Turtles are fascinating animals which are relatively easy to handle and are great pet companions. Particularly, Common Musk Turtles are the most popular choice for people who love turtles because of their size and little need for maintenance.
If you’re thinking of buying an Common Musk Turtle or already have one, it’s important to learn how to take care of this reptile. Follow this article for a complete treatment information on Common Musk Turtles, as along with some fun facts about these fascinating reptiles.
In recent times, Common Musk Turtles have been a favorite among turtle owners. Although these turtles are tiny, they are complex creatures that require specific care. This guide will provide more details about them and inform you on how to care for them.
Common Musk Turtle Overview
They are a species of turtle that is native to The Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada. They are often found out in nature in these regions. In addition, they are often breed in captivity because their popularity has increased as pets.
Common Musk Turtles tend to be tiny and range in size from 2 to 5 inches across their shells. Their most distinctive mark is the bright yellow lines running along both sides of their necks. They weigh less than one pound at birth and are not more than 3 pounds.
They are thriving in areas close to freshwater sources, such as lakes and ponds. They’re frequently seen in reeds and mud close to these areas. They can be observed floating in the water or laying on logs.
While it is a frequently encountered turtle, the species has been experiencing a decline in recent years due to environmental damage in certain regions. In certain areas of Canada and even states such as Iowa its status has been upgraded to threatened, which reflects the decline in population.
Care Guide
The ownership of an Common Musk Turtle will require planning and commitment from your side. If you are the owner of the Common Musk Turtle, please consider the following points to ensure your pet is healthy and happy.
Habitat
Your turtle needs an enclosed space to live in that is suitable for the needs of its habitat. Common Musk Turtles require tanks that are able to contain both water to swim in as well as dry areas to relax.
It is suggested to keep the tank’s water sufficient deep enough that the turtle can swim to the bottom without needing to paddle.
At at a minimum, buy a 30 gallon tank in order to keep Your Common Musk Turtle, increasing the size in the event that you have several turtles. If you have 2 turtles, an 40-gallon tank is suggested. Your turtle will love the area as is engaged in their day-to-day routine that includes swimming.
While they may not emerge from the water for prolonged time, you’ll need to have areas in which the can cool off, dry and soak in the sun. This doesn’t need to be a large landscape feature. It can be as straightforward as floating docks or logs that allows them to take a leap from the water.
The water in your tank should be chlorinated and filtered. It is vital to have filters in your tank which will ensure the water remains fresh and free of any chemicals without harming the turtle. Make sure that your filter is suitable for shallow water to ensure your tank is in the best quality of hygiene.
Heat and Light
All turtles must meet certain standards for temperature and light exposure as well. The Common Musk Turtle is no exception.
They are expected to have a steady temperature of approximately the temperature of 80°F. When they are basking you can install an aquarium-safe light that can heat their dry area to approximately 90 degrees F. Be sure that your water heater submerged to prevent overheating or electric shock.
Common Musk Turtles also require exposure to UV light in order to effectively metabolize vitamins and remain healthy. A lot of pet and reptile shops offer UVB bulbs that are specifically designed to be used in aquariums. Install one of these and leave the light running for 12 hours every day to ensure that your turtle’s health is maintained.
Diet and Feeding
Common Musk Turtles require special diets to ensure they’re well-nourished. When in the wild, this kind of turtle eats the following foods:
- Small fish
- Tadpoles
- Algae, or duckweed
- Small insects, such as dragonflies Nymphs
But, these things could be difficult to obtain in the case of your Common Musk Turtle. Some pet owners prefer feeding Common Musk Turtles with a mixture with the following items:
- Cut fish
- Earthworms
- Crickets
- Pelletized turtle food is sold in pet stores
Try experimenting with various foods to see what your turtle prefers the most. Be sure to ensure whether it’s something that your pet can safely consume.
It is recommended to give Your Common Musk Turtle around once every day if it’s young, and then change to feeding every other day as turtles age. Many people prefer feeding their turtles the amount they can consume within a single sitting while some feed them for 15-20 minutes during each feeding session.
Lifespan and Health Concerns
The purchase of an Common Musk Turtle is a long-term investment. They can live at least 50 years when kept in captivity, and often, if properly taken care of. It is common for turtles to last from 30-50 years.
The most frequently-repeated illnesses that plague Common Musk Turtles are:
- Parasites
- Diseases and infections
- Vitamin deficiencies like Vitamin A
If you observe that your turtle exhibits unusual behaviors, such as diarrhea, respiratory issues and weight loss or lethargy, the turtle might be sick and needs to be taken to the veterinarian to have an examination and diagnosis.
If you suspect your turtle is deficient in vitamins It could be beneficial to include a vitamin supplement in the diet of your reptile that is suitable for consumption by reptiles.
Another common health issue that can affect the Common Musk Turtle is obesity. If your turtle is growing out of its shell, then he or she may be overweight. If this is the case you need to cut back on the amount is fed to your pet until the weight that is healthy is reached.
Behavior
They can be lively small creatures. Although they are entertaining to watch, they’re generally not the most friendly with humans. It is recommended to be careful not to handle them rough or overly, or they might bite you.
Furthermore the moment an Common Musk Turtle feels threatened it releases the odor of a strong sour that has given them their name as well as the common name of ‘Stinkpot. To avoid the odor, try not to be aggressive or rough with your turtle.
The majority of Common Musk Turtles males do not get along well and display aggressive behavior towards each other. Therefore, it is not advisable to keep two males in a group. If you are keeping two females and a male it is possible occasionally break them apart since the male may disrupt the female.
If you are a first-time Common Musk Turtle owners, it is recommended to start with only one turtle, or keep females in a group to avoid issues with behavior.
How to Keep the Common Musk Turtle Safe
Common Musk Turtles should be kept safe by paying attention to their diet and habitat requirements. When your pet is fed well and has all the vitamins, and gets sufficient sunlight and warm waters to swim in it will be easier to keep him it healthy than if ignore any of these factors.
It is also possible to keep Your Common Musk Turtle safe by making sure it’s swimming in fresh, clean water, and isn’t in contact with a heater that is exposed or an electrical wire.
Another method to ensure that the Common Musk Turtle safe is making sure your turtles are born captive and are not interfering with turtles that brought into the wild or with other species. This could lead to serious diseases between captive and wild turtles. Also, different species could harm or fight each other.
Does the Common Musk Turtle Pose a Threat to Humans?
Common Musk Turtles aren’t poisonous and typically do not cause harm to humans. However, they could bite you if you touch them, which is uncomfortable. To prevent this from happening be careful when handling your turtle by putting it towards the bottom of its shell. Avoid placing your hands or fingers on its back.
Furthermore, even though Common Musk Turtles are not poisonous, they can contain bacteria or other harmful substances that you don’t wish to inhale. When you handle your turtle, wash your hands right away and refrain from touch with food or touching the face until you are cleaned.
Average Cost and Where to Buy a Common Musk Turtle
They can be affordable pets. In general, they can cost between $20 and $70. When you buy an Common Musk Turtle, you must budget for the money you’ll require for their shelter and care.
Aquariums and heating equipment can cost more than turtles, but they are crucial to keep your turtle healthy and secure. Additionally, you will need to purchase regular food items and keep money in the bank for a trip to the vet in the event that your turtle gets sick.
You can purchase the Common Musk Turtle from most pet shops or specialist reptile shops. It is also possible to purchase them on the internet from certified reptile dealers. If you purchase online, be sure you are buying from a seller who is legit and is in compliance with all safety and health standards.
It is best to avoid taking the Common Musk Turtle in the wild before bringing it into your home to be an animal. It’s not just an extremely shocking experience for this animal but may cause the spread of invasive species or parasites into your aquarium which may be transmitted to other turtles, animals or plants.
If you are buying an Common Musk Turtle, it is important to confirm you are purchasing a captive-bred species, and that you’re not contributing to the environment by the purchase of the wild turtle.
Common Musk Turtles Facts and Useful Information
| Species Facts | |
| Common Name | Musk Turtle |
| Species Name | Sternotherus is odoratus |
| Family Name | Kinosternidae |
| Price | Between $20-$70 |
| Size | Five to three inches in length |
| Lifespan | 40-60 years |
| Diet | Insects, seeds, snails Tadpoles, algae |
| Tank Size | Minimum of 20-29-gallon tank |
| Humidity and Temperature | Tank of water with temperatures ranging from 72degF to 78degF. |
| Popular Alternatives | Razorback Musk turtles |
See more: Turtle Breeds: 33 pet turtles for beginners
Common Musk Turtles can be fascinating animals. Here are some entertaining details about your Common Musk Turtle:
- They lay anywhere from 1 to 9 eggs during the breeding season.
- They primarily carnivores but can also eat algae and other aquatic plants.
- Despite being in water Common Musk Turtles are not the most powerful swimmers. They prefer walking across the bottom of ponds and lakes, rather than swimming in a continuous manner.
- Common Musk Turtles often referred to as Stinkpots due to their smell.
Since they like walking so you must ensure that you Common Musk turtle can touch the bottom of the pool within their tanks. You should ensure that they are able to sit on their feet and also keep their nose above the water.
Furthermore although they’re Omnivores, and occasionally eat plants However, they probably will not be a fan of fruits or vegetables that you try feeding them. Keep it to meat-based foods for the first time, and stay clear of feeding them anything else without first talking to your vet or a professional.
Summary
They can be tiny in size, but they are fun to watch move about in their active swimming. This is why a lot of reptile lovers have selected this species of turtle to be their favorite pet. If you choose to purchase the Common Musk Turtle, you will be adopting a pet who can be easily cared for and interesting to watch.
But, if you purchase the Common Musk Turtle, you have to make sure that you are able to properly take care of it. You must ensure that you provide them with a secure and comfortable environment and all the food requirements they might require. If you believe that your turtle may not be healthy, get veterinary attention.
Their popularity among little turtles has led to them being readily available in reptile and pet stores. If you’re keen on one of these adorable pets, you’ll soon be able find the Common Musk Turtle for you.
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