13 Types of Turtles That Make Amazing Pets (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

 Introduction

Are you considering getting a turtle as a pet? You certainly won't be the only person! Turtles are incredibly popular reptiles found in homes worldwide. In fact, according to the American Pet Products Association roughly 2 million households in the United States alone own pet turtles! These wonderful creatures are not only fascinating, but they rarely require as much maintenance as dogs or cats, and they can live for decades when maintained properly!

But, finding a good pet turtle has it's challenges: not all turtles will make great pets, especially for a beginner. Some turtles require an advanced setup, special diets, and expert-sized care. This is what made us create a guide better suited for beginners with 13 types of turtles, all of which are suitable pets. Whether you're looking for a hardy pet and your first foray into reptile ownership, or a more exotic pet, we think this article is a good place to start!

Why Turtles Are Great Pets

Before we get into the points, let's take a look at why turtles can be a great pet to add to your home: 

Quiet – No barking, meowing, or chirping.

Long-lived – Many turtles live 20–50 years, and are lifelong companions.

Educational – Turtles teach children patience, responsibility, and respect for nature.

Character – Turtles have friendly dispositions and many interactive opportunities, even though they usually move at a slower pace. 

Variety – There is a turtle for everyone from colorful box turtles to sleek turtles.

13 Beginner-Friendly Turtle Species to Keep as Pets

1. Red-Eared Slider

The Red-Eared Slider, or Trachemys scripta elegans, is the most commonly kept and sold pet turtle in the world. They are easily recognized by their red markings near their ears. They are semi-aquatic turtles that are tough and easy to care for.

Size – 6–12 inches

Lifespan – 20–30 years

Care Needs – Large water enclosure with a basking area, UVB lighting, and the right diet which could include pellets, insects, and leafy greens.

Best For – Beginners who want an active and interactive turtle.

2. Painted Turtle

Painted turtles are small, colorful, and easy to take care of. They are among the most beginner-friendly turtles. 

Size – 4–10 inches

Lifespan – 20–25 years

Care Needs – Aquatic habitat with a basking spot and UVB light. Turtles enjoy a mixed diet which usually includes insects, pellets, and vegetables.

3. The Eastern Box Turtle

Box turtles are primarily terrestrial, in contrast to painted and slider turtles. They are very attractive due to their bright patterns and domed shells.

Dimensions: 4–7 inches

Lifespan: 30 to 40 years, with some people living to be 100!

Care requirements include a shallow water dish, soil substrate, humidity control, and a varied diet that includes greens, worms, and fruits.

Ideal For: Owners who have room for a habitat on land.

4. The Western Painted Turtle

The western variety of the turtle, which is closely related to the common painted turtle, is valued for its vivid orange and yellow markings on the plastron (underside).

Dimensions: 6 to 8 inches

Life expectancy: 25–30 years

Care requirements include clean water, a UVB lamp, and an aquatic setup with a swimming area.

Ideal For: Novices seeking a vibrant aquatic turtle.

5. Mississippi Map Turtle

The Mississippi Map Turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica kohni), is known for the "map-like" lines on the turtle's shell, and is also an excellent option for beginners.

Size Range: 5–10 inches

Average Lifespan: 20–25 years

Basic Care Needs: Clean water, basking dock, UVB light, an overall diet of insects, pellets, and greens.

Best For: Owners wishing to have an aquatic turtle that stands apart with its appearance.

6. Spotted Turtle

The Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata), is another small turtle species with distinguishable yellow spots on the turtle's shell; this species is specialized for one aspect of care being they need to be kept in a smaller area. 

Size Range: 3–5 inches

Average Lifespan: 25–30 years

Basic Care Needs: Semi-aquatic; shallow water area, and plenty of land.

Best For: A small turtle that is simple to care for.

7. The Reeve's Turtle

The Reeve's Turtle, or Chinese Pond Turtle, is an easy to care for, docile species.

Size: 4-9 inches

Lifespan: 20-25 years

Care: With protein, a basking lamp, and an aquarium.

Best for: New reptile owners looking for a robust turtle.

8. The Yellow-Bellied Slider

Yellow-Bellied Sliders have bright yellow plastrons, are ble to the red-eared slider.

Size: 8-12 inches

Lifespan: 25-30 years

Care: Mixed diet, UVB light, large tank, and water filtration.

Best for: Family looking for a long-lived and active turtle.

9. The Wood Turtle

The wood turtle is famous for its distinctive sculpted shells. The love both land and water, and are semi-aquatic.

Size: 6-9 inches

Lifespan: 40-50 years

10. The Cooter Turtle 

Many people confuse cooters which are larger turtles that live in water with sliders. They swim a lot and are fun to observe. 

Size: 9 to 16 inches 

Life span: 25 to 40 years 

A meet diet, UVB lighting and large aquarium or pond set up is required to take care of them. 

Ideal for: Turtle lovers with a lot of tank space. 

11. The Common Musk Turtle, aka Musk Turtle 

Musk Turtles are small, tough, and easy to take care of. They smell like musk when they are scared (and that is why they are often called - Stinkpot Turtles). 

Size: 3 to 5 inches 

Life span: 30 to 50 years 

An omnivorous diet, shallow water set up, and a basking light are required to care for them. 

Best for: Apartment living or limited space.

12. The African Sideneck Turtle

The African Sideneck Turtle's name refers to the way it pulls its head sideways into its shell rather than directly into it.

Dimensions: 8–12 inches

Life expectancy: 20–30 years

UVB lights, a warm basking area, and an aquatic tank are necessary for care.

Ideal For: Individuals seeking an unusual and exotic pet.

13. Terrapin Diamondback

The Diamondback Terrapin is renowned for its eye-catching skin and shell patterns. They are both tough and pretty.

Dimensions: 6 to 9 inches

Life expectancy: 25–40 years

Care requirements include habitat in salty (caskish) water and extra attention to diet.

Ideal For: Novices who would spend money on a well-equipped habitat.

Tips on Properly Caring of Pet Turtles

These general care instructions can be applied irrespective of the species you choose: It is important to buy a UVB lamp to ensure shell health and calcium absorption. Provide them with a sunbathing area since turtles have to dry and regulate their body temperature. Maintain water quality with the help of a potent filter Offer a variety of food with protein sources, fruits, vegetables, and pellets. To reduce stress, handle with care and avoid excessive handling.

Conclusion

Turtles make wonderful pets to first-time owners who desire a peaceful, interesting, and long-lived pet. Whether you want the ever-popular Red-Eared Slider or the small Musk Turtle, there is a species to fit every lifestyle and commitment level.

If you are willing to take one of these wonderful reptiles home, research, prepare the proper habitat, and be ready to have a lifetime companion. When taken care of, your turtle will live long and be a valued member of your family.

FAQs

1. What is the easiest turtle to keep?

The Red-Eared Slider is usually suggested because it is hardy, readily available and easy to take care of.

2. What is the life span of of a pet turtle?

The average life span of pet turtles is 20-40 years, although some species can live more than 50 years.

3. Do turtles require a lot of space?

Yes. Aquatic turtles require big tanks to swim in whereas box turtles require big land enclosures.

4. Can turtles be kept with fish in the same tank?

It is not advisable- turtles can eat or hurt fish. A distinct turtle habitat is preferable

5. Do turtles hibernate in captivity?

Certain species brumate (a reptile form of hibernation), but in indoor conditions, this is not usually necessary.