eastern painted turtle care - Noah's Ark Pets
Common Name: Eastern Painted Turtle
Scientific Name: Chrysemys p. belli
Adult Size: 7 to 10 inches
The Painted Turtle is a very hardy species. They are distributed all around North America, into Canada and Mexico. The Eastern Painted Turtle is found southeast of Canada to New England, Georgia, and Alabama. The Eastern Painted Turtle is semi aquatic, so provide it with a setup in which it can easily crawl onto a land portion from the water portion.
Captive Environment: Successful permanent maintenance requires a moderately sized aquarium (30-60 gallon). A screen lid is essential for proper air exchange. Use sand or gravel for substrates. Landscape to provide basking and drying areas for the turtle with branches, logs, rocks & plants.
LIGHTING:
Full-Spectrum lighting that emits UVB is a must for captive reptiles. Reptiles depend on ultra-violet light to synthesize vitamin D3, which regulates calcium absorption in the intestine. The light should be positioned less than 18" from your pet for maximum effect. Glass blocks ultraviolet light, and air circulation, therefore it should never be used as a top for the enclosure. A 12- hour day/ night lighting cycle is a good start for your pet reptile. Using a timer is the best way to ensure that the proper amount of light is received.
TEMPERATURE:
Provide a water temperature of between 76-78ºF with a basking area of high 80's to low 90's .Use a submersible heater to maintain water temperature. Use spotlights for basking heat red, night bulbs or a ceramic heating element should be used to maintain day / night light cycle. Always use a thermometer to ensure proper temperature range is maintained.
FOOD:
The painted turtle's diet consists of feeder fish, insects, snails, crayfish, slugs, tadpoles, and dark leafy greens (such as kale, collard greens, mustard greens, etc.). Some individuals will also eat prepared foods such as aquatic turtle pellets and canned turtle food.
WATER:
Maintain 4" - 8" of de-chlorinated water. Change water with a gravel siphon frequently to remove detritus. Use an aquarium filter to help maintain water quality. Clean filter pads often and replace them monthly.
NOTE: This care sheet is a general guide, to learn more about your pet consult a book about it.
