Wood Turtle Care For Beginners: Infographic

Classification:

• Scientific Name: Glyptemys insculpta
• Classification: Subspecies under the wood turtle species
• Diverse Subspecies: Approximately 9 distinct subspecies, each with unique characteristics

The Species Summary:

• Lists various types of wood turtles including North American, Spot legged, Central American, Brown, Furrowed, Large nose, Blackwood, Colombian, and Maracaibo wood turtles.

Wood Turtle Tank Size:

• Recommends 75-100 gallon tanks for adults and a 5 feet x 5 feet x 2 feet pool for adults, with a 20-gallon tank for hatchlings.

Basking Dock:

• Describes the species as semi-aquatic, spending many hours soaking up heat on a log or platform, and the need to manage a basking dock for an indoor habitat.

Lighting Arrangements:

• Suggests two lights: a heating lamp and a UV bulb, with recommendations for distances between the dock and each type of lighting.

Water Filter & Tank Heater:

• Stresses the importance of a tank filter for water quality and a tank water heater to keep wood turtles warm.

Suitable Temperature Range:

• Air Temperature: 70 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit
• Water Temperature: 60 – 70 degrees Fahrenheit
• Basking Temperature: 85 degrees Fahrenheit

Wood Turtles Diet:

• Animal Protein: Crickets, bloodworms, earthworms, fish, shrimp, insects, worms, koi, mealworms, snails, green lettuce, mealworm, squash.
• Plant Matter: Algae, carrot, collard greens.
• Fruits: Apple, pear, berries.
• Commercial Items: Canned food, shrimp, frozen fish, pellets.

Supplements:

• Calcium
• Vitamin D
• Multivitamin

Health Issues:

• Hypovitaminosis: Lack of minerals leads to this condition, symptoms include lethargy, appetite loss, swelling of the eyes or ears, and fat formation on the eyes, etc. A balanced meal plan with vitamins can cure this disease.
• Shell Rot and Shell Conditions: Conditions such as symmetry, white patches, red or black spots. Keeping the turtles in a dry enclosure and wiping their shells with antiseptic is advised. However, antibiotics are preferable to medication in such shell diseases.
• Metabolic Bone Disease: Usually, insufficient UV rays are the root of this sickness. Symptoms include swollen legs, bumps in the leg or bones, trouble walking, bumpy scutes, softening of jaws or shells, etc. A balanced diet and good quality UV light are essential to fight back this disease.