Are pet turtles illegal to own? I heard they were banned in the US.

Thank you for using PetCoach. This appears to be a box turtle. Please do not keep this turtle as a pet, In most states it is illegal to do so, beyond that it is very difficult to provide adequate housing and nutrition for wild reptiles. Many species of box turtle are endangered or vulnerable due to human interference. http://www.boxturtles.com/box-turtle-conservation/ If interested in a turtle for a pet, I recommend you search for local reptile or turtle rescues in your area. box turtles and other species can live up to 50 years in captivity, so need a long-term commitment. But often end up in rescue when people can’t take care of them there entire lives

Once a turtle is in captivity it should not be released back into the wild for the following reasons: 1.The turtle can spread disease picked up in captivity to other turtles in the wild. Pathogens, viruses, and bacteria are not always presented in the form of a symptom. Even if the turtle looks and acts like its feeling well it can still carry pathogens that will wipe out entire populations of wild turtles. Your turtle could be immune but be a carrier and therefore highly contagious to other turtles. 2.Wild turtles live in areas where the food will sustain their needs. If everyone who decided his or her turtle would be better off free, think again. If you release the turtle into an area that is already heavy with native turtles, you end up with a situation where they are all competing for a limited amount of food. 3.Turtles should also never be released into the wild because of climate and adaptation. For instance, a non-hibernating turtle such as a Mexican Wood turtle or an African sideneck released in a cold climate like Tennessee, Maine, or anywhere there is potential for freezing weather will surely die. In addition, if your turtle was a pet and has relied on you for food, he may not be the strongest hunter and will slowly and painfully starve to death when he cannot find food easily.

Thanks for reaching out about your turtle. Unfortunately, there aren't great ways to calculate ages in turtles - the reason for this is that their size and physical characteristics can vary depending on their husbandry. For example, too much or too little nutrition can cause a turtle to become too large or remain very small instead of growing at a normal pace. As far as the vitamins and diet - to get advice on this, it would be important to know what species of turtle you have. There are many different species that are commonly kept as pets, and they can require very different things in their diet and environment to help them thrive and live a long and healthy life. You could repost your question with some photos, or what may be better is to have a consultation. As another alternative, you can also take your turtle to a veterinarian who is familiar with turtles, and they can assist you with this as well. I hope that gives you a place to start, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Depending on diet and environment, it may take as long as 5-8 years (or longer) for her to reach adult size. Female turtles typically take longer to grow since they are bigger than males. Blanding females also mature sexually much later (14-20 years). Because of this, they are considered "endangered" throughout most of their range.

Thanks for reaching out about Squirtle. As per the legality of ownership in the state of Florida, you should probably contact the Florida Department of Wildlife with the inquiry. As per her breed, a red stripe on the head is not identified, she might be a Florida chicken turtle, Florida painted turtle or other aquatic turtle. A local turtle/tortoise club might be better able to identify. Good luck.

We need more information in order to help you. Please post again with the breed of this turtle (is it a turtle or a tortoise?). Photos of the turtle's head. Photos of the cage set-up you have. Thank you.

What you have appears to be an aquatic/semi-aquatic species of turtle. Basic requirements include a tank of at least 10 gallons initially, a water heater, a water filter, a basking area out of the water, a heat lamp and a UVB light source.