Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Turtles > turtle

turtle

22 15:57:07

Question
how do I figure out what gender my turtle is and what kind of turtle

Answer
Sexing:  http://www.chelonia.org/sexing/sexing_Chrysemys_picta.htm.  You can't sex immature turtles, however.

As far as what species, if you got it from someone else or from a pet store, go back and ask.  If it's a wild turtle, take it back to where you found it and let it go in a safe area.  Wild turtles belong in the wild, and the chances of it doing well in captivity, especially if you're not already an experienced keeper, aren't as high as they would be for a captive bred turtle.  Turtles require large tanks, special equipment (filter and UVB lighting), and a good, varied diet, so if you're interested in having a turtle it would be a good idea to do research beforehand so you know what you're getting into both in terms of time and money.

More information:

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/care.htm
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/waterquality.htm
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/housing.htm