Just as different types of dogs have varied needs, turtles also have distinctive requirements according to their kind. All the turtles that you can find all over the world have shells but that’s probably the only thing that they have in common. For you to be able to take care of your pet, you will want to first identify which kind of turtle you have. There are all sorts of ways to identify which kind of turtle you have with you and you don’t have to be a zoologist to properly determine your pet’s species.
There are several identifying points that can help you identify which kind of turtle you have obtained. These markings differ across various species of turtles making it easier even for novice pet owners to notice them. Your local pet shop can also help you identify which kind of turtle you found and prescribe a specific way of taking care of it.
Size
The best way through which to start to identify which kind of turtle is through its size. Snapping turtles and leatherback turtles are relatively larger than most of their kind. There are also turtles that will stay small for the rest of their lives such as the painted turtles and box turtles. To identify which kind of turtle many taxonomists use size as a starting point.
Shell
One of the many distinctive traits that will help you identify which kind of turtle you have is the shell. The shell’s color also varies across different species. Some turtles have olive-colored shells, some have green ones and there are also those that have spots or painted markings on them. The painted turtle, for instance, has beautiful painted designs on its shell and underside. By looking at the shell you can easily identify which kind of turtle you have or at least have a good idea what it is. The shape of the shell should also be able to give you a head start.
Neck
Another way to identify which kind of turtle you have is by looking at its neck. There are turtles that have relatively longer necks. Box turtles, for instance have long necks that stretch far out of their shells. A snapping turtle, on the other hand, has a neck so short that it could not go outside the shell. The neck is a part of the turtle that should also give you a better idea on the type of turtle you’re taking care of. Special markings are also found in this body part.
Appendages
If your turtle has flippers instead of feet, you probably have a sea turtle. Look at your pet’s appendages to find out what kind of turtle you have. Aquatic turtles have webbed feet while land turtles don’t have flippers. If your turtle’s toes are not webbed, make sure not to place it in water because it’s highly possible that it won’t be able to swim. Not many land turtles can actually swim.
It’s important for you to identify which kind of turtle you have for you to be able to give it the right kind of attention it requires. There are over 300 species of turtles but thankfully, each one of these kinds have their own special markings to help you tell one from the other.
Pet Turtle Care Tip #1
Turtles are members of the Reptile family and they are some of the oldest living creatures on the planet. They have been around for more than two hundred million years. This makes them as old as the dinosaurs. There are hundreds of different kinds of turtles all over the planet.
Pet Turtle Care Tip #2
Sea turtles are the most popular of all of the turtles. These are also some of the largest creatures—some sea turtles can grow to more than six feet in length and weigh hundreds of pounds. Scientists think that sea turtles are actually land creatures that went back into the water and never came out. Over time their limbs evolved to make them stronger swimmers and to keep them in the water: their front appendages are actually flippers.
Pet Turtle Care Tip #3
All turtles, even sea turtles, are air breathing creatures. While some turtles can stay under the water for hours at a time, they all must surface at least once a day to stay alive. There is one turtle, the giant turtle that only has to surface once a day to take in air. There are some studies being done to see if some species of turtle might be able to draw oxygen from their cells much like some fish use their gills to breathe.
