musk turtle

[squirt0314]

i have purchased two musk turtles and i was wondering if anyone else recommends using a basking light the place i bought them said they probably wouldn't use one however i have read mixed reviews? also should i put alot of water or enough so they can walk along bottom of tank and still stick their heads out of the water?

 

[Yvonne G]

I have always offered the info that mud/musk turtles are not good swimmers, preferring to walk along the bottom, then up the hill to breathe, and we really shouldn't make them swim. However, every time I say that someone comes along and tells me I don't know what I'm talking about. So, use your own judgement. I don't make mine swim.

 

[junebugsmom]

I have 2 musk turtles and I sometimes see them sit on the bottom but they also like to float just below the water surface with their nose up for air. they have a couple spots to bask and I normally only see them there at night. Just give them a variety of options with plants and basking areas and they'll figure out what they prefer.

 

[Gangreene]

In the wild Musk turtles can and will climb up a branch sticking out of the water, I have seen them several feet above the water sunning and sleeping at night.You need to provide them the ability to get out of the water.

 

[diamondbp]

They do bask do provide basking spots. Yvonne is correct that they "crawl" way more than swimming. Provide a network of branches/plants to climb on with water 6"-18" for a happy healthy musk turtle.