Reeves Turtle Hatchling WC

Reeves Turtle

Care Sheet

Black Musk Turtle CB21

Mauremys reevesii, the Reeves Turtle , is a species of freshwater turtle native to East Asia.

Reeves turtles are easily recognisable by their striking yellow and black striped necks, setting them apart from other turtle species.

Additionally, Reeves turtles are popular as pets due to their small size and relatively easy care requirements.

Reeves Turtles enjoy a mixed diet of insects, worms and some fish as well as dry turtle foods.

Reeves Turtle

HOUSING YOUR REEVES TURTLE

For Reeves turtles, an appropriately sized tank should range from 75-100 litres to accommodate both land and water areas for their semi-aquatic nature. It is crucial to provide Reeves turtles with a this tank capacity to allow them ample space for swimming and basking comfortably. It is important to provide a basking area with a heat lamp and UVB light to mimic their natural habitat and ensure their overall health and well-being. Maintain the water temperature between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit, and regularly clean the tank to prevent bacterial growth and maintain a healthy environment for the turtle. Ensure that basking temperatures are maintained around 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit to create an ideal environment for the turtle’s thermoregulation.

Blackpool Reptiles provided a range of turtle kits starting at 60 litres and ranging upwards to larger tanks. Our turtle kits contain quality reptile products including UVB, Heat lamp, Thermometer, Water conditioner and more. We also stock a wide range of turtle frozen foods along with pelleted foods and our own range of pacman frog food which is also suitable for turtles. Although the recommended tank size is 75 litre +, you should always aim to provide the largest tank you can for your turtle.

We recommend using a powerful filter along with carrying out regular water changes to keep your turtles water clean and healthy. Do not place your tank close to a window as this will cause algae to grow inside the tank. Provide plants, rocks and other décor for your turtle, take care when placing ornaments with gaps that they are too small or large enough for your turtle to fit through.

HOUSING YOUR REEVES TURTLE

For Reeves turtles, an appropriately sized tank should range from 75-100 litres to accommodate both land and water areas for their semi-aquatic nature. It is crucial to provide Reeves turtles with a this tank capacity to allow them ample space for swimming and basking comfortably. It is important to provide a basking area with a heat lamp and UVB light to mimic their natural habitat and ensure their overall health and well-being. Maintain the water temperature between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit, and regularly clean the tank to prevent bacterial growth and maintain a healthy environment for the turtle. Ensure that basking temperatures are maintained around 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit to create an ideal environment for the turtle’s thermoregulation.

Blackpool Reptiles provided a range of turtle kits starting at 60 litres and ranging upwards to larger tanks. Our turtle kits contain quality reptile products including UVB, Heat lamp, Thermometer, Water conditioner and more. We also stock a wide range of turtle frozen foods along with pelleted foods and our own range of pacman frog food which is also suitable for turtles. Although the recommended tank size is 75 litre +, you should always aim to provide the largest tank you can for your turtle.

We recommend using a powerful filter along with carrying out regular water changes to keep your turtles water clean and healthy. Do not place your tank close to a window as this will cause algae to grow inside the tank. Provide plants, rocks and other décor for your turtle, take care when placing ornaments with gaps that they are too small or large enough for your turtle to fit through.

Reeves Turtle

HANDLING YOUR TURTLE

As a rule, Turtles don’t generally like to be handled. Reeves turtles are clever little animals who are able to recognise their owners and will come to them for food, handling them may break this trust so care must be taken. Scoop your turtle from the bottom in order to move it or to health check. Never tip your turtle upside down, this can upset the chemicals in their brains and cause ill health. Keep fingers away from the turtles mouth as they may mistake it for a tasty treat!

To bond with your turtle, you can offer treats with feeding tongs.

Reeves Turtle Hatchling WC

GENERAL CARE

Genus, Species Mauremys reevesii
Adult Size 12-22cm
Habitat Lakes and Ponds
Lifespan 10-15+ years
Diet Turtle foods, worms, insects, fish, Some veg, bloodworm Calcium + D3 powder (twice a week)
Water Temp (f) 70-80
Basking Temp (f) 80-85 UVI: 1.0-2.6 (Shade) 2.9-7.4 (Max bask)
Locality East Asia Difficulty 2
Breeding Age 4-5 years
Social Structure Live alone or with opposite sex, groups of females

GENERAL CARE

Genus, Species Mauremys reevesii
Adult Size 12-22cm
Habitat Lakes and Ponds
Lifespan 10-15+ years
Diet Turtle foods, worms, insects, fish, Some veg, bloodworm Calcium + D3 powder (twice a week)
Water Temp (f) 70-80
Basking Temp (f) 80-85 UVI: 1.0-2.6 (Shade) 2.9-7.4 (Max bask)
Locality East Asia Difficulty 2
Breeding Age 4-5 years
Social Structure Live alone or with opposite sex, groups of females

Reeves Turtle Hatchling WC
Reeves Turtle

SEXING YOUR TURTLE

Turtles are sexed similarly to Tortoises. The plastron (under neath) of the Turtle is concave and the plastron of the female is convex which enables them to mate.

Males have a longer thicker tail than females and the vent is closer to the tip of the tail than in females.

As adults it is easier to tell if you have a couple of turtles as females grow larger than males.

SHOPPING LIST

SHOPPING LIST

Black Musk Turtle CB21

HEALTH CHECK

Eyes should be clear and open wide. Look out for any swollen eye lids or swelling around the eye as this can signify an eye infection which are common in turtles. Turtle eyes is a great product to treat the eyes with and requires a couple of drops daily to clear the infection. You can also use saline and a cotton pad to gently swab the eyes daily. Separate turtles which show signs of infection to avoid spreading.

Shell should be smooth with no chips or signs of pyramiding. Scutes which raise and point at the top are referred to as pyramiding in tortoises and turtles are a sign of MBD (metabolic bone disease) which means that the animal has not received enough UVB and calcium + D3. it is important to change your UVB bulb every 6-8 months and dust food with calcium +D3 powder twice a week. The UVB and D3 work in hand to keep your turtles shell and bones strong.

Respiratory infection is a broad term which covers chest and lung issues in reptiles. Turtles can get RI if they do not have warm enough water or an adequate basking spot to allow them to reach the correct temperatures. Use a thermometer to regularly check the water and hot spot to ensure your pet is receiving the correct heat.

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