EXPERIENCE ROXY'S PET SHOP CARE SHEETS

Cooter Terrapins are semi-aquatic turtles that are native to rivers, lakes, and marshes in the southeastern United States. Known for their striking shell patterns and calm demeanor, Cooters make great pets for experienced turtle keepers, as they require specific care to thrive in captivity. Below is a comprehensive guide to keeping Cooter Terrapins healthy and happy.

• Minimum Size: For one adult Cooter Terrapin, a 40-gallon tank is the minimum size. However, larger tanks are always better, especially as they grow.
• Ideal Size: For multiple turtles or to allow more space, a 75-gallon or larger tank is ideal. These turtles are active swimmers and need ample room to move around.

• Temperature: Cooter Terrapins are cold to temperate-water turtles. The water temperature should be maintained between 72–80°F (22–27°C).
• Basking Area Temperature: The basking area should be 85–90°F (29–32°C) to allow the turtle to regulate its body temperature.
• pH Level: The water should have a pH of around 6.5–7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral.
• Water Hardness: Cooter Terrapins prefer moderately soft to moderately hard water, around 4–15 dGH.
• Water Quality: As semi-aquatic creatures, Cooters are sensitive to poor water quality. It’s crucial to keep the water clean with regular water changes and proper filtration. Keep ammonia and nitrites at 0 ppm and nitrates below 20 ppm.

• Filtration: A high-quality filter is essential for maintaining clean water. Choose a filter rated for a tank larger than your actual tank size to ensure efficient filtration. Consider using a canister filter or sump filter for better performance.
• Flow Rate: While they don’t mind gentle water movement, strong currents can stress them, so make sure the filter flow rate is not too high. A filter with adjustable flow is ideal.

• Best Option: Smooth gravel or river rocks are good choices for the substrate, as they provide a natural look and allow for easy cleaning. Make sure the rocks are too large to be ingested.
• Avoid: Sharp or jagged rocks that could cause injury, or fine gravel that could be accidentally eaten.

• Provide a basking dock that is large enough for the turtle to completely dry off. The basking area should be accessible and placed above the water line.
• The basking area can be a floating dock or a solid platform with ramps for easy access. Ensure that the dock stays dry and provides a heat source (via a heat lamp or basking bulb).

Cooter Terrapins are omnivores, and their diet should include both animal and plant-based foods.

• Animal Protein: Offer a variety of protein sources such as live or frozen fish, worms, bloodworms, shrimp, and crickets. They also enjoy small snails, clams, and aquatic insects.
• Vegetables and Greens: A balanced diet should also include leafy greens and vegetables. Feed them dandelion greens, collard greens, kale, romaine lettuce, and water plants such as duckweed and water hyacinth.
• Fruit: Fruits like apples, grapes, and strawberries can be offered as occasional treats.
• Commercial Diet: High-quality turtle pellets can be fed in moderation. Choose a pellet that’s formulated for omnivorous turtles.

• Feeding Frequency: Juvenile Cooter Terrapins should be fed daily, while adults can be fed 3-4 times per week.
• Portion Control: Offer small amounts of food that can be eaten in about 15-20 minutes. Remove any uneaten food to prevent water contamination.
• Calcium: Ensure that your turtle gets enough calcium for strong shell growth by offering cuttlebone or dusting food with a calcium supplement (without phosphorus).

• Perform 20-30% water changes weekly to maintain water quality. Depending on the filter, more frequent changes may be necessary to keep the tank clean, especially if you have multiple turtles.
• Always treat tap water with a water conditioner to remove chlorine and chloramine.

• Regularly test the water for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and pH to ensure that the conditions are within safe levels.
• If the water quality is poor, the turtles may develop respiratory or skin infections.

• Water Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 72–80°F (22–27°C). Use an aquarium heater with a thermostat to maintain stable water temperatures.
• Basking Temperature: The basking area should be 85–90°F (29–32°C) to help the turtles regulate their body temperature.

• UVB Lighting: Cooter Terrapins need UVB lighting for proper calcium metabolism and to prevent shell deformities (such as metabolic bone disease). Use a UVB bulb designed for reptiles, and make sure it provides a full spectrum of UV light.
• Lighting Duration: Provide 12-14 hours of light per day to simulate a natural day-night cycle. A timer can help automate the lighting cycle.
• Heat Lamp: A heat lamp should be placed over the basking area to maintain the proper basking temperature. This will also simulate sunlight and help the turtles regulate their body temperature.

• Shell Rot: Shell rot is a common bacterial infection that causes the shell to become soft, discolored, or develop foul-smelling spots. It is typically caused by poor water quality or inadequate basking. To prevent shell rot, maintain clean water and provide a proper basking area.
• Respiratory Infections: If the water is too cold or the basking area is too wet, Cooter Terrapins are prone to respiratory infections. Symptoms include labored breathing, mucus around the nose, and lethargy.
• Parasites: Internal and external parasites are common in aquatic turtles, especially if they are fed live prey that could carry parasites. Regularly deworming and ensuring a clean tank can help prevent these issues.

• Lethargy, loss of appetite, or unusual behavior.
• Swollen or closed eyes, labored breathing, or bubbles around the nose.
• Discolored or damaged shell, especially if soft or mushy.
• Excessive hiding or staying at the surface of the water.

• Minimize Handling: Like most turtles, Cooter Terrapins are not fond of being handled frequently. Limit handling to tank cleaning or medical care. Always handle them gently and with wet hands to protect their skin and shell.
• Stress: Frequent handling can cause stress, leading to health problems. Make sure your turtle has a calm and comfortable environment.

Cooter Terrapins can breed in captivity, but it requires specific conditions:

• Mating: Mating usually occurs in the spring or early summer. Male turtles may chase females and perform a courtship ritual by extending their front claws.
• Egg Laying: After mating, females will lay eggs in a nesting site. Provide a dry area with soil or sand for them to dig and lay eggs. A temperature of 80–85°F (27–29°C) is ideal for egg incubation.
• Egg Incubation: Eggs will incubate for around 60–90 days. Baby turtles (hatchlings) should be kept in warm, shallow water until they grow larger.

• Social Behavior: Cooter Terrapins are generally peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive turtles. However, they can be territorial, especially when they are hungry or during the breeding season.
• Escape Artists: Ensure that your tank has a secure lid to prevent your turtles from escaping. Cooter Terrapins are good climbers and can crawl out of the tank if given the chance.
• Enrichment: Provide some aquatic plants, rocks, and logs for climbing and basking. Enriching their environment helps keep them active and mentally stimulated.

Cooter Terrapins are beautiful, active, and relatively easy-to-care-for turtles. They require a proper aquatic setup with clean, warm water, plenty of basking space, and a varied diet. By meeting their needs and ensuring good water quality, you can enjoy these turtles for many years as happy and healthy pets.

If you have further questions or need specific advice, feel free to ask!