Softshell turtles

[Masa06]

What can you tell me about keeping these in captivity? Like necessary stuff and possible tank builds. And how long would a 40 bdr last for two?
http://turtleshack.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_6&products_id=5

Is this site legit and a good price? Thanks for the info

 

[macmilan]

they are pretty easy to care for as long as you keep decent water quality and a place for them to climb clear out of the water comfortably, they eat most things mine grew really fast on fresh fish and crickets

 

[snakeguy101]

a 40 breeder might last 3 or 4 months before they become too big for it. Most soft shells will need a tank that is 500+ gallons since they are both very active and very large as adults. I would recommend a fenced pond in the long run.

and as many people are about to tell you, steer clear of turtle shack. They are over priced and poor quality.

 

[Masa06]

Oh really? Have any better sites for buying turtles? or places?

 

[fishfreak2009]

I know this is kind of sad, but my bio teacher had a male florida softshell in a half filled 20 gallon tank for about 18 years in his class room. Poor thing was so stunted it stopped growing at about 6 inches long. No way to get out of the water, no light, no heater, only a little water pump to keep the water from being stagnant Apparently he used to have 2 tankmates (other softshelleds), but he killed them. Luckily the teacher retired and the turtle was donated to a nearby nature center where he went on display in a massive (250+ gallon tank).

I guess what I am trying to say is they are pretty tough animals, but at the same time that was horribly cruel and I hope your future softshelled has a much happier outcome.

As for turtleshack.com, I have no experience with them, but I have heard some pretty nasty stuff about them, so I would try avoiding them. Kingsnake.com is a great place to get one, and most LFS can order them in for you. Also see if you can find one to adopt. I was looking on Petfinder.com recently and was suprised at the number of herps for adoption in my area.

 

[Masa06]

Also any recommendations for something that could live in a 40 for a while?

 

[Chrisplosion]

The Turtle Source is a better site but your best chance is a local breeder or reptile store. The Turtle Shack is worst place ever to buy turtles.

 

[Chrisplosion]

http://www.theturtlesource.com/turtle_subcat.asp?id=125698421

 

[snakeguy101]

Also any recommendations for something that could live in a 40 for a while?

most mud or musk turtles could live their whole life in a 40 gallon for a while. not only that but they do not need the UV that most other turtles need.