Peninsula Cooter Turtle

The diet of a Peninsula Cooter turtle is primarily herbivorous and includes a variety of foods to ensure balanced nutrition. There are commercially available diets available, like our in-house blend of Gourmet Turtle Food, and like those from Zilla or Zoo Med. Along with that they can be fed aquatic plants (such as water lettuce, duckweed, hornwort, pondweed), vegetables (such as squash, collard greens, endive, romaine lettuce, red leaf lettuce, kale, mustard greens and dandelions) and some fruits as a treat only (i.e. banana, strawberries, blueberries). By ensuring a balanced and varied diet, you can help your river cooter thrive and maintain optimal health!

It is possible to start hatchling peninsula cooter turtles in a small setup where the water depth is at least 1.5 times the length of the turtle’s carapace (shell) but still leaves room for places where they can readily reach the surface. Remember that a healthy young turtle will grow very quickly, therefore you will eventually need to get a bigger enclosure. These species favor substrates that are smooth, such sand or gravel. Give them lots of live or artificial plants and lots of water to swim in. To ensure your turtle is growing properly, you should also supply the following necessities:

UVB Light: Provide a UVB light for 10-12 hours a day to support shell and bone health. Without it, your turtle will suffer from crippling diseases and possible early death. These lights need to be changed every 6 months if you are using Coil Bulbs or every year with a Mercury Vapor Bulb.

Basking Light:  A basking light for turtles provides heat and ultraviolet (UV) rays that are essential for a turtle’s health. Turtles are ectothermic (cold-blooded) animals, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Basking helps them warm up, which is essential for their metabolic processes.

Water Temperature: The ideal water temperature is typically between 75°F and 80°F (24°C to 27°C). Maintaining this temperature range helps support their metabolism and overall health. This can be provided by using a submersible water heater.

Water Filtration: A good filtration system is vital for keeping the water clean and safe for turtles. Investing in quality equipment and maintaining it properly will help create a thriving environment for your turtles!

Terrarium Accessories: Creating a suitable habitat for your turtle involves adding decor that mimics their natural environment while providing enrichment and safety. It is important to have a basking platform. You can add artificial plants, decorative elements and water features. By thoughtfully selecting decor, you can create a functional and visually appealing habitat that meets your turtle’s needs!

Adult Peninsula Cooter turtles typically reach a size of 9 to 16 inches in shell length. Size can vary based on factors like genetics, diet, and habitat conditions. Providing a proper diet and environment can help them reach their full potential!

Peninsula Cooters can cohabit with other species of similar size and environmental needs, such as Red-Eared Sliders, Painted turtles, or other Cooter species. They are known to “stack” on top of each other while basking if space is limited, creating a cute tower of turtles!

All our turtles are Captive Bred and come with a 7-day Health Guarantee.