- Snails
- Clams
- Fish pieces
- Earthworms
- Crickets
- Crustaceans
- Dubia roaches
- Mealworms
- Krill and shrimp
- Bloodworms
- Mussels
- Mustard greens
- Dandelion greens
- Collard greens
- Romaine lettuce
- Red-leaf lettuce
- Carrots
- Mixed vegetables
What do African side-neck turtles eat?
Like most aquatic turtles, African side-necks are omnivores. They eat some plant material but they also eat insects, fish, crustaceans, and aquatic turtle pellets while swimming. Meat (such as chicken and beef) should never be fed to your aquatic turtle.
What kind of tank do African side neck turtles need?
Housing African Side-Neck Turtles. African side-necks are aquatic turtles, therefore, they need a large fish tank that will hold water. Your turtle should be able to swim and dive in their tank so the larger the tank is the better.
How do you care for an African sideneck turtle?
Proper African sideneck turtle care requires you to take them to an exotic animal vet and work hard to maintain habitat conditions. In doing so, your odds of having a happy and healthy turtle for years to come are much higher. The typical African sideneck turtle size can measure anywhere between seven and 12 inches long when fully grown.
Do African sideneck turtles make good pets?
Overall, African sideneck turtles make wonderful pets because of their relatively easy-going nature. They’re energetic and lively, showing interest in their surroundings. While many turtles bask in one spot, these creatures like to swim around and explore their habitat.
How often do you feed an African Sideneck turtle?
An African sideneck turtle will eat anything his owner sets out for him, because he has the same opportunistic feeding mindset he would have in the wild. Feed a hatchling once a day, a juvenile every other day and an adult twice weekly. Feed no more than the turtle can eat in 15 to 20 minutes.
How much water does an African Sideneck turtle need?
Housing the African Sideneck Turtle Ideally, you should have at least a 75-gallon aquarium that is half to three-quarters full of water.
How long can my African Sideneck turtle go without eating?
How many days can turtle survive without food? In terms of days, a turtle can survive around 160 days without food. However, they must also have access to water during this time period as well as a healthy amount of light.
Do African sideneck turtles need land?
The first thing you'll need to add to your aquarium is NOT optional: because African sideneck turtles are only semi-aquatic rather than fully-aquatic, you need to provide some “land” for the turtle to bask on. Ideally, this should be enough space for the turtle to bask, walk around a bit, and burrow.
Can African Sideneck turtles eat fruit?
West African Mud turtles (also known as African Sideneck turtles) can be fed occasional pieces of fruit. This should be used as a treat, not as a main dietary staple due to the high sugar content. Some good choices include apples, grapes, guava, mango, melon, and peaches.
Do turtles need a light at night?
Night Lights They can also provide some heat, which can be important for hatchling turtles, who often sleep on the basking area at night. Adult turtles don't need night lights, and most turtles don't care whether they're red or blue as long as they're not too bright.
Do turtles need to eat everyday?
You should feed your turtle one cup of food every day or every other day. I recommend you feed your turtle a combination of pellets, vegetables, and insects. Generally speaking, younger turtles under the age of 5 should be fed every day, while turtles over the age of 5 should be fed every other day.
What can live with African sideneck turtle?
Quick Facts about the African Sideneck TurtleSpecies NameAfrican sideneck turtleDietOmnivoresMinimum Tank Size75 gallonsTank Set-UpTank, water, land, basking rockCompatibilityCan live with other turtles and larger fish7 more rows•Jan 14, 2022
Can the African sideneck turtle swim?
Yes, African Sideneck turtles can absolutely swim! This mean that the water is their natural habitat. African Sideneck turtles use their swimming skills to catch their food and evade capture from land predators.
What kind of water does a African Sideneck turtle need?
The ideal temperature of the water for an African sideneck turtle should be between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit. The juveniles require a water temperature between 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit. If you aren't sure of the temperature, make sure that you have a digital probe thermometer to keep an eye out for.
What is the average lifespan of a African Sideneck turtle?
African Sideneck Turtle OverviewCommon Names (s)African side-necked turtle, African helmeted turtleScientific NamePelomedusa subrufaNatural HabitatFreshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams in Angola, Liberia, Guinea, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and the CongoAdult Size7-12 inchesAverage Lifespan20 years3 more rows•Dec 13, 2021
Species Summary
The African sideneck turtle ( Pelusios castaneus) is an aquatic reptile with some unique characteristics. It’s on the bigger end of the size spectrum, outgrowing some more widespread water-dwelling pet turtle species. While that does lead to more challenges, African sidenecks are manageable for both newbies and season reptile-keepers.
Appearance & Colors
This species is appropriately named for its unique neck. It’s considerably longer than other turtles. Their necks are so long that they are unable to retract their head into their shell fully.
African Sideneck Turtle Lifespan
If you want a long-living pet reptile, these turtles are an excellent choice. The average African sideneck turtle lifespan is between 25 and 50 years! In some cases, they may even live beyond the five-decade mark!
Average Size
The typical African sideneck turtle size can measure anywhere between seven and 12 inches long when fully grown.
African Sideneck Turtle Care
African sideneck turtle care requires you to understand a number of different things. In addition to providing a balanced diet, you have to recreate these turtle’s natural habitat as closely as possible.
Tank Size
Creating a suitable enclosure for this turtle can be tricky. African sidenecks are an aquatic species, but they also need plenty of access to dry land for basking.
Habitat Setup
Like any other animal living in captivity, establishing a habitat setup that mimics the environment where they would live in the wild is important.
How much does an African sideneck turtle cost?
The seller should be able to tell you about the turtle's origin and health. Young turtles often cost between $50 and $100.
What are the health problems of African sideneck turtles?
Common Health and Behavior Problems. Aquatic turtles are often afflicted with parasites. 4 These are tricky to treat because the turtle might not show obvious symptoms. Parasitic infections are usually discovered during an exam by a reptile veterinarian. African sideneck turtles also are prone to vitamin A deficiency.
Why are aquatic turtles called African sideneck turtles?
Similar Species. Back to Top. Aquatic turtles are fun to watch, especially when they're as unique looking as the African sideneck turtle. These turtles got their common name because they're unable to tuck their heads entirely inside their shells, so they tuck them to the side instead.
Why do African sideneck turtles wheeze?
Plus, like most reptiles, African sideneck turtles are predisposed to respiratory infections. You might notice your turtle wheezing if it has a respiratory infection, along with excess mucus around its nasal passages and mouth. 5. All of these conditions should be treated by a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles.
What temperature should an African sideneck be?
Heat lamps vary in wattage and should maintain an ambient temperature of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit with a basking temperature of around 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to keep a turtle from climbing out of water?
Also, provide a dry land area using a floating dock or large rocks, so your turtle can climb out of the water to dry off. Use a secure metal mesh screen lid to keep your turtle safe, especially if you have other pets. Moreover, invest in a quality water filter.
What is the substrate for a turtle?
Substrate is the material that lines the bottom of your turtle’s aquarium. It can help to mimic the look and feel of the animal's natural environment. A substrate isn’t essential, and it will collect food and waste, requiring regular cleaning. But if you wish to use a substrate, many owners opt for sand, large pebbles, or gravel.
Minimum aquarium size for African sideneck turtles
The minimum size enclosure for housing one adult African sideneck turtle requires 90-110 gallons of water, no deeper than 1.5x the length of the turtle itself. Of course, bigger is always better!
Do African sideneck turtles need UVB?
Yes! African sideneck turtles require exposure to appropriate amounts of UVB in order to maintain good health and wellbeing. Providing UVB lighting to your turtle offers several benefits, including all of the vitamin D that their body needs, better appetite and activity, and a stronger immune system.
Best temperature for African sideneck turtles
Unlike mammals, which control their own body temperature internally, African sideneck turtles and other reptiles rely on external sources to regulate their body temperature and metabolism.
Water maintenance for African sideneck turtles
African sideneck turtles are semi-aquatic reptiles, and spend most of their time in the water. This means that most of the enclosure should be water — in other words, you’ll be essentially maintaining a pond or aquarium with an accessible land area. Your turtle’s water must be kept as clean as possible to maintain the turtle’s health.
How to decorate an African sideneck turtle aquarium
The first thing you’ll need to add to your aquarium is NOT optional: because African sideneck turtles are only semi-aquatic rather than fully-aquatic, you need to provide some “land” for the turtle to bask on. Ideally, this should be enough space for the turtle to bask, walk around a bit, and burrow.
What to feed to an African sideneck turtle
African sideneck turtles are omnivorous, which means that they need both plant- and animal-based foods in their diet to get the nutrition that they need. Here is a general feeding schedule to follow:
How to handle your African sideneck turtle
Unlike some other reptiles, turtles aren’t the kind of pet that you can handle regularly. While African sideneck turtles definitely tend to tolerate it better than most, it’s best to stay hands-off most of the time.
African Sideneck Turtle Overview
The African sideneck turtle comes from Africa and it has a face that is always welcoming, thanks to its big eyes and fixed smile.
How Much Do African Sideneck Turtles Cost?
Young turtles will cost between $50 and $100. When choosing one, ensure that you opt for one that is not showing signs of illness. Specifically, check the shell for signs of it being flaky or otherwise damaged. Ensure that the turtle is not overly lethargic and make sure that it is eating properly before you consider taking it home.
Typical Behavior & Temperament
Initially shy, the sideneck will eventually come out of its shell. In fact, once your sideneck has settled into its new home, it will become as inquisitive as a cat, which can sometimes be mistaken for aggression.
Appearance & Varieties
The skin color of the sideneck turtle can vary from tan to brown and even black. The head is a similarly dark color, typically brown, and the belly is a yellowish color.
How to Take Care of African Sideneck Turtles
Some species of African sideneck turtles are considered endangered and should be left in the wild. However, if you rescue one or end up with a sideneck turtle that is not on the endangered list, you will need the following setup.
Do African Sidenecks Get Along with Other Pets?
African sidenecks will get along with other turtles of the same species. You can keep multiple sidenecks together, although you should be prepared for clutches of eggs if you do. They can also live with other species of turtle and can even live with larger fish.
What to Feed Your African Sideneck Turtle
Like most other aquatic turtles, the African Sideneck is an omnivore. This means that it eats just about anything. It will eat plants, insects, fish, and food pellets. In fact, pellets can be a beneficial source of food because they contain additional vitamins and minerals that might not be sourced from natural food.
What are some good foods for turtles?
Aquatic turtles also enjoy certain freeze-dried foods such as shrimp, mealworms, and crickets. Again, these types of foods are available at most pet stores, and pet store employees can help you pick out more foods that are both safe and enjoyable for your turtle. Feb 26, 2017. #5.
Do sideneck turtles swim?
Sideneck turtles are not good swimmers. The just walk along the bottom, preferring to be able to walk up a slope to get to the top to breathe. So, yes, something that sinks to the bottom would be a good food item. Have you tried live food? Worms?