Will I be able to take care of a Mississippi map turtle?

Do you mind having a pet with whom you won't be able to interact much?

Can you provide a large (75- to 125-gallon) fish tank for the Mississippi map turtle?

Can you make sure that the water in the tank is kept at optimal quality?

Can you maintain a temperature around 85 degrees Fahrenheit inside turtles enclosure?

Can you provide adequate UV lighting year-round for about 12 hours per day?

Do you have an exotics veterinarian who specializes in reptile care in your region?

These nervous and shy turtles do not appreciate being handled much and doing so will deny the animal its safe place: The water. With strong jaws made to crush river snails and crustaceans, the Mississippi map turtle has a strong bite, so keep your fingers safely away from their heads.

Full-grown map turtles need plenty of swimming space, but typically a 75-gallon fish tank will do well for one male turtle; females need about a 125-gallon tank.

Water quality is very important to animals that spend the majority of their lives submerged, and dirty water can cause several infections. Quality filters are a must for any Mississippi map turtle enclosure to keep the water clean, clear, and free of odors.

Mississippi map turtles don't need extremely warm temperatures but will be more active and have a better appetite if they are kept around 85 degrees F. If temperatures are allowed to drop below the 60s your turtle may become lethargic, not eat well, and start to go into hibernation.

Turtles need adequate UVA and UVB rays. When housed indoors full-spectrum UVA/UVB lighting and supplemental heat lights are necessary for Mississippi map turtles. UVB lighting should be provided for 12 hours each day and year-round in the form of a special reptile UVB bulb.

You can take care of a Mississippi map turtle as a pet!

Mississippi map turtles are prone to health issues that require veterinary inspection. A turtle that is always floating can be a sign of a problem, such as pneumonia. Turtles with eyes that are closed or puffy may indicate a respiratory infection or a similar issue. Wheezing and drooling also are signs of respiratory ailments. Shells that are soft, not smooth, or covered in algae might have shell rot, which is a painful condition caused by fungus. Exotics veterinarian who specializes in reptile care should be consulted on the first signs of an illness.