What do terrapins look like

Females lay two to three clutches of eggs annually, with clutch sizes ranging from 4 to 23 eggs. Sometimes hatchlings overwinter in the nest and emerge the following spring. During the cold winter months, diamondbacks hibernate, buried in the mud at the bottom of tidal creeks, completely submerged and inactive. Learn more about the diamondback terrapin! Did you know that this species is Maryland's state reptile and the mascot of the University of Maryland?

Diamondbacks live in coastal salt marshes, estuaries and tidal creeks along the U. Seven subspecies occupy this range. Diamondback terrapins are almost strictly carnivorous but sometimes ingest small amounts of plant material. They possess strong jaws and crushing plates in their mouths that enable them to eat hard-shelled prey, including aquatic snails, crabs and small bivalves, such as mussels and clams. They also eat carrion, fish, worms and insects. Adult male terrapins are significantly smaller than adult females in weight and carapace length.

Males reach a maximum shell length of 5. You might have to call several different offices before you find a good vet. Your vet will take your terrapin's height and weight and perform a brief physical examination. He will likely listen to the heart and lungs and might ask for a stool sample to test for parasites. Also, tell your vet about your pet's diet, tank size, heat lamp, and your cleaning rituals.

The vet might have some helpful suggestions in regards to your terrapin's care. Recognize signs of poor health. Bacterial infections, upper respiratory problems, and parasites are common in turtles. Know the signs your turtle might need medical care. Any problems to the shell, such as a flaky, waxy, or misshapen shell, might be a sign of vitamin deficiencies or the existence of parasites.

If you notice any changes to your terrapin's shell, seek medical care. If you notice any, talk to a vet. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Wash your hands often when caring for the terrapin or cleaning the tank. Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0. If a terrapin bites hard enough to break the skin, seek medical care. You may need stitches and might also risk infection. Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0. Feed your terrapin in a separate tank so you don't need to clean the tank so often.

Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1. Hold your terrapin at its sides to prevent it scratching you and it's more comfortable for the terrapin. Related wikiHows How to. How to. More References About This Article. Co-authored by:. Co-authors: Updated: May 27, Categories: Turtles and Tortoises. Article Summary X To look after terrapins, provide it with a gallon aquarium, and make sure the tank has both water and land areas.

Italiano: Badare alle Tartarughe d'Acqua Dolce. Bahasa Indonesia: Memelihara Terrapin. Nederlands: Voor moerasschildpadden zorgen. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read , times. We searched on Google and the wikiHow site with pictures came up as the most helpful. We discovered the lovely creature was a terrapin, and we were provided clear and easy guidelines as to how to care for it while awaiting his owner's return. This is the second time the terrapin has escaped!

How big do terrapins get? Females are the larger of the species at 25cm. Males grow to around 21cm. Creating a comfortable environment Temperature A terrapin will require a temperature gradient with a 'basking zone' where they can absorb warmth along with an area where they can cool down. Water Terrapins need constant access to clean water so you need a powerful filtration system.

What do terrapins eat? Supplements are required to provide the vitamins and minerals not available in captivity. Health A healthy terrapin has clear, bright eyes and a smooth shell. Are terrapins good pets? Terrapins should not be petted.

They are especially fragile when young. Print Caring for a terrapin. One of the most common terrapin species, the red-eared slider, has a distinctive bright red stripe on each side of its head, just behind each eye. You can identify terrapins by looking at their feet, which are different from those of tortoises and many turtles.

Terrapins' feet are webbed between their toes, to help them swim, and have long, sharp claws for climbing. Tortoises' feet are designed for walking on land -- they're rounded and stumpy, and are not webbed. Many turtles don't have feet at all, but rather have four flippers that help them to glide quickly through the ocean. However, aquatic freshwater turtles have webbed feet, similar to terrapins.