African Sideneck Turtle
- Food: Commercial turtle diet, freeze-dried and sun-dried turtle treats, dark leafy greens
- Difficulty Of Care: Moderate
- Comparable Breeds: Razorback Musk Turtle
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.
Are side necked turtles easy to take care of?
Sidenecks have moderate care needs but can be suitable for beginners if you're willing to put in the work. Common Names: African sideneck turtle, African side-necked turtle, African helmeted turtle, marsh terrapin, crocodile turtle African sidenecks have longer necks than most other species of turtles.
What do you need for an African sideneck turtle?
Supplies for the African Sideneck Turtle’s Environment 1 Habitat or Aquarium Setup. Depending on your local climate, African sidenecks can be kept indoors or outside. ... 2 Branches and Shelters. It’s a wise idea to outfit your turtle tank with things that appear in the turtle’s native habitat. ... 3 Heat and Light. ...
How often should I Feed my sideneck turtle?
Adult sidenecks should be fed as much as they will eat in a few seconds, once every second or third day. When they’re young and growing, Insects and protein should make up the majority of your sideneck turtle’s diet. As they get older they tend to give up most of their carnivorous tendencies.
What Should I Feed My African Sideneck turtle?
For meat proteins you can feed your sideneck earthworms, snails, clams, fish, aquatic insects, cooked chicken pieces, beef hearts, crustaceans, and maybe some small amphibians. As for the greenery, stick to nutrient-rich greens like spinach, romaine, and red-leaf lettuce (never iceberg).
How much should 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.
Do African Sideneck turtles eat everyday?
vegetable food daily — roughly same amount as turtle's shell size. turtle pellets every other day — roughly same amount as turtle's head size.
What fruits do African Sideneck turtles eat?
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.
How long can an 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 like to be held?
However, like other aquatic turtles, these animals aren't for handling. They're stressed very easily, and they might bite when provoked. Plus, they might carry salmonella bacteria, so it's important to wash your hands after handling anything in their environment.
How much water do African Sideneck turtles need?
The sideneck turtle is aquatic and it will enjoy diving and turning underwater. It needs at least a 75-gallon tank and it should be at least half full of water. There should be some dry land, which can be provided with a rock or a dry dock area.
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
How can you tell if a African Sideneck turtle is male or female?
4:549:33How to Tell if My Turtle is Male or Female - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo on the male's. The cloaca is much further down it's right about there. Now on females she's a bitMoreSo on the male's. The cloaca is much further down it's right about there. Now on females she's a bit larger as you can see see how skinny the tail is and the Khloe cos right there all the way up.
Are African Sideneck turtles nocturnal?
These turtles are reported to be nocturnal, but they are known to bask at the water's edge and to migrate overland between bodies of water.
Can African Sideneck turtles live in cold water?
African sideneck turtles are ectotherms, which means that they rely on the variable temperatures of their environment to help regulate their metabolism and stay healthy. The basking platform should offer high temperatures of around 95°F, and the water should stay under 85°F, but no cooler than 70°F.
How much water do African Sideneck turtles need?
The sideneck turtle is aquatic and it will enjoy diving and turning underwater. It needs at least a 75-gallon tank and it should be at least half full of water. There should be some dry land, which can be provided with a rock or a dry dock area.
How long does an African Sideneck turtle live?
Size and Lifespan The average lifespan of the African sideneck turtle is 20 years. The turtle can survive up to 30 years in the wild but can live up to fifty years in captivity.
How long can a African Sideneck Turtle hold its breath?
One of the adaptations common to the group is the ability to hold their breath for extended periods. Though some are capable of holding their breath for "only" 30 minutes, other turtles, in some circumstances, spend months underwater without breaching the surface to breathe.
How old is my African Sideneck turtle?
0:031:19How to Determine a Turtle's Age | Pet Turtles - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can actually see rings on the scoots of the the carapace or the top shell here. So some someMoreYou can actually see rings on the scoots of the the carapace or the top shell here. So some some people think that each ring corresponds to a year of life unfortunately.
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.
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 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.
What is Adrienne Kruzer's job?
Adrienne Kruzer, RVT, LVT, has worked with a variety of animals for over 15 years, including birds of prey, reptiles, and small mammals. 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 ...
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.
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.
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?
What to put in a turtle tank?
In the case of the African sideneck this includes driftwood, large flat rocks (some of which should be used to create an above water basking spot under the UVB basking light), cork bark slabs, and plants.
What to feed a sideneck worm?
For meat proteins you can feed your sideneck earthworms, snails, clams, fish, aquatic insects, cooked chicken pieces, beef hearts, crustaceans, and maybe some small amphibians. As for the greenery, stick to nutrient-rich greens like spinach, romaine, and red-leaf lettuce (never iceberg).
How deep should a turtle tank be?
Your water level should be at least 1.5 times the length of your turtle; the ideal depth is from 6 to 8 inches.
Why do turtles have little worms?
Lastly, if you notice little worms floating around in your turtle tank, if your turtle is unable to swim or breathe properly , or if your turtle has a lot of bubbling coming from its nose, it probably has a parasite problem .
Why are African sideneck turtles called African sideneck turtles?
African sidenecks get their nickname due to their inability to withdraw their heads fully into their shells, instead drawing their head to the side and under the upper edge of their shell.
Where do African sideneck turtles live?
They live in rivers, lakes,and ponds during the wet season and bury themselves deep in the mud (called estivating) during the dry seasons.
How much water does a mud turtle need?
For a group of adult West African mud turtles, an area of 6 feet by 3 feet that can hold between 125 and 175 gallons of water will suffice. For single turtles, a 40-gallon glass aquarium will suffice as well. When choosing a turtle tank, wider is always better than taller.
How big do African sideneck turtles get?
The size of an adult African side-necked turtle may vary, considering the gender and the species of the turtle. Females can grow 8 inches and above, reaching even 20 inches, as opposed to the males, who restrict their height to about 9 inches at adulthood. Therefore, always do your homework correctly before buying this wonder for yourself. Make sure that the tank is spacious enough for your pet to swim and rest. The capacity of the tank should be between 60 – 90 gallons. Alternatively, you could also have them in any open area outside your house, in the backyard, or in the garden, where you can easily fill the area with exactly what your pet needs. This will also make it feel at home, thereby helping it to grow healthy and be merry!
How long does it take for a turtle to hatch?
This is a crucial thing to do. If conditions permit, then you will have mini turtles hatching out of the eggs in 2 – 3 months. However, a small act of carelessness can kill the embryo within the egg itself. It is of paramount importance that when you move the eggs from the mud bed, elsewhere for incubation, always know for yourself, which is the top side of the egg. In case you put the top side down, the egg embryo will be dead. Before dislocating the eggs, put them in a good container with good amount of moss, sand, and organic decomposition matter.
What do turtles eat?
This variety of turtles is omnivorous in food habits. They like feeding on plants, insects, worms, and also fish. They also pick water grass, hyacinth, lettuce, and other water plants as good choices for food. Introducing your pet turtle to the commercial turtle food types is beneficial. Feeding them with these will help them have a healthy well-being. Most of these kinds of food are eaten with pleasure. These turtles prefer eating under water as it eases their swallowing procedure.
What are turtle shells made of?
Turtles are hardy mammals. Their shells are made up of keratin. It is a non-detachable part just like ribs and the spine. But there can be serious problems with it if not treated on time. There could be some minor shell damage, or there may even be grave conditions like shell rotting or formation of a shell pyramid. However, these conditions are curable. Major remedies (or precautions) for these conditions include ample intake of sunlight and adequate nutritional intake.
Do turtles like the sun?
So, in order to prevent any damage to their bones and shells, sufficient exposure to UVB light is essential. This is a part of the shell care procedure. Along with proper lighting, also install a water heater to keep the temperature right, as these turtles belong to the hot atmosphere of Africa.
Kimo
I am very new to turtles.I am learning as I go.I was having problems with my water quality and had no idea I was over feeding.Most of my turtles are babies and I was feeding my big african side neck like them.Pellets every morning,leaving romaine floating for them and hand feeding them shrimp and feeder fish for treats.I was feeding them in the tank.I got some advice from the pet shop to feed out of the tank and feed the larger turtle only every three days.That fixed my water problem.The baby turtles are eating great but not the side neck.When I was feeding in her cage she would not take greens and hardly ever eat the pellets.She would only take fish from my hands like a crazed maniac.Since I have stoped feeding her in her tank she has not eaten any pellets or greens.She will take fish from me though.What should I do?.
TexanaVersa
You might have to recondition your turtle to eat other things by letting it go hungry for a few days... present the new food and remove it if it doesn't get eaten every day for a few weeks.
Razorclaw
Do you have pictures of your African Sideneck? If it turns out to be a Pelomedusa, you can just skip the lettuce and yes, these are ferocious carnivours.
DRAGONLAND
I had the same problem with my soft shell turtle and my red bellied side neck turtle , so they are the only two turtles that eat in their big enclosure , because they don`t eat any outside of the tank, thing that their others tankmates do wothout problem .
Kimo
I had the same problem with my soft shell turtle and my red bellied side neck turtle , so they are the only two turtles that eat in their big enclosure , because they don`t eat any outside of the tank, thing that their others tankmates do wothout problem .
snappertracker
I have quite a few Pelomedusa and I honestly can say none of them have been very good about feeding outside of their enclosures...bottom line is a heavy duty oversized filtration system for the tank or numerous water changes.
Kimo
I have quite a few Pelomedusa and I honestly can say none of them have been very good about feeding outside of their enclosures...bottom line is a heavy duty oversized filtration system for the tank or numerous water changes.
