Musk turtle: husbandry, profile and food
The Common Musk Turtle is a small aquatic turtle whose natural habitat extends over large parts of eastern North America. The Musk Turtle is considered an uncomplicated pet and can be kept in an aquaterrarium or a garden pond depending on the season.
Musk Turtle Profile
- Scientific Name: Sternotherus odoratus
- Size: 7.5 to 14 cm (shell length)
- Weight: 150 to 300 g
- Age: approximately 50 years
- Distribution: eastern North America
- Habitat: stagnant and slow-flowing freshwater
- Keeping: in an aquaterrarium, possible to keep in a garden pond during the summer
- Diet: insects, snails, mosquito larvae, fish, mussels, minimal plant matter
- Behavior: crepuscular
- Hibernation: yes, approximately two months
Appearance of the Musk Turtle
The Musk Turtle is a small species of aquatic turtle. Its shell can reach a maximum length of 14 centimeters, but in most cases, the turtles only grow to around 10 centimeters. The weight of the Musk Turtle ranges from 150 to just under 300 grams. There is no noticeable sexual dimorphism, so male and female individuals generally reach similar sizes.
Musk Turtles have a dark gray, dark brown, or black dorsal shell without markings. However, young turtles may have dark spots. The shell is rather elongated and narrow with a smooth curvature.
The small, cruciform plastron can have different colors, ranging from completely black to light beige. The legs and head of the Musk Turtle can exhibit various shades between light gray and black. Additionally, the turtles have two yellow stripes on the sides of their heads.
The color of the Musk Turtle's skin changes throughout its life, and the stripes tend to fade significantly in older individuals, sometimes even disappearing completely.
Habitat of the Musk Turtle
The natural habitat of the Musk Turtle extends over large parts of the eastern region of North America. It is found from Florida to the southern border of Canada and as far west as Texas and Wisconsin.
Musk Turtles prefer slow-flowing bodies of water with sandy bottoms. These freshwater turtles inhabit rivers, canals, swampy areas, ponds, and lakes, where they usually stay in shallow water.
Musk Turtles spend most of their time in the water and only occasionally venture out to bask. They are surprisingly adept climbers and often settle on fallen branches and overturned trees.
Keeping Musk Turtles
Keeping Musk Turtles is straightforward. Even for adult turtles, a tank with a base area of 100 x 50 centimeters is sufficient. However, it is important to provide adequate hiding places and structure within the tank.
The water depth should be about 20 to 30 centimeters, and the water temperature should be around 28 degrees Celsius. It can be slightly lower at night. Musk Turtles are good swimmers, but they should always have the option to climb out of the water.
Since Musk Turtles spend most of their time in the water, the land area theoretically does not need to be very large. However, to allow for nocturnal explorations, it is beneficial to provide a more generous land area. For female turtles, it is also important to provide a suitable place for egg-laying.
A heat lamp should be used during the day to adequately heat the land area of the aquaterrarium. The duration of lighting should be adjusted according to the seasons.
Keeping Musk Turtles in a Garden Pond
Musk Turtles can be transferred to a garden pond between May and October. Just like in the aquaterrarium, it is important to have a gently sloping shoreline in the pond so that the turtles can easily access land for basking. Additionally, the water depth should not exceed 25 centimeters significantly. Considering the climbing ability of Musk Turtles, it is necessary to adequately fence the outdoor enclosure.
Diet of the Musk Turtle
Musk Turtles primarily feed on animal matter, with plant-based food being rare in their diet. Their preferred food sources include insects, mosquito larvae, snails, fish, and mussels.
Feeding your Musk Turtle with a high-quality turtle food from our range ensures balanced and needs-based nutrition without any problems.
Lifespan of the Musk Turtle
With proper care, Musk Turtles typically live for over 50 years. Therefore, if you choose to acquire this turtle species, you should be aware that it entails a commitment for several decades.
Hibernation for the Musk Turtle
Except for turtles in the southernmost part of their range, all wild Musk Turtles undergo a period of winter dormancy. Therefore, hibernation is also important for pet Musk Turtles. The hibernation period should start in November and last for approximately two months. Overwintering in a refrigerator is possible and helps maintain constant temperatures.
Reproduction and Breeding of the Musk Turtle
Musk Turtles primarily reproduce in April and May, as well as in September and October. Females can lay two to four clutches per year, with each clutch containing one to five eggs. In some cases, a clutch may contain up to ten eggs.
In captivity, male and female Musk Turtles should only be housed together for mating and then separated again. Otherwise, males tend to constantly harass females, causing significant stress for them.
After fertilization, it takes about a month for the female Musk Turtle to lay her eggs. The incubation period is approximately 70 days, but it can vary depending on the prevailing temperatures.
Buying a Musk Turtle
Before purchasing a Musk Turtle, it is important to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the requirements of this turtle species. After all, you want to ensure that the reptile lacks nothing in its new home.
Also, consider that these turtles can live for about 50 years. Acquiring a Musk Turtle entails a long-term commitment, so the decision to purchase should not be taken lightly.
Leave your comment