Map turtles for sale

Map turtles for sale

baby map turtles for sale

Map turtles are perhaps one of the most specialized groups of turtles in North America. Unlike most water turtles, maps have a very unique body structure.  Map turtles feature a keeled, serrated carapace, and large, broad forelimbs and paddle-like rear feet. Map and sawback turtles are very distinct and highly evolved.

map turtle for sale online

Also, because of their very specialized adaptations, they have specific requirements as far as setting up their habitats or terrariums properly.  Once set up properly, a map turtle tank can be a beautiful display.

species of map turtles

We have a variety of map turtles for sale, including the Mississippi map turtle for sale, as well as the geographic map turtle for sale.

Map Turtle habitat

Map turtles are water turtles for sale that spends the majority of its time swimming and the rest of the time eating and basking on a dry rock in the sun. The care of map turtles is much more like a fish than a lizard in that they need a tank almost entirely filled with water in addition to the reptile lighting set up.

Water quality and the map turtle

Water quality is very important aquatic turtles for sale, that spend the majority of their life swimming. Dirty or unclean water can cause a number of health complications and other issues. High end and efficient turtle filters are a must for any water turtle habitat to keep the water clean, clear, and free of odors. Submersible pump style filtration, and canister filters are some of the better options for clean water.  Filters normally run non-stop, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Map turtle swimming space

Once fully mature, baby map turtles need plenty of swimming space.  Normally a 75-gallon aquarium will do the trick for one to 2 turtles.  It is thought that female map turtles require a slightly larger habitat or tank.  Substrate can be gravel, built up with large rocks to create a faux beach on one side of the habitat.  A beach also provides a basking area and dry docking station.  Basking is not only important for the UVB absorption.  Basking for your map turtle also provides their shell time to dry, preventing fungus or shell rot. A variety of floating docks and islands for your maps are available here at the turtle store.

Mississippi Map Turtle Diet

In the wild, Map turtles eat insects, crustaceans, and fish. When fed in captivity, avoid feeding fattier foods. Best case scenario is a high quality water turtle food or pellet.  Honestly, the majority of their diet should be plant based turtle pellets as they are cheap, efficient and work great.

Like most species of water turtle, Map turtles eat their food while swimming. Aquatic turtle pellets are a good staple diet for map turtles, maps also enjoy fresh leafy vegetables and greens. Dark, leafier greens like dandelion greens, or romaine, and fresh parsley may be placed floating on the water a few days weekly for the maps to eat. Freshly cut apples, even dried shrimp may be fed as treats.  Regardless, treats should not make up a large percentage of your maps total food intake.

Mississippi Map Turtle UVB Lighting

UVB lighting should be provided for 10- to 12 hours per day.  We recommend a 10% or 10.0 UVB lamp.  Higher end lamps like a t5 high output are much better to use than screw in coiled lamps.  UVB lamps need to be replaced every six months since UVB rays expire before the visible white light does. If you are keeping your new baby map turtles for sale outside you do not need to worry about UVB.  For indoor map turtle for sale habitats, using full spectrum UVA/UVB lighting and supplemental heat lights are 100%  necessary.

Map turtle water temperature

Map turtles don’t need extremely warm temperatures but they do seem to me most active when temperatures are above 80 degrees.   Temperatures below 70 degrees will result in your map acting much less active, even lethargic.  If temperatures fall below 60 will cause your map to look to hibernate. Unless you are going to allow your maps to hibernate, turtles that are housed outside in warmer months should be brought inside.  Bringing them in to a warmer environment when the outside temperature drops will prevent them from hibernating.

Map Turtle Health concerns

Baby Map turtles are relatively easy to care for with the proper setup and diet. Maps can run into some health issues.  To keep your map in optimal health, it is recommended that you trim their nails every 6 months or so.  It is not necessary but some do recommend it.

Without proper UVB lighting and calcium from the turtle pellets, map turtles will develop metabolic bone disease and shell deformities. If you suspect your turtle has a health issue, get him in to see a vet as soon as possible.

Keep your water clean.  Using a good filtration system is key. If water quality is a problem, your turtle can get skin, shell rot, and even ear infections. To remove algae from your turtle’s shell or skin, using a soft toothbrush works well. Ear infections, while not common are easily distinguished by a lump on the ear area.  Unfortunately, these may require anti-biotic treatment.  All of our adult and baby turtles for sale, come with our full health guarantee. Be sure to check out all of the other turtles for sale here at the turtle store.

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