Type the name of the breed you're looking for below

[wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Don't see the breed your're looking for? Click here and let us know!
Florida Soft Shell Turtle
[fbcomments]

Florida Soft Shell Turtle

Place of Origin and Range The Florida Soft shell turtle is a species of soft shell turtle native to the Southeastern United States.
Description The Florida soft shell turtle typically has a dark brown to olive green, leathery carapace with a white or cream-coloured underside, which visually conceals young turtles from potential predators. It has a long neck and an elongated head with a long snorkel-like nose.
Morph Patterns Available Yes
Adult Size Can grow up to 10 in(20 cm)
Accommodation A filtered semi-aquatic cage with water temperature at 70-80'F(21-26'C), and a sloping ramp(driftwood, textured plastic or some other non-abrasive surface) leading from the bottom to an illuminated and warmed basking spot. Approx 90'F(32'C). 2 x 4 feet for an adult.
Lifespan Can live 10+ years
Feeding / Diet These turtles mainly eat fish and tadpoles.There are a variety of foods which are universally accepted by turtles, which include earthworms, snails, slugs, grubs, beetles, and caterpillars.
Other Considerations Watch for theses health concerns carefully with your turtle. Vitamin A Deficiency: Vitamin A is an important nutrient for your turtle’s health. It is found in his diet in the form of leafy green, orange or yellow vegetables, liver, and fish. If your turtle is not getting enough Vitamin A, he can suffer serious health problems. Always check to make sure that your turtle does not have swollen eyelids, as this is the main sign of a Vitamin A deficiency. Also, check for weight loss, nasal discharge and infected skin. Any of these symptoms could point to a deficiency. If you think your turtle may not be getting enough Vitamin A, you should take him to the veterinarian to get a firm diagnosis. Shell Problems: Your turtle’s shell is very important to his overall health. There are many potential problems that could occur, so you should be on the lookout at all times. Respiratory Disease: Respiratory infections have symptoms similar to vitamin A deficiency, including swollen eyelids and runny nose, so you should take your turtle to the veterinarian to get a proper diagnosis if you suspect either. More serious infections will be characterized by breathing through the mouth, mucus in the mouth, and wheezing. Always make sure your turtle’s environment has the proper amount of humidity, as this will help prevent respiratory problems.
Recent Blog Posts
  • Who is your Vet? Demystifying the facts!

    People are creatures of habit and we repeatedly do things that we have done in the past.  We drive the same route to and from work, we shop at the same stores, we buy gas at the same gas stations.  We are often on auto-pilot and don’t give a lot of thought to why we […]

  • Meet Dr. Katz at Petmapz!

    My name is Dr. Katz Piller and most of my clients refer to me as “Dr. Katz”. I have had meaningful relationships with various animals since I was a toddler and after losing one horse to severe colic and another to cancer. I made a commitment to studying veterinary medicine and to helping alleviate the […]

  • Why you should have your pet spayed or neutered

    The decision to spay or neuter your pet is an important one for pet owners. But it can be the single best decision you make for their long-term welfare. A USA Today (May 7, 2013) article cites that pets who live in the states with the highest rates of spaying/neutering also live the longest. According […]