reeves.snake-neck.side-neck.softshell

[JEAE21]

Hey I am thinking of getting another turtle but I have 4 species on my list..
The Japanese Reeves, Australian Snake-neck, African Side-neck, or the Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle.

Are all 4 of them basking turtles; or kinda like mud turtles that don't bask much?
Can you easily tell male/female when they are young? (Since I want the smaller males)

And are all 4 commonly available in CA? If not, are there any trustworthy online turtle shops that have the 4 species?

 

[santoury]

The softshell is less of a basker, but the others are. And the softshell is SOMETIMES sexable when about 4 inches, but under that, no.

 

[loconorc]

You just got a mud turtle out of nowhere, and now you want another?

 

[lovespunaround]

You just got a mud turtle out of nowhere, and now you want another?

Reptiles are addictive. I mean look at me: I got two new blood pythons at the end of July and within weeks I was saving money for a reptile show that's coming up in November....so I can buy more snakes. And all I daydream about when I'm at work is blood pythons and music (I'm also a musician). But mostly blood pythons. I'm daydreaming about them right now, when I should be getting ready for bed because I have to get up at 5.15 tomorrow and go back to the car factory. I'm looking at blood pythons on the ks classifieds and reading the blood python forums.

So yeah, I think he's allowed to want another turtle. Give him a break

 

[loconorc]

Well he literally got it 3 days ago didnt he? Or something like that. I mean, he knew nothing about it. I don't even know if hes taking care of his correctly, I think anyone would be a little concerned. But yeah, reptiles are like Lay's! You cant have just one! But take it slow and don't get in over your head.

My friend Beau, now in 9th grade, did that. He had a dwarf caiman, 3 florida snappers, a cooter, 2 savs, a dumerils boa, 6 red tails, a ball, a beardie, 2 leos, a golden gecko, a tokay, a crested, a green anaconda, amd stuff I don't even know about. Of course, half of those shouldnt even be owned by a teenager. He ended up selling all but I think his anaconda, his dumeril, and his turtles. Don't get more than you can handle. After that he was a wreck, its very distressing to have to give all that up at once...

Blood pythons are incredible, I'd love one eventually. I'm in no hurry though, there are some herps I HAVE to have first, like ackies. If you get one, show us!

What kind of musician are you? A ROCKER?!

 

[lovespunaround]

Well, ever since I was in like 6th grade, I wanted to be a rock star. And though my main musical influences are Smashing Pumpkins and Nine Inch Nails, it turns out I'll never be a rock star because my music isn't rock and roll. I'm not exactly sure what it is, but I enjoy it

Anyway, a teenager with caimans and an anaconda? Holy crap. When I was in 9th grade, that was during my turtle phase where I kept several box turtles and a snapping turtle and a few times I tried softshells, but all of the softshells except one (who's still doing well with my mom btw) died of unkown causes. But I'm going to guess it was me, for being a dumb kid who couldn't properly care for them. Oh, the snapper's still doing great too, and the box turtles all eventually were re-released into the woods behind our house, where they came from anyway.

Anyway yeah I got in over my head when I was younger. It's hard to do it right if you have no job, and I really wish I'd known better at the time. I'm doing a much better job now

 

[JEAE21]

hey lovespunaround thanks for what you said. Seriosly it's only been like a month since I got my turtle and now I want like 4 more.lol!

Hey, can you tell me how to keep box turtles on my new 3toed box turtle thread?

And I was wondering if the Spiny Softshell wanted to bask..will the rocky turtle dock hurt his underside?

Also, is there a big difference between the eastern, texas, and florida softshell turtle?

For a beginner turtle keeper, what do you recommend out of the 4 turtles? and the 3toed box turtle?


Loconorc, I will not be getting these turtles for another 6months or a year or so..

 

[lovespunaround]

In North America, the Florida softshell is the largest species. From what I've heard, they're also the most prone to fungal infections on their shells. I'm guessing the Eastern and Texas softshells you're referring to are subspecies of the spiny softshell. Softshells really do best if there's nothing in the cage that can scratch them because they're all susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections on their shells. These can sometimes be treated by allowing the turtle to dry out completely several days in a row, but prevention is always best.

I've never kept a Reeve's or any side- or snake-necked turtles, so I can't really help you out there. I'd personally recommend the box turtle because they're not too hard to keep once you can provide their basic requirements, which I believe is most difficult because of the space they require. I don't know if any beginning turtle keepers should get their start on aquatic turtles other than mud and musk turtles.

 

[loconorc]

Hey those Zoo Med turtle docks, islands, and logs are super abrasive. I've read product reviews on kingsnake.com and they have caused infections on turtle feet, and probably softshell bellies. But you have 6 months, read up! And ask us everything you want to know, dont leave a single question unanswered!

 

[JEAE21]

Hey why are mud/musk turtles good for beginners?

And why do box turtles need alot of space? Do they like to roam or something?

And my dream softshell is a male that won't get big, and the (i'm guessing eastern) one with spots on his top shell.
hey what should I do for the basking area for softshells then?

loconorc, is my mud turtle safe from the large turtle dock?