Can You Own A Mud Turtle?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The Mud Turtle is a popular breed of turtle that is

kept as

a pet. They are low maintenance turtles that are a good choice for those who are beginners at keeping these animals, and they can easily be maintained in a terrarium.

How much does a mud turtle cost?

Expect to pay

$20 to $60

. Mud turtles (Kinosternon)- Mud turtles are very similar to musk turtles. Not only do both turtles have similar dietary requirements, but also they have similar enclosure requirements. Common mud turtle species include the eastern mud turtle, yellow mud turtle, and scorpion mud turtle.

Where can I get a mud turtle?

Mud turtles are found in

North and South America from New England to northern Argentina

. Like the related musk turtles (Sternotherus), they are small animals (usually 15 cm [6 inches] or less in shell length) with fleshy barbels on the chin and the ability to exude a strong, musky odour.

Where can you find a mud turtle?

Within their range, mud turtles are semi-aquatic, though they often wander away from water in mid-summer. They can be found in

fresh or brackish water

, including marshes, small ponds, wet ditches and fields, and offshore islands. They prefer shallow, soft-bottomed, slow-moving water with abundant vegetation.

How much do Mississippi mud turtles cost?

Mud turtles cost

between $25 to $50

. Adopting from a reputable breeder is the best way to ensure you get a healthy specimen.

Do mud turtles stink?

Some people become concerned if they smell a

foul odor

all of a sudden coming from their mud turtle. And yet, mud turtles are closely related to musk turtles and, like these relatives, mud turtles can secrete an awful-smelling liquid to scare off predators.

What is the cheapest pet turtle?

  • Red-eared slider $5-$25.
  • Common snapping turtle $20-$40.
  • Common painted turtle $20-$40.
  • Musk turtle $20-$40.
  • Common wood turtle $20-$100.
  • Albino red-eared slider ~$1,000.
  • Albino snapping turtle ~$3-$5,000.

How deep should mud turtles be watered?

Mud turtles

don’t require very deep water — 4 inches

is enough for hatchlings — as most of their activity will take place in the horizontal plane. Aquariums that are designated as breeder tanks or “long” are better suited for turtles than typical aquariums that emphasize tank depth.

What do mud turtles like to eat?

Being omnivorous, mud turtles eat

snails, aquatic invertebrates, tadpoles, and carrion

, but they will also consume some plant matter.

How long can a mud turtle live?

LIFE CYCLE: Sonoyta mud turtles may live

as long as 40 years

, taking five to six years to reach adulthood. FEEDING: These turtles eat aquatic insects, crustaceans, snails, fish, frogs, and plants. They often crawl deliberately and methodically along the bottom of pools looking for food.

What’s another name for a mud turtle?

Common Name: Southeastern Mud Turtle Scientific Name:

Kinosternon subrubrum subrubrum
Etymology: Genus: Kinosternon is derived from the Greek word kineo which means “move” and sternon which means “chest”. This refers to the hinged plastron.

Do mud turtles sleep underwater?

So yes,

turtles do sleep underwater

. Species such as painted turtles, map turtles, sliders, mud turtles, musk turtles all sleep underwater. … Most aquatic turtles sleep underwater for 4 to 7 hours. During this time, the turtle will surface for a moment, replenish their air supply and resume their sleep.

How long can a mud turtle go without food?

How many days can turtle survive without food? In terms of days, a turtle can survive

around 160 days

without food. However, they must also have access to water during this time period as well as a healthy amount of light.

Can mud turtles live with fish?

Mud and musk turtles are considered to be

among the best species to house with fishes

as they are quite uninterested in hunting fish. Also, they are not good at hunting fish. Even in the wild, these turtles are ambush predators and hide in the muddy bottom for slow-moving water waiting to ambush prey.

How long can a turtle live?

Typical Lifespans of Popular Pet Turtles in Captivity
Wood Turtle


40 to 55 years

Eastern Box Turtle


50+ years

Painted Turtle


25 to 30 years

Russian

Tortoise 40+ years

How much should I feed my mud turtle?

Feed the mud turtles

2 to 3 times a week

, and provide plenty of calcium supplements and Vitamin D3 if kept indoors.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.