Raising a painted turtle (Chrysemys picta)—one of North America’s most colorful and popular native turtles—can be a rewarding long-term commitment. Known for their vibrant red, yellow, and olive shell markings, painted turtles are semi-aquatic, active, and relatively hardy when given proper care. Below is a complete, species-focused guide to raising a healthy painted turtle.
Size: 4–7 inches (10–18 cm), depending on subspecies (Eastern, Western, Midland, or Southern)
Lifespan: 20–40+ years in captivity
Temperament: Generally calm, curious, and good-natured
Habitat in wild: Shallow freshwater ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving streams with abundant basking sites and vegetation
🐢 Note: Painted turtles are protected in many states—never take from the wild. Always choose captive-bred individuals from reputable breeders.
Tank Size (Indoor)
Hatchlings (under 4"): Minimum 20–30 gallons
Adults: 75–125 gallons (long-style tanks preferred)
Rule of thumb: 10 gallons of water per inch of shell length
Water depth: At least 1.5–2 times the turtle’s shell length (e.g., a 5" turtle needs 8–10" of water)
🌞 Outdoor ponds are excellent for adults in warm climates (USDA zones 6–10), but must be secure, predator-proof, and include basking areas and shade.
Water Quality
Use dechlorinated water (tap water treated with reptile-safe conditioner)
Install a high-quality canister filter (rated for 2–3x the tank volume)—painted turtles are messy!
Perform 25–50% water changes weekly
Test water regularly for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH
Temperature
Water temperature:
Hatchlings: 78–80°F (25–27°C)
Adults: 75–78°F (24–26°C)
Basking area: 88–92°F (31–33°C)
Use a submersible heater (with guard) and a basking heat lamp
Lighting
UVB lighting is non-negotiable—prevents metabolic bone disease
Use a 5.0 or 6% linear UVB fluorescent tube (e.g., ZooMed ReptiSun 5.0 or Arcadia Forest 6%)
Replace every 6–12 months
Position within 10–12 inches of basking spot (no glass/plastic blocking UVB)
Photoperiod: 10–12 hours of light per day (use a timer)
Basking Platform
Must allow the turtle to fully dry off and stretch out
Options: Commercial docks, stacked smooth rocks, or floating platforms
Ensure it’s stable, slip-resistant, and easily accessible
Substrate & Enrichment (Optional)
Bare-bottom tanks are easiest to clean
If used: large, smooth river stones (too big to swallow)
Add hiding spots, driftwood, and live or silk aquatic plants (e.g., anacharis, java moss)
Painted turtles are omnivores, but their diet shifts with age:
Diet by Age
Juveniles (<2 years): 60–70% protein, 30–40% plant matter
Adults: 30–40% protein, 60–70% plant matter
Protein Sources
Earthworms, crickets, mealworms (occasionally), bloodworms, blackworms
Small fish (e.g., guppies, minnows—avoid goldfish)
High-quality turtle pellets (e.g., Mazuri, ReptoMin)
Plant Matter
Duckweed, water lettuce, water hyacinth
Chopped kale, collard greens, dandelion greens, shredded carrots
Avoid iceberg lettuce (no nutritional value)
Feeding Schedule
Juveniles: Daily
Adults: Every other day
Always feed in water—they need it to swallow
Remove uneaten food after 15–20 minutes
Supplements
Calcium (without D3 if using UVB): 2–3 times/week
Multivitamin: Once weekly
Basking behavior: Essential—watch for regular basking; refusal may signal illness
Common health issues:
Soft shell (calcium/UVB deficiency)
Swollen eyes (vitamin A deficiency or poor water quality)
Shell rot (fungal/bacterial infection from dirty water)
Veterinary care: Annual check-ups with a reptile/exotic vet are recommended
Never release pet turtles into the wild—they can spread disease or disrupt ecosystems
Housing multiple turtles: Possible, but monitor for aggression; provide extra space and basking areas
Legal status: Check local laws—some states prohibit owning native turtles without permits
With proper care, a painted turtle can be a vibrant, engaging pet for decades. Their beauty and active swimming make them a favorite among turtle keepers—just remember they’re a long-term commitment.
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