Mississippi is home to 34 species of turtles. Aquatic and semi-aquatic turtles make up the largest group of these species and include the snapping turtles, smooth softshells, spiny softshells, Cooters, painted turtles, map turtles, mud and musk turtles, and diamondback terrapins. The state is also inhabited by terrestrial or box turtle species which include the…
There are over 356 different species of turtles in the world. And the United States is home to 20% of these species. Even better, the US boasts its position as a hotspot for turtle diversity and has the largest list of native turtle species than any other country. Some common turtles you’ll find are snapping…
Turtles are slow learners and are never in a hurry for anything. They’ll have the same attitude when you try to potty train them. Can you potty train a turtle? Yes, you can. But it’s obviously going to be a slow and laborious process. Potty training your turtle may take weeks, months, or even years….
The mysterious shell of turtles can hide a lot of truth. It could also hide their pregnancy. Pregnancy is hard to detect as turtles conceal their eggs under their shell. So how can you tell if a pet turtle is pregnant? If you know your turtle inside and out, you’ll notice changes in her behavior…
Turtles are omnivores by nature and make great pets for reptile lovers and fanatics. Frogs are also omnivores, and they also are low-maintenance pets who can live in an aquarium. However, can these two pets live together in one aquarium? So, can turtles and frogs live together? Yes, but only specific species of turtles and…
The nutritional requirement of a turtle can be broken down into carbohydrates, fat, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Among all the minerals, calcium plays an essential role in a turtle’s diet for the additional demand in its shell. Do turtles need calcium? Yes, turtles need calcium for the regular functioning of their shell, bones, and muscle…
In the past, scientists assumed turtles only saw things in greyscale. It’s now evident that they can see color and ultraviolet light too. However, does it mean they can see in the dark? So, can turtles see in the dark? Yes, turtles can see in the dark, but not as clearly as nocturnal animals. A…
Like other reptiles, turtles are ectothermic and depend on external sources to manage their body temperatures. In the wild, these sources include sunlight and heated surfaces like rocks. However, with the controlled temperatures in homes, you might wonder if heating is necessary for captive turtles. So, do turtles need a water heater? Yes, most turtle…
Like mammals, birds, and amphibians, turtles and other reptiles also have a larynx or voice box. However, unlike most animals, the larynx in turtles lacks vocal cords. This may trigger a question that if turtles can make sounds or not. Do turtles make sounds? Yes, Turtles can produce different sounds by removing air from their…
Turtles make excellent pets because, unlike furry pets, they require very little upkeep. However, this does not negate the need for turtles to live in a healthy environment. So, have you been wondering if your pet turtle needs a companion? Let’s take a look. Do turtles need a companion? No, they do not. Turtles are…
