.
Painted turtles are the smallest size turtle with an average size of 5-6 inches. They can be kept in relatively smaller tanks of 60-70 gallons, making them a popular pet. They are easy to care for and have a lifespan of around 20-30 years in captivity.
Painted turtles need something to climb and so placing a rock or log in their tank is a good idea for keeping them entertained. Rocks and logs make great climbing obstacles for turtles and can also provide hiding places. Make sure any rocks or logs you place in the tank are smooth and free of sharp edges that could harm your turtle.
Like red-eared sliders, painted turtles also require a temperature of around 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
If we talk about their temperament, some people say they are calm and docile creatures, while others say they are not domesticated. In my experience, I have found that painted turtles can be quite different from one another. Some are very friendly and will come up to you when you approach their tank, while others will hide at the bottom of the tank and refuse to come out.
If you are planning on keeping any other turtle with your painted turtle then the best way is to keep them together and see how they interact. If the painted turtle show any aggression towards your other turtle then it is best to keep them away from each other.
Related Article: How Much To Feed Baby Painted Turtle?
Box Turtle
Box turtles are a great option for beginner turtle enthusiasts. These turtles do best when kept outside with plenty of lands to walk on. These are small size turtles with an average size of not more than 5 inches. Box turtles are land turtles and only need water for drinking or soaking.
Box turtles are omnivorous and eat a variety of food items, such as insects, earthworms, fruits, and vegetables. Box turtles often hibernate during the winter months and can live for up to 40 years in the wild.
If you’re planning to keep a box turtle as an indoor pet, then you’ll need a tank that’s at least 50 gallons in size. The substrate should be a mix of sand and soil, with some pebbles or rocks added for interest. You can also use a mix of coconut fiber and sand for their tank. Be sure to provide plenty of hiding places for your turtle, as they like to hide when they’re not out exploring.
Box turtles need to live in a humid environment in order to keep themselves hydrated. If they don’t have enough moisture in the air, they’ll start to dehydrate, which can be deadly. That’s why it’s important to provide a humid environment for box turtles when you’re keeping them as pets. One way to do this is by putting a water dish in their tank and making sure it doesn’t run dry. You can also spray water on their substrate or use wet moss or peat moss to help keep their enclosure moist.
Box turtles need a basking setup and UV lights to keep them healthy and active. Ideally, you can keep lights on for at least 8-12 hours. UV light is important because it helps the turtle produce vitamin D, which is necessary for calcium absorption. Without a basking setup, your turtle may not get enough calcium, leading to shell disease and other health problems.
Related Article: What Does A Box Turtle Need In Its Tank?
Musk Turtle
Musk turtles are beginner-friendly turtles but they don’t like being touched too much. Their average size is 5 inches and is aquatic turtles. They can be found mainly in the eastern parts of the United States. They are commonly found in slow-moving, muddy rivers and can tolerate a wide range of water temperatures.
When provided with a tank that is 50-60 gallons in size with a proper basking setup and UV lights, musk turtles make great pets.
Musk turtles are mostly carnivorous and so they need more worms and insects in their diet. Giving a variety of commercial pellets would also need. Commercial pellets usually have more nutrients that can help keep a musk turtle healthy.
Musk turtles are not only destructive when it comes to tank decoration but they are also messy eaters. It is not advisable to add plants to their tank as they will make things worse. Turtles will uproot plants and leave droppings all over the place. It is best to keep the tank bare or add decorations that are safe for musk turtles to chew on and won’t get too dirty.
Conclusion
When it comes to turtles, there are a few different species that are perfect for beginner pet owners. Red-eared sliders, painted turtles, box turtles, and musk turtles are all easy to care for and relatively low maintenance. They can be kept in a tank or aquarium in your home and will require a diet of insects, vegetables as well as reptile pellets.
