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Yes, one can have a painted turtle as a pet. The real question might be, should you have a painted turtle as a pet? Painted turtles are beautiful and engaging creatures. In some parts of the country, they are endangered. In other places, their populations are at risk and declining. It is my opinion, as a painted turtle owner and a veterinarian, that painted turtles are best left in the wild.
That said, if you have your heart set on a pet painted turtle, there are a few things to keep in mind. All pet turtles require extremely clean water, although they are naturally dirty creatures. They must have UVA and UVB lamps. The bulbs are somewhat expensive and must be changed annually. Turtles need a source of steady heat. Although they can hibernate outside, they cannot survive long term at a chilly (60-74) temperature. Turtles can't just be fed "turtle pellets." They need at least some live food, plants and some prey. They must have an appropriate basking area. They require an excellent filtration system and regular cleaning. Most importantly, they need a BIG tank or pool. Personally, I believe it is downright cruel to keep an adult painted turtle in any enclosure less than 75 gallons. It's the equivalent of you being kept in a closet for your entire life. My turtle's tank is 150 gallons. This weighs a lot.
Finally, if you really want a painted turtle, please consider rescuing one. They live a long time, upwards of 40 years if they are properly cared for. One can often find free turtles on Craigslist and various rescue organizations.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoyes, they do. although they do get a bit large so if you are not sure that you will be able to have a large enough tank or habitat ready for them then you should not consider painted turtles.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoIf you're forcing it , it will try to but otherwise they just hiss
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoYes because they are just the same as regular turtles.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoI want a painted turtle on a scale 1 to 10 how easy are they
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoIt's a turtle, not a puppy.
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How does the painted turtle drink?
painted turtles drink out of a little drinking dish. painted turtles like fresh unsalted water
Do painted turtles only go to the bathroom when they are in the water?
painted turtles only like to pee in evion
Do painted turtles like water?
yes
Are stink pot turtles and painted turtles the same?
no, stinpots are musk turtles not painted turtles
What is survival benefit?
The painted turtles benefit for survival is just like any turtles, the shell.
Are baby painted turtles poisonous?
painted turtles are NOT harmful at all!
Do painted turtles smell?
like a rotten sham poo
What do painted turtles like to do?
they like to eat just like you like to eat when you was but a baby.
What do painted turtles look like?
Usually with a colorful shell on the bottom.
Do painted turtles need land?
Yes, painted turtles need land. They are cold-blooded reptiles which means they rely on their environment for warmth. Turtles like to lay on logs/rocks/land to bask in the sunlight.
What is cool about painted turtles?
they are cool because they are turtles
What is another cool fact about painted turtles?
they ARE NOT painted.
