Raising A Musk Turtle

Raising A Musk Turtle

Raising A Musk Turtle

Raising a musk turtle (commonly the Common Musk Turtle, Sternotherus odoratus, also called a "stinkpot") is a rewarding experience for reptile enthusiasts. These small, mostly aquatic turtles are hardy and long-lived but have specific care requirements. 

1. Know Your Turtle

• Size: Adults reach 3–5 inches (7.5–12.5 cm)

• Lifespan: 30–50+ years in captivity

• Temperament: Shy, solitary, and may release a foul-smelling musk when stressed (hence the name)

• Activity: Primarily aquatic; rarely basks but still needs proper lighting

• Origin: Freshwater habitats in North America—slow-moving streams, ponds, and marshes with soft bottoms

2. Enclosure Setup

Tank Size

• Hatchlings: 10–20 gallon tank

• Adults: Minimum 40 gallons (long-style preferred); 55–75 gallons ideal

• Water Depth: 6–10 inches (they’re bottom-walkers, not strong swimmers—avoid overly deep water)

💡 Note: Musk turtles spend >90% of their time underwater and rarely bask, but UVB access is still essential for health.

Indoor vs. Outdoor

• Indoor: Best for most keepers—easier to control temperature and safety

• Outdoor: Only in warm, secure ponds (USDA zones 7–10); must include shaded areas and shallow zones

3. Essential Habitat Components

Water Quality

• Use dechlorinated water (tap water treated with reptile-safe conditioner)

• Install a high-quality filter (canister or sponge)—musk turtles produce a lot of waste

• Perform 25–30% water changes weekly

Temperature

• Water: 72–78°F (22–26°C)

  • Use a submersible aquarium heater with a protective guard

• Ambient air: 75–80°F

• Basking area (optional but recommended):

  • 82–88°F (28–31°C)

  • Provide a small platform or floating dock—even if rarely used

Lighting

• UVB lighting is CRITICAL—despite minimal basking, they still need UVB to metabolize calcium

  • Use a 5.0 or 6% linear UVB tube (e.g., ZooMed ReptiSun or Arcadia)

  • Mount over the basking area or screen top; replace every 6–12 months

• Photoperiod: 10–12 hours of light per day (use a timer)

Substrate & Enrichment

• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel (they like to forage on the bottom)

• Hiding spots: Essential! Use clay pots, PVC pipes, driftwood, or commercial caves

• Plants: Hardy live plants (e.g., java fern, anubias) or silk plants for cover

• Leaf litter: Optional—adds natural tannins and foraging enrichment

4. Feeding Your Musk Turtle

Musk turtles are carnivorous throughout life—unlike many turtles that become more herbivorous with age.

Diet

• Staple foods:

  • Earthworms, blackworms, bloodworms, chopped nightcrawlers

  • Small snails, freshwater shrimp, daphnia

  • Occasional small fish (e.g., guppies)

• Commercial foods: High-protein turtle pellets (e.g., Mazuri Aquatic Turtle Diet, ReptoMin)

• Avoid: Fatty meats, processed foods, or excessive dried shrimp

Feeding Schedule

• Juveniles: Daily

• Adults: Every other day

• Always feed in water—they need it to swallow

Supplements

• Dust food with calcium (without D3 if using UVB) 2–3 times/week

• Multivitamin once weekly

5. Health & Behavior

• Musk secretion: Normal defense—handle minimally to reduce stress

• Biting: Possible if threatened; use feeding tongs

• Common health issues:

  • Shell rot (from poor water quality)

  • Vitamin A deficiency (swollen eyes)

  • Metabolic Bone Disease (from lack of UVB/calcium)

• Veterinary care: Find an exotic/reptile vet for check-ups or illness

6. Important Notes

• Do not house with fish or other turtles—they may nip or compete for food

• Avoid overhandling—they’re observation pets, not cuddly companions

• Never release into the wild—it’s illegal and dangerous to ecosystems

• Check local laws: Some states restrict native turtle ownership

With proper care, a musk turtle can thrive for decades and offer fascinating underwater behavior to observe. Always prioritize water quality, UVB exposure, and a species-appropriate diet.

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