So you are thinking of becoming a turtle owner! You’ve read all the books you can read. He has asked veterinarians and turtle breeders for information on how to provide proper care. Your only concern now is this: Which type should you buy?

As a prospective owner, it is not recommended that you start with types of tortoises that are difficult to care for. This will not be good for you or the pet. You can expose yourself and your family to disease and unnecessarily harm or even kill your turtle. So, to prevent problems, you need to know the best types of tortoises to select as common household pets. What are the most popular pet turtles?

Check this list…

1. Slider Turtles

Found in the southeastern United States, red-eared sliders are the most popular among pet turtles. They love to bask on logs and riverbanks and tend to slip into the water whenever they feel danger (hence their name). Red-eared sliders can be very docile, but they also bite. They grow up to 12 inches, so they require very large tanks or an outdoor pond. Most red-eared sliders are carnivorous when young; but they become herbivorous as they grow.

2. Box Turtles

Growing to about six inches long, box turtles are found throughout the world in moist areas, such as forests. They are one of the favorite turtles to have as pets. They can’t be placed in too much direct sunlight, so prepare a shaded area for them. Box turtles also hibernate in the winter and require a separate area with sources of moisture, such as dirt and leaves. Box turtles have tall, dark, domed shells that allow them to fully protect themselves from predators.

3. Painted Turtles

Painted turtles are generally small, growing to only four to seven inches in length, and make excellent pet turtles. They are the most common terrapins in North America, found in the wild throughout Canada and south to Georgia and Louisiana in the United States. They have dark shells, fairly flat on top, with red markings around the edges, yellow stripes on their heads, and red and yellow stripes on their necks, tails, and legs. His shell is completely yellow. Captive-bred painted turtles need a diet of approximately 25% meat, 20% turtle pellets, and the remainder fresh greens and vegetables.

4. Mud Turtles

As their name suggests, mud turtles are frequently found in muddy areas; but they also reside in other moist areas, as well as in sandy habitats. Reaching about five inches in length, they require sunlight and fresh water in their living areas. These turtles, which remain inactive during the winter, dig deep holes in the mud during their hibernation period. After choosing from this list, head to your nearest pet breeders, animal shelters, rescue centers, or pet stores to purchase your pet turtle. However, if you buy from pet stores, be careful. You have to know if the turtles are captive bred or have lived in the wild. Captive bred tortoises are highly recommended for pet tortoises. Those turtles that have come from the wild may not be healthy.