Caring for Soft Shelled Turtles: A Comprehensive Guide
Soft shelled turtles are fascinating and unique reptiles that can make rewarding pets. Their flattened bodies, leathery shells, and snorkel-like noses set them apart from other turtle species. However, their specialized needs require a dedicated owner who is prepared to provide a carefully controlled environment and a nutritious diet. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of soft shelled turtle care, ensuring your pet thrives in captivity.
## Understanding Soft Shelled Turtles
Before bringing a soft shelled turtle home, it’s crucial to understand their specific requirements and natural history. Several species are commonly kept as pets, including the Florida soft shelled turtle (Apalone ferox), the spiny soft shelled turtle (Apalone spinifera), and the smooth soft shelled turtle (Apalone mutica). Size, temperament, and specific environmental needs can vary slightly between species, so researching the particular species you’re interested in is essential.
Soft shelled turtles are primarily aquatic, spending most of their time in the water. Their shells are not as heavily armored as those of hard-shelled turtles, making them more vulnerable to injury. Their skin is also more permeable, making them more susceptible to water quality issues. Understanding these differences is crucial for providing proper care.
### Species Overview
* Florida Soft Shelled Turtle (Apalone ferox): This species is native to the southeastern United States and is known for its aggressive nature. They can grow quite large, with females reaching up to 30 inches in shell length. Requires a large enclosure and experienced handling.
* Spiny Soft Shelled Turtle (Apalone spinifera): Found throughout much of North America, spiny soft shelled turtles are characterized by the small spines or tubercles along the front edge of their carapace (upper shell). They are generally less aggressive than Florida soft shells but still require careful handling. Females can reach up to 19 inches in shell length, while males are smaller.
* Smooth Soft Shelled Turtle (Apalone mutica): This species is found in the central United States and is known for its smooth carapace, lacking the spines found on the spiny soft shell. They are generally more docile than the other two species. They are also smaller, with females reaching about 14 inches in shell length.
## Setting Up the Perfect Habitat
Creating the right environment is paramount for the health and well-being of your soft shelled turtle. Their habitat should mimic their natural environment as closely as possible.
### Tank Size
Soft shelled turtles need a lot of space. As a general rule, aim for a tank that holds at least 75 gallons of water for a juvenile turtle, and significantly larger (125 gallons or more) for adults. Remember, bigger is always better. The larger the tank, the easier it is to maintain water quality and provide adequate space for swimming and exploration. Tank size should be increased as the turtle grows.
* Juvenile (less than 4 inches): 75 gallon tank minimum
* Adult (4-12 inches): 125 gallon tank minimum
* Large Adult (over 12 inches): 180 gallon tank or larger
### Water Quality
Maintaining pristine water quality is arguably the most critical aspect of soft shelled turtle care. Their permeable skin makes them highly susceptible to infections and shell rot if the water is not clean. Here’s how to ensure optimal water quality:
* Filtration: Invest in a powerful canister filter rated for at least twice the tank’s water volume. Over-filtration is always a good idea. The filter should have mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration stages. Clean the filter regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
* Water Changes: Perform partial water changes (25-50%) at least once a week, or more frequently if needed. Use a dechlorinator to remove chlorine and chloramine from tap water before adding it to the tank. Test the water regularly for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels. Ammonia and nitrite should always be at 0 ppm, and nitrate should be kept below 20 ppm.
* Substrate: A bare-bottom tank is often the easiest to clean and maintain. However, if you choose to use a substrate, opt for large river rocks or smooth gravel that cannot be easily ingested. Avoid sand, as it can clog filters and be accidentally eaten by the turtle.
* Water Temperature: Maintain a water temperature of 75-82°F (24-28°C) using a submersible heater. Use a reliable thermometer to monitor the temperature.
* pH Level: Aim for a pH level between 6.0 and 8.0. Test the pH regularly using a test kit.
### Basking Area
Although soft shelled turtles spend most of their time in the water, they still need a basking area where they can dry off and regulate their body temperature. Provide a sturdy basking platform that is easily accessible from the water. The basking platform should be large enough for the turtle to comfortably stretch out on.
* Basking Temperature: The basking area should have a temperature of 85-95°F (29-35°C). Use a heat lamp to achieve this temperature. Monitor the temperature with a thermometer.
* UVB Lighting: UVB lighting is essential for vitamin D3 synthesis, which is necessary for calcium absorption and bone health. Provide a UVB lamp specifically designed for reptiles. Replace the bulb every 6-12 months, even if it’s still working, as the UVB output decreases over time. Position the UVB lamp according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
* UVA Lighting: While not as crucial as UVB, UVA lighting can help improve the turtle’s activity levels and appetite. Some UVB bulbs also emit UVA.
### Decorations and Enrichment
While keeping the tank clean is essential, you can also add decorations to provide enrichment and hiding places for your turtle. Use smooth rocks, driftwood, and artificial plants. Avoid sharp or abrasive objects that could injure the turtle’s delicate skin. Ensure all decorations are securely placed and cannot collapse on the turtle.
## Feeding Your Soft Shelled Turtle
Soft shelled turtles are primarily carnivorous, but they also eat some vegetation. A varied diet is essential for their health and well-being.
### Diet Composition
* Commercial Turtle Food: High-quality commercial turtle pellets should form the base of the diet. Choose a formula specifically designed for carnivorous turtles. These pellets provide a balanced source of nutrients.
* Live Foods: Supplement the diet with live foods such as crickets, mealworms, earthworms, blackworms, and feeder fish (guppies or minnows). Live foods provide essential nutrients and stimulate the turtle’s hunting instincts.
* Frozen Foods: Frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp can also be offered. Thaw frozen foods completely before feeding.
* Vegetables: Offer small amounts of leafy green vegetables such as romaine lettuce, collard greens, and mustard greens. Avoid spinach and iceberg lettuce, as they are low in nutrients.
### Feeding Frequency and Amount
* Juveniles: Feed juveniles daily, offering as much food as they can consume in 15-20 minutes.
* Adults: Feed adults every other day, offering a similar amount of food.
* Supplements: Dust live foods with a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement once or twice a week, especially for young, growing turtles. This ensures they receive adequate calcium for bone development.
### Important Considerations
* Feeding Location: Feed your turtle in the main tank. Removing them to a separate feeding container can be stressful.
* Uneaten Food: Remove any uneaten food promptly to prevent water quality issues.
* Variety: Offer a wide variety of foods to ensure your turtle receives a balanced diet.
## Handling and Interaction
Soft shelled turtles are generally not as docile as some other turtle species. They can be skittish and may bite if they feel threatened. Handling should be kept to a minimum and done carefully.
### Safe Handling Techniques
* Approach Slowly: Approach the turtle slowly and calmly.
* Support the Body: Support the turtle’s entire body with both hands when lifting it. Avoid grabbing the shell, as this can be stressful.
* Avoid Startling: Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises that could startle the turtle.
* Wash Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling your turtle.
### Interaction and Enrichment
While soft shelled turtles may not enjoy being handled, you can still interact with them in other ways. Offer food from your hand, or use a long-handled feeding tool to encourage them to come to the surface. Observe their behavior and provide enrichment items to keep them stimulated.
## Health and Common Problems
Soft shelled turtles are prone to certain health problems, especially if their environment is not properly maintained.
### Common Health Issues
* Shell Rot: Shell rot is a bacterial or fungal infection of the shell. It is often caused by poor water quality and inadequate basking. Symptoms include soft spots, discoloration, and a foul odor. Treatment involves cleaning the affected area with an antiseptic solution and applying a topical antibiotic or antifungal cream. Severe cases may require veterinary care.
* Respiratory Infections: Respiratory infections are often caused by low water temperatures or poor ventilation. Symptoms include wheezing, discharge from the nose or eyes, and lethargy. Treatment involves raising the water temperature, improving ventilation, and administering antibiotics (prescribed by a veterinarian).
* Eye Infections: Eye infections can be caused by poor water quality or injury. Symptoms include swollen or cloudy eyes, discharge, and difficulty seeing. Treatment involves improving water quality and applying antibiotic eye drops (prescribed by a veterinarian).
* Parasites: Soft shelled turtles can be susceptible to internal and external parasites. Symptoms of internal parasites include weight loss, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Symptoms of external parasites include itching, skin irritation, and visible parasites. Treatment involves administering antiparasitic medication (prescribed by a veterinarian).
* Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): MBD is caused by a deficiency in calcium or vitamin D3. It can lead to soft shells, skeletal deformities, and muscle weakness. Prevention involves providing adequate UVB lighting and supplementing the diet with calcium and vitamin D3.
### Preventative Care
* Regular Checkups: Schedule regular checkups with a veterinarian experienced in reptile care.
* Quarantine: Quarantine new turtles for at least 30 days before introducing them to your existing collection. This helps prevent the spread of disease.
* Observe Behavior: Pay close attention to your turtle’s behavior. Any changes in appetite, activity level, or appearance could indicate a health problem.
## Breeding Soft Shelled Turtles
Breeding soft shelled turtles in captivity can be challenging, but it is possible with the right conditions.
### Creating Breeding Conditions
* Sexing: Determine the sex of your turtles. Males have longer tails and are generally smaller than females. This can be difficult in juveniles.
* Cooling Period: Provide a cooling period (brumation) during the winter months. Gradually lower the water temperature to around 60-65°F (15-18°C) and reduce feeding. This mimics their natural winter dormancy.
* Nesting Site: Provide a nesting site for the female to lay her eggs. This should be a large container filled with moist sand or soil. The nesting site should be located in a warm, quiet area.
### Egg Laying and Incubation
* Egg Laying: The female will lay her eggs in the nesting site. The number of eggs can vary depending on the species and size of the female.
* Incubation: Carefully remove the eggs from the nesting site and incubate them in an incubator at a temperature of 82-86°F (28-30°C) and a humidity level of 70-80%. Use a reliable incubator and monitor the temperature and humidity carefully.
* Hatching: The eggs will typically hatch in 60-90 days. Once the hatchlings emerge, move them to a separate tank and provide them with the same care as juvenile turtles.
## Choosing a Soft Shelled Turtle
If you are considering getting a soft shelled turtle, it’s essential to choose a healthy individual from a reputable source. Avoid purchasing turtles from pet stores or online vendors that do not provide proper care.
### Selecting a Healthy Turtle
* Appearance: The turtle should have a smooth, intact shell with no signs of shell rot or injury. The eyes should be clear and bright, with no discharge.
* Activity Level: The turtle should be active and alert. Avoid turtles that are lethargic or unresponsive.
* Appetite: The turtle should have a healthy appetite. Observe the turtle eating before purchasing it.
* Source: Purchase your turtle from a reputable breeder or rescue organization.
## Conclusion
Caring for soft shelled turtles requires a significant commitment and a thorough understanding of their unique needs. By providing a properly sized and maintained habitat, a nutritious diet, and regular veterinary care, you can ensure that your soft shelled turtle thrives in captivity. Remember to research the specific needs of the species you choose and be prepared to dedicate the time and resources necessary to provide them with the best possible care. With proper care and attention, these fascinating reptiles can become rewarding and long-lived companions.