Learn about different types of turtles & how to care for them
Turtles are a type of reptile. There are many, many different types of turtles. In the simplest terms, turtles can be broken up into 3 main sections: Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapins.
In the US, these are all commonly referred to as “turtles” in general, whereas in other parts of the world there may be a slight distinction. The most common turtles which are kept as pets are Russian Tortoises, Spur-thighed tortoises and Red-eared Sliders.
All of these turtles have typical turtle dietary requirements. Read our page on what do turtles eat for more information.
You may ask yourself
- Are they all Reptiles?
- Are they all hard-shelled?
- Are they all cold-blooded?
- Do they all lay eggs?
Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapins are all part of the Chelonian reptile family and are related
The main difference to note between Turtles and Tortoises is that Turtles are omnivores that live in the sea and Tortoises are herbivores that live on land.
Terrapins are a small omnivores turtle that live in brackish water (Brackish is a term to describe waters which are salt water and fresh water mixed together).
- Omnivore – An omnivore is an animal that has the ability to eat and survive on both plants and animals. Obtaining energy and nutrients from plant and animal matter, omnivores digest carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber.
- Herbivore – A herbivore is an animal that only eats plants, for example foliage or marine algae, for the main component of its diet.
Turtle Care & Information Guides
- Red Eared Slider As A Pet: A Complete Care Guide
The Red eared slider is a cute little turtle that can make a great pet. They can also live two - Midland Painted Turtles: A Complete Care Guide
The Midland painted turtle is a beautiful and interesting pet, but it will require plenty of special care and attention - How To Care For A Southern Painted Turtle
The Southern Painted Turtle is a stunning animal that makes for a truly interesting pet. It does take specialist care, - Eastern Box Turtle Care: A Beginners Guide
The Eastern box turtle makes a great pet. They’re cute, interesting and live for so long you can make a - The Musk Turtle: A Beginners Care Guide
The musk turtle is a popular choice for reptile lovers hoping to adopt a more unusual pet. They are cute - The Ultimate Painted Turtle Care Guide
The painted turtle is a popular pet choice for reptile lovers, but it does take some specialist care to ensure - The Essential Guide To Caring For The Box Turtle
Thinking of getting a box turtle? They are very cute, but they also require specialist care to make sure they - Sulcata Tortoise: The Ultimate Care Guide
Of all the different turtles and tortoises in the world, the Sulcata tortoise (or African spurred tortoise) is the most - The Map Turtle: A Complete Care Guide
The map turtle is a popular turtle type to keep as a pet, showcasing interesting behaviours and a really cool - What Do Leatherback Turtles Eat?
What Do Leatherback Turtles Eat? What begs the question however, is just how such a large animal survives on a - The Essential Guide To Keeping The Alligator Snapping Turtle As A Pet
There are only two types of snapping turtles in the entire world, the alligator snapping turtle and the common snapping - Do Sharks Eat Turtles?
Do Sharks Eat Turtles? If you have ever wondered if sharks attack turtles then you are not alone, this is - Turtles Life Cycle
Sea Turtle Life Cycle A turtle’s life cycle begins as the mother turtle lays her eggs. Sea turtles lay their - Swimming with the Leatherback Turtle
With what is likely to be one of the most terrifying mouths in nature, the Leatherback Turtle is unfortunately in - The Difference Between Turtle And Tortoise And Terrapins
Turtle, Tortoise or Terrapins? What’s the difference between turtle and tortoise and terrapins? We’ve all heard the terms used, and there are - How Long Do Green Sea Turtles Live
How Long Do Green Sea Turtles Live Green sea turtles Live to over 80 years in the wild. The green - How Many Leatherback Turtles Are Left In The World?
Leatherback turtles Leatherback turtles are a species of turtle characterized by their lack of a bony shell and their distinct - Painted Turtle Pet – What To Feed A Painted Turtle
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