Help with identification, please?

[RuthieHurry]

I'd heard for quite a while that a friend's son got a turtle as a pet. Last night his grandfather was complaining about the care that it was receiving, so I went over to take a look. Pretty apalling, actually. Poor little dude only has a half log for a hide. That's all that's in there. Well, besides that crawfish head. I couldn't convince them to give up the turtle, so I'm going to the store after work today and buy all the necessary equipment. First, I need to know what kind of turtle this is, then correct diet, housing, etc.
Pardon the pic quality, they were taken with my cell and no flash.

 

[Itort]

It's an African sideneck. Helmeted Pelusia I believe. The turtle bites should be good food. Needs deeper water (at least as deep as shell is thick) and heavy filtration (they are messy). A basking spot and floating plastic plants will make it happy. They are fairly common in pet trade and do make good pets.

 

[RuthieHurry]

That tank that he is in, it's a ten gallon, and that is a regular light bulb. I know that my tortoises require UVB lights when they are inside. Could the same be said of this turtle? Also, will a ten gallon tank be good enough when this turtle is grown? I'd hate to get him all set up, just to return one day and see him crowded in there.

 

[Itort]

I would suggest what I call a cement mixing tub (37" x 27" x 12") as a minimum (these can be found at Home Depot, ect). He will need UVB. I will tell you they get large; I have seen videos of them capturing and eating doves in Africa.

 

[RuthieHurry]

My son has several fish tanks, and currently has a 40 long that he is not using. I bet I can get him to donate to the cause! Hopefully this little boy will see how happy his turtle is, and decide that he wants to actually take great care of it from now on.

 

[Itort]

40 long would be a good start.

 

[harris]

It's a Pelomedusa subrufa, Helmeted turtle. They stay relatively small at around 6-7 inches, and are pretty harmless.

Itort, I think you are thinking of Pelusios castaneus, the African Mud turtle. Females get pretty big and they can have a nasty little attitude.

 

[jonathan512]

yikes poor little guy =(