Terrapins
Created | Updated Jan 28, 2002
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<P>O.k. so what is the difference between a terrapin and a tortoise?
Basically a terrapin spends most of its time in the water and only comes out to bask on the rocks. Most tortoises spend no time in the water and only go near water to drink.</P>
<P>Keeping a terrapin in a tank is quite costly and if you live in a hot place is pointless. I'm sure if a terrapin could talk it would say if it could talk that it would prefer to live in a pond, I have a Red eared terrapin and keep it in my pond. It's perfectly happy and I still see allot of it.</P>
<P><INS>Food</INS> : Terrapins are incredibly versatile and will eat what’s around. From plants to birds to fish. I think it would be a good idea to feed your terrapin a mixed diet, live foods and proper turtle/terrapin foods.</P>
<P><INS>Housing</INS>: It really does depend on what kind of terrapin you get, I’ll start with the red eared terrapin.
<P>Red eared: Prefers a pond to a tank, must have a rock or a platform which is easily accessible from the water, since the sunlight is a must for there shell to develop properly.
Mississippi mud turtle: Should be kept in a tank with a basking spot. A pond could be used but only in the middle of summer water temp should be at least 22-28 C*.
Common musk turtle: Should be kept in a pond or in a tank it should have a basking spot which should be easily accessible from the water. Preferable if there is a lot of weed in the pond.</P>
<P>Any tank needs constant cleaning, every owner should always remember that a terrapin is exothermic which, means it can’t generate it’s on heat and needs you to.</P>
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<P>O.k. so what is the difference between a terrapin and a tortoise?
Basically a terrapin spends most of its time in the water and only comes out to bask on the rocks. Most tortoises spend no time in the water and only go near water to drink.</P>
<P>Keeping a terrapin in a tank is quite costly and if you live in a hot place is pointless. I'm sure if a terrapin could talk it would say if it could talk that it would prefer to live in a pond, I have a Red eared terrapin and keep it in my pond. It's perfectly happy and I still see allot of it.</P>
<P><INS>Food</INS> : Terrapins are incredibly versatile and will eat what’s around. From plants to birds to fish. I think it would be a good idea to feed your terrapin a mixed diet, live foods and proper turtle/terrapin foods.</P>
<P><INS>Housing</INS>: It really does depend on what kind of terrapin you get, I’ll start with the red eared terrapin.
<P>Red eared: Prefers a pond to a tank, must have a rock or a platform which is easily accessible from the water, since the sunlight is a must for there shell to develop properly.
Mississippi mud turtle: Should be kept in a tank with a basking spot. A pond could be used but only in the middle of summer water temp should be at least 22-28 C*.
Common musk turtle: Should be kept in a pond or in a tank it should have a basking spot which should be easily accessible from the water. Preferable if there is a lot of weed in the pond.</P>
<P>Any tank needs constant cleaning, every owner should always remember that a terrapin is exothermic which, means it can’t generate it’s on heat and needs you to.</P>
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