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Where do red-bellied turtles live?
The red-bellied cooter is an aquatic turtle with a dark, highly domed shell and a distinctive red belly. It can be found basking along the edge of ponds, streams and rivers throughout the Potomac River and in coastal portions of Maryland and Virginia.
What do red belly turtles need?
Care for Red Belly Turtles
- Aquarium, 10 or 20 gallons.
- Gravel.
- Larger rock with a partial flat surface for basking.
- Thermostat sticker.
- Aquarium lamp that emits UVA and UVB radiation.
- Water neutralizing drops.
- Commercial turtle food.
How much water does a red-bellied turtle need?
The depth of the water should be around 1-2 feet or more for an adult turtle, as you want to give these strong swimmers a chance to completely submerge and swim around. Northern Red-Bellied Turtles really enjoy basking, so you will also need to provide areas where your turtle can bask and rest.
How do you take care of a cooter turtle?
In captivity, cooters need an aquatic habitat, with a dry basking area. They need a warming light and UVB radiation (from reptilelights or direct sunshine). As juveniles, they can be kept in a 20- or 30-gallon long tank, but they will outgrow those accommodations, and need a very large tank or outdoor pond.
How much does a red bellied turtle cost?
Red Eared Slider turtle $59.95 – $89.95 Sale!
What do you feed a cooter turtle?
As cooters mature, they become more herbivorous. Larger river cooters maintained in captivity prefer tortoise chow over turtle chow. In addition, they will accept romaine lettuce and other greens. In the wild, river cooters feed primarily on eelgrasses (Vallisneria spp.)
What Should I Feed My River Cooter?
The young river cooters can be fed with a high protein diet like shrimps, crickets, and meat pellets. The adults usually seek a herbivorous diet and can be fed with plants, shredded carrots, fruits, and vegetables.