When I first encountered a snapping turtle in a local pond, I was immediately struck by how formidable they looked. Their massive, rugged shells, powerful jaws, and intimidating demeanor naturally raise questions for anyone who enjoys swimming or spending time near freshwater bodies: Are snapping turtles truly dangerous? Should I be worried about swimming in…
If you’re like me, you’ve probably looked at your turtle gliding through the water and thought, There’s no way this little swimmer could ever drown. I used to believe that too — until I read more, asked experts, and (unfortunately) experienced a close call with one of my own turtles. So, let me answer the…
Worried your turtle’s shell looks a bit… off? Maybe it smells weird or looks discolored or even soft in places? Yep, I’ve been there too—and it turned out to be shell rot, one of the more common (but treatable!) health issues turtles face. So, what is turtle shell rot and how do you treat it…
Ever wondered if turtles get periods like humans do? Honestly, I did too when I first started caring for turtles. It might sound silly at first, but once you really start observing your pet — especially a female — it’s a legit question. You might see egg-laying behavior, mood shifts, or even what looks like…
There’s no easy way to say this—but if you’ve found yourself staring at your turtle, wondering if it’s just resting or something worse… I know exactly how that feels. I’ve owned turtles for years, and I’ve had those moments where everything in me just froze. Is it sleeping? Is it brumating? Or has it… passed?…
If you’re like I was when I first brought home my turtle, you probably assumed turtles are silent little creatures—stoic and quiet. I mean, they’re not like dogs who bark for attention or cats that meow for food, right? But after spending months—no, years—with turtles, observing them in calm moments and during stress, I realized:…
When I first brought home my turtle, I thought its hard shell meant it couldn’t get hurt. But wow, was I wrong. One day, I saw my turtle fall off a tall rock in the tank—and that’s when I realized just how easy it is for turtles to get injured. Turtles may look strong, but…
Finding blood in your turtle tank is one of those moments that makes your heart stop. I still remember the first time I saw a reddish smear near my turtle’s basking dock—my immediate thought was: is this blood? Is my turtle hurt? After years of turtle keeping, I can tell you this: bleeding is never…
Have you noticed your turtle acting a little… off lately? Maybe she’s digging in corners, refusing food, or constantly trying to climb out of her enclosure. I remember the first time I saw my female turtle doing that — I panicked, thinking she was sick. Turns out, she was pregnant. Or, to use the correct…
As a turtle owner myself, I know how easy it is to miss the early signs that something’s wrong. Turtles don’t cry, bark, or whine — they just change. When my turtle first started acting “off,” I didn’t even realize it was sick until the symptoms became obvious. So I’ve put this guide together to…
If you’re anything like me when I first noticed it, you’re probably staring at your turtle and thinking, “Wait… is their shell supposed to feel like that?” Trust me — I’ve been there. When I first discovered my turtle’s shell felt softer than usual, I freaked out a little. It turns out, a soft shell…
Thinking of getting a Florida softshell turtle? I’ve been in your shoes — excited, curious, and a little nervous. These turtles look sleek and interesting, almost like creatures from another time. But here’s the thing that caught me off guard in the beginning: they can bite, and when they do, it’s no joke. So let’s…
As a turtle owner, I know how tempting it can be to share our favorite foods with our shelled companions. When I’m enjoying a tuna sandwich or opening a can of tuna for lunch, I often wonder if my pet turtle might enjoy this protein-rich fish too. It’s a natural thought – after all, many…
If you have a pet turtle like me, I bet you’ve wanted to share your food with your little friend. I know I have! It’s so natural to want to give our pets the same yummy foods we eat. But when it comes to cauliflower, I had to do some research to make sure it…
When I first brought my turtle home, I had no idea what to feed him. Like many new turtle parents, I assumed that turtles could eat pretty much anything green. Boy, was I wrong! After years of caring for my shelled friend and researching turtle nutrition, I’ve learned that feeding your pet turtle properly is…