The quality of the water in the tank is important to create a healthy environment for the softshell turtle.
Florida softshell turtle baby care.
In the wild they are strong carnivores preferring crayfish snails mussels frogs and assorted worms and insects.
The florida softshell turtles are cute smart and fun pets to have.
Naturally occurring out of southeastern united states ranging from alabama georgia south carolina and florida.
Most importantly they can grow to be quite large so it s important to know how to care for them.
Watching soft shelled turtles feed can be a fascinating and exciting event.
Because of their complex care needs softshell turtles usually aren t recommended for beginners.
Florida softshell turtle care.
If you think a softshell turtle is a good fit for you get your turtle from a reputable breeder or rescue organization that can provide information on its origin and health.
Photo by tim.
Choosing your softshell turtle.
There are many different kinds of soft shelled turtles.
These turtles can also become very large and sometimes they can be aggressive towards other turtles and humans.
They can however make excellent pets if you know what to expect and how to handle it.
A large female can lay two clutches each year totaling as many as 70 eggs.
Here are some highlights.
Be sure to provide a basking dock heat and uvb lighting.
Live or pre killed fish insects and worms as well as commercial fish and turtle pellets are all appropriate fare for soft shelled turtles.
The baby softshell turtle is one of the hardest turtles to keep as a pet.
They do not reach sexual maturity until eight years.
The florida soft shelled turtle apalone ferox is a large species females to 20 inches males smaller that is quite prolific.
Expect to pay between 50 and 150 on average.
Florida softshell turtle.
With proper care these turtles can live 20 30 years in captivity.
They re highly animated feeders and nearly any edible material plunked into the tank will be eagerly devoured by a softshell.
A newborn is about the size of a half dollar give or take and a healthy baby grows very gradually.
Some haev been know to eat some vegetation.
Soft shelled turtles require a very particular habitat and regular diligent care.
The florida softshell turtle can grow over two feet and the weight can reach up to 40 pounds which means that if it is the breed that you plan to have as a pet you need to choose a large aquarium.