| You may have heard of terrapins, but you may not | | | | land based and water based, require a similar diet |
| be exactly sure of what they are and how they | | | | which consists of fresh leafy greens and vegetables. |
| differ from your basic pet turtles. Terrapins are a | | | | They both also need a constant supply of fresh |
| kind of aquatic turtle that live in brackish or fresh | | | | water that should be supplied in a shallow bowl to |
| water. | | | | make it easier for them to access and drink. |
| They typically have smaller and lighter shells than | | | | Keeping a turtle or terrapin as a pet means a lifelong |
| most land based turtles do and, similar to sea turtles, | | | | commitment from the owner. Their average life |
| have webbed feet. The similarities between terrapins | | | | expectancy should be a major consideration when |
| and sea turtles is merely superficial, however, and | | | | you're thinking about getting a turtle pet. It is also a |
| they belong to different turtle families. | | | | good idea to make sure that there is a local vet in |
| Of course, sometimes there is no difference | | | | town that is skilled to work on turtles, as not all vets |
| between terrapins and turtles as it is merely a matter | | | | are comfortable with working on turtles. |
| of semantics depending on where you are in the | | | | You need to watch for certain illnesses and diseases |
| world. In the United Kingdom, terrapin refers to all | | | | that turtles and terrapins are prone to develop and |
| kinds of turtles commonly kept as pets, while turtle | | | | this requires you to carefully observe any changes in |
| normally means the sea or oceanic turtle that is not | | | | their behavior and inspect them, especially their shells |
| kept as a pet. There are a lot of different turtle | | | | for any abnormalities or differences that occur. |
| breeds kept as pets but most typically have a life | | | | Caring for turtles can be extremely rewarding and |
| expectancy of about fifty years. | | | | fun. If you are looking for a peaceful and serene |
| Some kinds of land based turtles (such as the box | | | | animal to have as a pet, you should definitely |
| turtle, or tortoise) do not require very complicated | | | | consider a turtle or terrapin. |
| habitats as merely a safe, outdoor enclosure can be | | | | Most owners are ultimately very glad to have made |
| enough. | | | | that decision and, as long as you are willing to commit |
| Other turtles or terrapins however require both a dry | | | | to them and care for them, you can enjoy a long |
| environment and a wet environment. Most turtles, | | | | and happy life with your pet turtle or terrapin. |