Red Bellied Terrapin
(Pseudemys rubriventris)
Distribution
The Red Bellied Terrapin, is also known as the Eastern or the Northern Red Bellied Turtle. There are currently two subspecies recognized and these are Northern Red Bellied Cooter (
Pseudemys rubriventris rubriventris) and Plymouth Red Bellied Turtle (
Pseudemys rubriventris bangsi). In the wild this species occurs in aquatic habitats from New Jersey down to Northeastern North Carolina and Eastern Massachusetts.
Prior to getting this species research as much as possible and if possible spend time with a current keeper to see if this is the species for you, it is also worth joining your local reptile society/group as they will be able to give you hints and tips (and you may be able to do the same for them).
Size
These creatures start off being the size of a ten pence coin. This species of turtle can reach sizes of up to 15.7”, although the average is 10” to 12.5”. It is best to point out that these reptiles do not grow to the size of their enclosure like some fish do, they will carry on growing, so be prepared to house adults of the maximum size rather than small terrapins forever.
Diet
When choosing their food try to avoid fatty foods, especially large quantities of red meat as this may cause digestive problems later in life. Recommendations: - earthworms (not blood worms), white bait, sprats, broad leaf watercress, prawns in their shell, snails, raw rabbit, chicken and turkey, crab sticks, cockles, spiders, dead mice and pinkies, kidney and liver. Terrapins do eat more vegetation as they mature so offering a variety of salad plants and the occasional fruit helps to get more vitamins and minerals into their diet. It is advised to feed terrapins in a separate feeding tank in order to reduce the excrement and food left in their house.
Requirements
- Heat Source: - For the water, a thermostatically controlled water heater will be required. For the basking area, a guarded reflector (spot lamp) will be required. This basking lamp should be turned off at night.
- UV Light Source: - Terrapins require a Reptisun 5.0 light. This should be left on for 8 to 12 hours a day and replaced every 6 months unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer. It should be positioned no more than 30cm away from the terrapins basking area to have optimum effect and not be placed behind glass shelves in aquariums. In larger surface mounted ponds/greenhouse style enclosures the new UV power bulbs are an excellent source of UVB and heat. Care should be taken with animals with unpigmented eyes (ie albino, amelanistic) as strong UV rays can damage their eyes.
- Filtration: - This is important to reduce foul smells and to keep the water clean. You would be well advised to buy either a large internal filter or an external filter to help cope with the water quality, an American keeper recently recommended the combined use of an under gravel filter and a normal canister filter. It is up to the keeper in the long term as to which filtration they find works best for them. But the Fluval/Magnum filters seem to be the best at the moment.
- Land areas: - Two land areas should be available to your terrapins. One area should be for basking and have a heat source above it. The other area should be away from the heat source, to allow the terrapin to regulate its body temperature. Underwater hides can be built under the land areas. It should be noted that female terrapins are chicken layers and will often produce infertile eggs even without a male being present. Therefore a nest site at least thirty centimeters deep consisting of soil and sand mix should be provided in order to prevent possible egg retention problems.
- Housing - Terrapins grow very fast and can outgrow a small fish tank in no time. It is often far cheaper to go for a larger tank in the first place. For two adult terrapins a 150cm (5 foot) tank would be sufficient. Indoor pools are also suitable for terrapins. Outdoor pools can be used in the hot summer months but the terrapins should always be brought inside on chilly nights and during the colder months. For larger numbers of terrapins a converted greenhouse/shed with built in pond can be a useful alternative. Care should be taken with a pond of this size to ensure that a drain is fitted in the pond to save on cleaning time. The last option is one of the better options as it does allow natural behaviours to occur that would otherwise be inhibited.
Temperature
The water temperature should be in the region of 22 - 25°C (72 - 75°F) and should be maintained using a thermostatically controlled water heater. A basking area should be available with the temperature ranging from 28 - 31°C (82 - 86°F).
Longevity
If kept under the proper conditions Terrapins can live for up to 40 years although their life spans in captivity are usually around 30 years.
Gender
Small hatchlings are very difficult to sex with accuracy. However, mature males are often smaller than the females and develop long claws on their front legs in comparison to that of a female. The tail of the male is also a lot wider and longer than that of the female.
NB – Distribution Map and photograph can be found on http://emys.geo.orst.edu/cgi-bin/singlespecies.plx .
Recommended Reading/Useful Contacts
Exotic Animal Welfare Trust –
peter@exoticanimals.fsnet.co.uk
Stuart Dodsworth –
stuartandlynette@dodsworth2005.wanadoo.co.uk
The International Herpetological Society –
www.international-herp-society.co.uk
The British Herpetological Society –
www.thebhs.org
Taxonomy Information –
http://srs.embl-heidelberg.de:8000/srs5bin/cgi-bin/wgetz?-e+[REPTILIA-Species:'Pseudemys_SP_rubriventris']
Tortoise Trust –
www.tortoisetrust.org
BCG – British Chelonia Group –
http://www.britishcheloniagroup.org.uk/
www.chelonia.org
www.reptilekeeper.co.uk
http://emys.geo.orst.edu/cgi-bin/singlespecies.plx
Linear Mode
