Spotted Turtle

Spotted Turtles are one of the prettiest of all the North American turtles. Most are jet black with a few or many bright yellow spots. Breeders like to work with turtles that have more, and or bigger spots. Once acclimated, this very intelligent species is extremely personable, comes to feeding and is very active and rewarding for keepers.

Spotteds are tricky to work with. In order to thrive, their water mustn't be chlorinated, and is better when the PH is more acidic, they need a high protein diet that includes: worms, fish, pellets, insects and some plants, they need cool water, and good basking opportunities. Very good basking bulbs will work in during times when outside keeping is not possible, but natural sunlight is key for this species' success. Breeding sized males will drown females in deep water, so keeping the sexes separate most of the time keeps stress levels down.

Spotted Turtle populations have come out on the short end of interaction with man for some time now. Habitat destruction, road kills, over collecting, pollution and higher racoon populations all have led to the protection of this species through out their natural range. Only through the efforts of breeders is this species available for keepers. Our captive born Spotted Turtles can only be shipped to states that they occur naturally in (Maine south to Georgia, west to Illinois) if the recipient has obtained the proper state permit. Non range states are fine to ship to.

Anyone who's ever kept Spotteds will tell you that this is one of the most delightful and enjoyable of all species to keep - and is well worth the effort to set up and maintain properly.