map turtle careguide
Map turtles
sientific name graptemys
Map turtles have a devoted following in the turtle hobby for a few years now They are secretive and many species are rare in their own natural habitats. They are devoted baskers and very active swimmers. Most species are beautiful with intricate patterns. Sexual dimorphism is extreme in map turtles with females reaching much larger adult sizes than males. Map turtles were proposed for CITES protection. However proposal did not proceed,
native too America East of the Rocky Mountains, expecially southern eastern United States but they are readily available through out the UK with the false and Mississippi being the most popular
size and lifespan Adult females of most species of Map turtles can reach 7 inches and adult males are considerably smaller, with most only reaching 5 - 6 inches. The average life span of a map turtle can range considerably but with proper care and adequate housing they can reach up to 15 maybe 20 years.
general appearance the superficially resemble many other species of aquatic turtle including sliders and cooters,but there distinguished by a keel that runs the length of the carapace the name map is given to them due to the map like markings they have.
Enclouser: Though similar in appearance to Sliders and Painted turtles, Map turtles have some unique and specific needs. Map turtles are generally found in clear, fast-flowing rivers and so require plenty of filtration and oxygenated water in their captive enclosures. A 20-gallon long aquarium will still work well for two or three babies, but a keeper should be sure to keep the water clean.i use an outside filter on the back and add a small airstone at one end to add some extra oxygen and a bit of turbulence to the water. They seem to love it! These turtles are baskers, so be sure to add some driftwood and other places for them to rest and get some heat and UVB.
Temperature: the maps being no exception a water temperature should be 25c to 27c for hatchlings and lower temps for adults being around 20c to 24c and can be maintained with a submersible aquarium heater. The basking or land area should be warmer up to 28° - 30° C during the daylight period. For around 12 hours a day this can be maintained with a. spot bulb
SUBSTRATE: Substrate is not recommended, however slate chippings can be used. as with all turtles its not recommended to use any form of gravel however large rocks can also be used
DIET Map turtles are omnivores. In captivity, the majority of their captive diet consists of floating aquatic turtle food and a variety of aquatic plants. Typically, hatchlings and young map turtles feed on more plant matter than adults. Physically, adults develop large, muscular jaws in response to a natural diet of hard-shelled snails and crayfish.Feeding a adult map I recommend 2 to 3 times a week on a good commercial pellet and should be removed after a short period if not eaten except for the greens. As youngsters they should feed daily enough that will fit in the side of there head then reducing this after 6 months of age to couple of times a week same as most turtles maps also live vegetation dandys,kale duckweed. I give treats maybe once a week of a shrimp prawn wax worm which the do enjoy however there not to be given to frequently
Last edited by jo x; 21st July 2009 at 04:26 PM.
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