Razorback musk turtles are a native species found in Northern America. These aquatic turtles prefer shallow waters with low currents and abundant vegetation for shelter.
They eat insects and mollusks like crawdads, earthworms, and shrimp as well as fresh fruits and vegetables to supplement their diets.
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Feeding
Razorback musk turtles can be fed a variety of foods, such as aquatic and meat products. Additionally, they enjoy high-quality pellets like Tetra’s Reptomin or Sera’s Raffy P.
Hatchlings and juveniles must be fed daily to stay healthy. You can feed them a combination of pellets and live food, divided into morning and evening meals.
Messy eaters require a separate tank/bowl for them to use when eating. Furthermore, you should change the water in this tank at least twice a month as leaving them with dirty water can be detrimental.
These turtles may emit an unpleasant odor to alert them of predators and other potential dangers. Therefore, these pets should not be kept with animals that are sensitive to smells.
Water
Water is one of the most fundamental molecules in existence. It consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, and can be classified as either liquid, solid or gas depending on its environment.
Razorback musk turtles enjoy swimming and should be provided with a large tank with an average depth of around 10 inches in the shallow end for adults, and 3 to 4 inches for hatchlings. Furthermore, these slow-moving waters are essential for successful development.
Their natural diet consists primarily of carnivorous animals and they can be provided with pelleted foods. Alternatively, fresh or frozen fish and vegetables, insects or live food such as shrimp, earthworms and goldfish can also be offered to them.
Feeding duckweed (Lemna spp.) to your pets can be highly beneficial, providing variety in their diet. These plants contain high amounts of essential nutrients and protein which make them ideal for captivity.
Habitat
Musk turtles can be found in a variety of environments. They prefer slow-moving rivers, streams and ponds with a muddy bottom.
These turtles may also be found in some impoundments. Although they have a reputation of being “shy”, this species of turtle can actually be quite active when exploring its environment.
Due to their shy nature, you should only keep them as pets if you’re willing to observe and not handle them. Unfortunately, this makes them unsuitable for families with young children or other pets as the turtles may become aggressive when trying to escape your care.
If you decide to keep Razorback musk turtles, it is essential that their enclosure includes an aquatic tank with a minimum depth of 8 inches. As these turtles are not great swimmers, adding a basking platform to the enclosure offers them an area entirely out of the water is beneficial.
Exercise
Razorback musk turtles are naturally active creatures and require plenty of exercise. Giving them time outside their tank each day is essential for their wellbeing and well-being.
They enjoy exploring their environment and finding new foods to eat, so provide them with a variety of meals. Incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into their diet is another great way to keep them healthy and contented.
Add some excitement to your turtle’s life by placing live foods like crickets or small fish in its tank. Doing this will encourage them to hunt and chase after the food, a sign that your turtle is contented and healthy.
Maintaining your Razorback Musk Turtle’s health and happiness can be a challenging endeavor, but with proper care they will live long and healthy lives in your home. By providing them with suitable habitat, food, and water supplies, you are providing them with all of the essentials for their well-being.
