As each turtle possesses its own distinct personality and allure, they make fantastic companions for a long period of time. Choosing the appropriate species of turtle is essential for both you and your new turtle companion, regardless of whether you have worked with pets in the past or are just beginning your journey with turtles. Here, we will examine ten different species of turtles that make excellent pets, focusing on their characteristics and the information that you need to know in order to give them with the best possible care.

1. Red-Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)

Red-Eared Sliders are a favorite choice for pet owners, and it’s easy to see why. These turtles are friendly and social, often enjoying time spent with their owners. Furthermore, Red-Eared Sliders are very adaptable and can thrive in both indoor and outdoor environments, which makes them a great choice for different living situations. It’s essential to remember that these turtles need plenty of space to swim and bask. A big tank with a good filtration system is important for their health since they are aquatic and spend much of their time in the water. 

2. Russian Tortoise (Agrionemys horsfieldii)

The Russian Tortoise is a great option for those seeking a pet that is easy to care for and can live a long time. These little land tortoises are recognized for their inquisitive and friendly demeanor. Additionally, they can adapt to different environments effortlessly, and their small size makes them ideal for cozy living spaces. Russian Tortoises thrive in a warm, dry environment where they have ample space to explore. Their diet should include a variety of leafy greens, grasses, and vegetables. These tortoises can live happily in your home for many years with just a little care and attention.

3. African Sideneck Turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa)

The African Sideneck Turtle is a special type of turtle recognized for its unique neck, which bends to the side instead of pulling straight back into its shell. This interesting trait, along with its gentle nature, makes it a great option for pet owners seeking a unique and sociable turtle. Moreover, these turtles live both in water and on land, so they require a swimming area and a dry spot to bask in the sun. They are also easygoing with temperature, making them a perfect option for new turtle owners.

4. Greek Tortoise (Testudo graeca)

Greek tortoises are small, docile reptiles with striking, patterned shells. They are best suited for terrestrial enclosures with access to natural sunlight or UVB lighting. Greek tortoises are herbivores, thriving on a diet of leafy greens, flowers, and vegetables. They require a warm, dry environment with ample space to roam and dig. These tortoises are easy to care for and have a calm demeanor, making them suitable for beginner reptile owners. With proper care, they can live 50+ years, offering a lifelong bond to dedicated caretakers.

5. Yellow-Bellied Slider (Trachemys scripta scripta)

The Yellow-Bellied Slider is a type of Slider turtle recognized for its bright yellow markings on its belly. These turtles are lively and friendly, which makes watching and interacting with them enjoyable. They need a water environment with plenty of room to swim and a basking spot that has the right UVB lighting. Yellow-Bellied Sliders can live for as long as 30 years, making them a great option for those prepared for a long-term pet. These turtles can easily thrive in your home with just a bit of care, offering you years of companionship.

6. Leopard Tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis)

Leopard Tortoises are among the largest tortoise species, recognized for their stunning, patterned shells. With their gentle and calm nature, they make wonderful companions for both families and individuals. Leopard Tortoises love being outside in a warm setting, where they can move around freely. A large enclosure is essential for them, particularly as they grow, so you’ll need a spacious backyard or a roomy indoor area. Additionally, these tortoises can live for as long as 50 years, which means they require a long-term commitment from their owners.

7. Mississippi Map Turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica kohni)

The Mississippi Map Turtle is a small aquatic species, known for its beautiful patterns that look like maps on its shell. These turtles love to swim in clean water and need lots of space to stay active. They are simple to care for, but it’s crucial to have a well-filtered tank to ensure the water stays clean, as they are quite sensitive to bad water conditions. The Mississippi Map Turtle needs a basking area with UVB lighting because they need sunlight to metabolize calcium effectively. Their curious and lively personality makes them fun to observe and look after. 

8. Herman’s Tortoise (Testudo hermanni)

The Herman’s Tortoise is a species of tortoise that ranges in size from small to medium and comes with a reputation for being friendly and gentle. These tortoises live on land and like warm, dry places where they have plenty of room to graze. Furthermore, they are easy to care for regarding feeding and habitat, but they require ample sunlight and space to move around in a secure outdoor area. Creating a roomy space filled with natural light and a variety of plants can help them thrive and enjoy a happy life.

9. Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina)

The Eastern Box Turtle is a type of Box Turtle found in the eastern United States. These turtles are popular pets due to their lovely, colorful shells and gentle nature. Their small size and friendly behavior make them easy to care for. A habitat with a small pond or water dish, along with a space for digging and exploring, is perfect for them since they enjoy both land and water environments. They can live for a long time, with some reaching up to 100 years, which makes them great companions for turtle enthusiasts. 

10. Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)

The Painted Turtle is well-liked for its vibrant colors and gentle nature. These turtles live both in the water and on land, enjoying the best of both worlds. The Painted Turtle needs a tank that has a good water filtration system to keep their environment clean. They are recognized for their basking habits, and it’s important to provide them with a dry space that has the right UVB lighting to keep them healthy. Painted Turtles eat a mix of aquatic plants, insects, and small fish. These turtles are tough and flexible, making them an excellent option for both new and seasoned turtle owners.

Love Pets as Much as We Do?

Scroll up and click the ‘Follow’ button to stay updated with the latest heartwarming, hilarious, and helpful pet posts from Pawdown, delivered straight to your Microsoft Start feed and MSN homepage!