An Overview of Turtles for Sale on ReptilesSales.com

ReptilesSales.com offers a variety of turtles for sale to suit any enthusiast. Whether you’re interested in land turtles, aquatic turtles, or softshell turtles, you’ll find a selection of captive-bred and farm-raised turtles on the site.

Land Turtles

Land turtles, such as Russian tortoises and box turtles, do not require access to water and can live their entire lives on dry land. However, they still need a shallow water dish for drinking and occasional soaking. Land turtles tend to be easier to care for since they do not require the additional maintenance of a water filter and heater. Popular pet land turtles on offer include:

  • Russian Tortoises: Small, hardy, and can live 30-40 years. Require a varied and leafy diet.
  • Box Turtles: Omnivorous, live 30-40 years and hibernate during winter. Need a varied diet and enclosure with hiding spots.

Aquatic Turtles

For those wanting an interactive pet, semi-aquatic turtles spend much of their time swimming and basking. However, they require spacious, filtered aquariums and basking areas. Popular pet aquatic turtles for sale include:

  • Red-Eared Sliders: Popular, hardy, and live 20-40 years. Omnivores that need a varied diet, UVB/heat lamp, and minimum 55-gallon tank.
  • Painted Turtles: Attractive, live 20-30 years. Need varied diet, UVB/heat lamp, and minimum 30-gallon tank.

With the right care and commitment to proper husbandry, turtles can make rewarding and personable lifelong pets. Be sure to do thorough research on any species before getting a new pet turtle.

The Most Popular Species of Pet Turtles for Sale

If you’re looking to purchase a pet turtle, there are several popular species to choose from. Some of the most common turtles for sale as pets include:

Red-Eared Sliders

Red-eared sliders are one of the most popular pet turtles. They are semi-aquatic, spending time both in and out of water. Red-eared sliders can live 20-40 years, so they are a long-term commitment. They require a large tank, heat lamp, UVB light, and diet of commercial pellet food.

Russian Tortoises

Russian tortoises are popular as they stay small, only growing to 6-8 inches. They are terrestrial, living entirely on land. Russian tortoises can live 30-50 years and require an enclosure with heat and UVB lighting. They eat a diet of leafy greens, vegetables, and some fruit.

African Sulcata Tortoises

African sulcata tortoises, also known as African spurred tortoises, are another popular pet. They can live 50-100 years and grow quite large, up to 30 inches. Sulcata tortoises need outdoor enclosures and are mostly herbivorous, eating grasses, leaves, and vegetables.

Painted Turtles

Painted turtles are attractive, colorful turtles that stay small, reaching only 5-7 inches. They are semi-aquatic, spending time swimming and basking. Painted turtles have a lifespan of 20-30 years. They require an aquarium with a heat lamp, UVB light, and commercial pellet food.

As with any pet, do thorough research on the specific needs and characteristics of the turtle species you’re interested in to make sure you can properly care for one long-term. Turtles can make wonderful lifelong pets if their complex requirements are met.

Important Tips for Caring for Your New Baby Turtle

Providing a Balanced Diet

Once you have your baby turtle home, it is essential to provide them a healthy, balanced diet. Baby turtles require more protein and calcium for growth, so their diet should consist of:

  • Commercial pelleted food specifically for aquatic turtles 2-3 times a week. Look for a formula with at least 30% protein and essential vitamins and minerals.
  • Small feeder fish, shrimp, worms or insect larvae 2 times a week. Gut-loaded (recently fed) feeders are more nutritious. Never leave live food in the enclosure unattended, as it may bite your turtle.
  • Leafy greens like romaine lettuce, dandelion greens and aquatic plants 2-3 times a week. Rinse thoroughly to remove any chemicals before feeding.
  • Calcium and vitamin supplements 2 times a week. Powdered supplements can be sprinkled on food. Liquid drops can be added to the water.

It is important not to overfeed baby turtles, as this can lead to obesity and health issues. Only offer as much food as your turtle can consume within 5 minutes at each feeding, 2-3 times per day. Remove any uneaten food from the enclosure after this time period to avoid contamination of the water.

As your turtle grows, you can start reducing feedings to 2 times a day, then gradually once per day for juveniles and adults. Their diet should also shift to more plant matter and commercial food, with animal protein and supplements offered a few times a week. Always provide constant access to fresh, clean water for your turtle. Proper diet and hydration are key to your turtle’s health and longevity.

With the right enclosure, temperature, UVB lighting, and balanced diet, your new baby turtle can live a long, healthy and happy life. Be sure to handle your turtle daily to help socialize them, but always do so carefully and for short periods of time, especially for the first few months. If you notice any signs of illness or abnormal behavior in your turtle, consult an exotics veterinarian.

How to Choose the Right Turtle Enclosure and Habitat Accessories

When choosing an enclosure and habitat accessories for your new turtle, several factors should be considered to ensure its health and well-being. The enclosure should provide adequate space, heat, UVB lighting, and humidity for your turtle based on its species and size.

Size

Turtles continue growing their whole lives, so choose an enclosure at least 4 times the turtle’s current size to allow room for growth. For hatchlings, a 20 gallon long aquarium is a good start. Larger species will require a minimum of a 40 to 75 gallon tank. Make sure there is space for a heat lamp, UVB light, and other habitat items.

Substrate

For aquatic turtles, use a shallow water area and a dry basking area. Reptile carpeting, newspaper, or reptile bark can be used for the dry area. For semi-aquatic or terrestrial turtles, reptile carpeting, bark, coconut coir, or play sand make good substrates. Avoid gravel, mulch, and wood shavings which can cause injury if eaten.

Heat and Lighting

Turtles are cold-blooded and require overhead heat and UVB lighting. Use a heat lamp and UVB fluorescent bulb over the basking area to maintain a temperature of 85-88 F. The UVB light helps synthesize vitamin D. On the opposite end, include a cool area around 75 F. A submersible water heater can be used for aquatic enclosures.

Accessories

Essential items include a water filter and heater for aquatic setups, food and water bowls, and a calcium powder. Provide branches or platforms at multiple levels for climbing and basking. Hide boxes give turtles a place to sleep and feel secure. For hatchlings, include shallow ramps or rocks to easily get in and out of the water.

By providing an appropriately sized enclosure with adequate heat, lighting, and habitat items specific to your turtle’s needs, you will keep your new pet healthy and happy in its habitat. Perform regular maintenance and handle your turtle daily to help socialize it, but always supervise young children when interacting with any reptile. With the proper care and habitat, a pet turtle can live 30-40 years.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Turtles for Sale Online

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Turtles for Sale Online

When purchasing turtles for sale on Reptilessales.com, you likely have several questions about proper care and housing. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to keep in mind:

  • How long do turtles live? Most pet turtle species can live 20-40 years, so they are a long-term commitment. Some species like box turtles can live 50-100 years. Be prepared to properly care for your turtle for potentially many decades.
  • Do turtles need access to both land and water? Turtles require access to both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Provide a habitat with a heated aquarium or enclosure, UVB and heat lamps, a basking area, and a water filter. Turtles need to be able to get in and out of the water when they choose.
  • Are turtles reptiles? Yes, turtles are reptiles. They are cold-blooded and lay eggs on land. Turtles breathe air and need access to heat and UVB lighting.
  • Can turtles live without a shell? No, a turtle’s shell is essential for its survival and health. The shell protects the turtle’s internal organs and spine, and provides a surface for muscles to attach so the turtle can walk on land and swim in water. Without its shell, a turtle would not survive.
  • What do pet turtles eat? Most pet turtles are omnivores, eating both plants and meat. Provide your turtle with a balanced diet of commercial pelleted food, along with occasional treats of leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, and feeder fish or insects. Always have fresh, clean water available for your turtle as well.

By understanding the needs and responsibilities of caring for a pet turtle prior to purchasing, you will be giving it the best chance at a long, healthy life. Do plenty of research on your turtle’s specific species and habitat requirements to ensure you are able to properly care for these fascinating reptiles.