Chicken Turtle Care For Beginners [Comprehensive Handbook]

So you want a chicken turtle? Good choice! These little aquatic weirdos are way cooler than their boring name suggests.

The chicken turtle (Deirochelys reticularia) is a turtle native to the southeastern United States.

Don’t let the name fool you – they’re not made of chicken, they don’t taste like chicken, and they definitely don’t lay eggs like chickens.

The name probably comes from their extremely long neck that looks like it belongs on a farmyard bird.

Here’s the thing nobody tells you about chicken turtles: they’re basically the introverts of the turtle world.

While other turtles are out there basking all day like they’re at a beach resort, chicken turtles prefer to spend most of their time in the water doing their own thing.

What Makes Chicken Turtles Special?

The Long Neck Situation

Chicken turtles are characterized by their extremely long neck and distinctive net-like pattern on their upper shell. This neck is so ridiculously long that it’s like nature decided to give a turtle a snake accessory.

It’s not just for show either – that neck lets them grab food while staying mostly hidden underwater.

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The Vanishing Act Masters

Here’s where chicken turtles get really weird. Nearly all males and some females leave the wetland each fall to spend the winter buried in the forest.

They literally peace out for winter like they’re heading to Florida for retirement.

Plot twist! During drought this species aestivates in uplands rather than migrating to other wetlands.

When their pond dries up, instead of finding another pond like sensible turtles, they just… disappear into the woods and take a dirt nap until things get better.

Size Matters (But Not How You Think)

Females are usually larger than males. It ranges from 4 to 9 inches (10-22.5 cm) in carapace length. Females much larger than males. So if you want a bigger turtle, hope for a girl!

Legal Stuff (The Boring But Important Part)

Before we get to the fun stuff, let’s talk legality. This is super important because getting in trouble with wildlife officials is about as fun as a root canal.

The Wild-Caught Problem

Many native, wild-caught turtles are still sold as pets, even though this practice is illegal in Indiana. This applies to most states. To protect turtles, the law prohibits the removal of some species from the wild.

Bottom line: Only buy captive-bred chicken turtles from reputable breeders. All turtles and tortoises you obtain must come with a receipt to show proof that the animal came from a source where it was bred in captivity.

State Regulations Vary Like Crazy

The law does not differentiate between wild-caught and captive-bred animals in some states, while others have specific permit requirements.

You’ll need to check your local laws because turtle regulations are more confusing than assembling IKEA furniture.

Pro tip: Contact your state’s wildlife department before buying. It’s way less embarrassing than explaining to a conservation officer why you didn’t do your homework.

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Setting Up Your Chicken Turtle’s Home

Tank Size (Bigger Is Always Better)

Large tank, plastic pond, or other container of water kept clean with proper filtration and cleaning. Think of it this way – would you want to live in a closet your whole life? Neither does your turtle.

As a rule of thumb, an aquatic turtle needs about 10 gallons of tank space for every inch of their body length. For a 6-inch chicken turtle, that’s 60 gallons minimum. And that’s just the starting point.

Water Requirements

Water temp 72 – 80F. This isn’t negotiable – cold water makes turtles sluggish and unhappy. The water in an aquatic turtle’s enclosure should be maintained at 75 F with an aquatic heater.

Water quality is everything. A high-quality filtration system is essential for any aquatic turtle’s habitat. Get a filter that can process all the tank water at least four times per hour.

For example, a tank that has 40 gallons of water needs an aquarium filter with a flow rate of at least 160 gallons per hour (GPH).

The Basking Area (Their Personal Beach)

Dry basking area with temp of up to 90F with unfiltered sunlight or UV light during daytime. Even though chicken turtles are less into basking than other species, they still need that option.

Aquatic turtles require exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light to produce vitamin D in their skin, which is essential for absorbing dietary calcium and maintaining healthy bones and shells.

It’s important to provide your aquatic turtle with 10–12 hours of UV light daily.

Feeding Your Chicken Turtle (They’re Picky Eaters)

The Carnivore Life

Here’s where chicken turtles get interesting – The species is carnivorous throughout life and feeds principally on aquatic insects and crayfish, and occasionally amphibian larvae.

Unlike other turtles that become veggie lovers as adults, chicken turtles stay meat eaters forever.

What to Feed

Feed turtle or trout chow, or fish or insects, plus dark, leafy greens or safe aquatic plants. But remember – Babies more carnivorous than adults.

Protein options:

• Commercial turtle pellets (high quality brands like Mazuri, Zoo Med, or Fluker’s)
• Aquatic insects, amphibian larvae, small fish, and especially crayfish
• Earthworms, snails, slugs, beetles, grasshoppers, moths, crickets, mealworms, wax worms, and other insects
• Freeze-dried krill, aquatic snails, silkworms, bloodworms, or bits of cooked chicken

Feeding schedule: Juvenile aquatic turtles under 1 year of age should be fed every day. Adults can be fed every other day.

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Foods to Avoid (The “Don’t Kill Your Turtle” List)

Raw chicken or ground beef should not be offered, as they commonly contain foodborne disease.

Avocados, as they are toxic to turtles.

Any sort of wood chips in the habitat is a big no. These can be fatal if eaten and they fuel the growth of fungus and mold.

Health and Maintenance

Water Changes (The Never-Ending Chore)

You can maintain the condition of your turtle’s tank by performing routine water changes—25% of the aquarium’s total water volume every week or 50% every other week.

Yeah, it’s annoying. But would you want to swim in your own toilet? Neither does your turtle.

Temperature Monitoring

Check the temperatures of your turtle’s habitat daily. Two thermometers should be placed in the enclosure—one in the warm area and one in the cool area.

Signs of Health Problems

Watch for these red flags:

• Visible discharge from either the nose, mouth, eyes or cloaca, respiratory distress, wounds, lesions and shell rot
• A decrease in appetite, eyelid and ear swelling, kidney failure, and lung infections (vitamin A deficiency)
• Not eating or being lethargic

Special Considerations for Chicken Turtles

The Hibernation Question

It is not recommended to hibernate a pet turtle, even if the same species hibernate in the wild. Keep them active year-round with proper heating and lighting.

Handling (Or Lack Thereof)

In general, aquatic turtles do not enjoy being handled frequently. They’re not dogs – they won’t fetch your slippers or learn tricks. Think of them as living art that occasionally needs food.

The Escape Artist Problem

Chicken turtles are good at disappearing (remember that forest hibernation thing?). Make sure your enclosure has a secure lid because you don’t want to find your turtle has decided to explore your house solo.

Cost Breakdown (The Reality Check)

Let’s talk money because pretending pets are free is like pretending ice cream has no calories.

Initial Setup Costs

• Tank (60+ gallons): $150-300
• Filter system: $50-150
• Heating equipment: $40-80
• UV lighting: $30-60
• Basking platform: $20-40
• Substrate/decorations: $30-50

Total initial cost: $320-680 plus the turtle cost ($50-200)

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Annual Costs

Annual costs are between $285 and $575 for most owners.

This includes $45 to $275 in veterinary care services for wellness checks, parasite treatments, and emergency care if the animal becomes ill.

Food costs for a turtle run about $240 to $480 per year.

Lifetime Investment

Chicken turtles have a maximum longevity of 21 years. That’s potentially $6,000-12,000 over their lifetime. Still want one?

The Reality Check Section

They’re Not Low-Maintenance

Despite the popular belief that turtles are low-maintenance pets, they actually require just as much care as any other pet.

Anyone who told you turtles are easy lied to you harder than a politician during election season.

The Salmonella Situation

Turtles can carry salmonella bacteria. Always wash your hands before and after handling your turtle or the habitat’s contents. This is especially important if you have kids or immunocompromised family members.

They Live Forever (Almost)

Depending on the species, they can live up to a few decades. Your chicken turtle might outlive your car, your job, and possibly your marriage. Think about that commitment level.

Finding a Chicken Turtle

Where to Buy

Only buy from reputable breeders who can provide:

• Proof of captive breeding
• Health records
• Proper documentation for your state

Red Flags to Avoid

• Sellers who can’t provide breeding documentation
• Turtles being sold under 4 inches (illegal in most places)
• Anyone offering “wild-caught” turtles
• Suspiciously cheap prices

Final Thoughts: Are You Ready?

Chicken turtles are awesome pets for the right person. They’re unique, relatively hardy, and have personality once you learn to read their subtle turtle language.

But here’s the deal – they’re not impulse purchases. They need proper setup, ongoing care, and a long-term commitment that makes marriage look casual.

If you’re ready to provide excellent care for 20+ years, can afford the setup and ongoing costs, and genuinely enjoy watching aquatic life, a chicken turtle might be perfect for you.

If you’re looking for something cuddly that shows affection or want a pet that’s truly low-maintenance, get a pet rock instead.

Bottom line: Do your research, check your local laws, find a reputable breeder, and prepare for a long-term aquatic roommate who’ll judge your life choices from their underwater castle.