Spotted Turtle, hatchling or juvenile?

[DanaRae60]

Hi,

I am thinking of adding a spotted turtle to our family. I have the opportunity to purchase a hatchling or a 2 year old juvenile. I have never had a "water" turtle before. What would your recommendations be? Would the juvenile be a "safer", in terms of health and viability?

Thank you!

 

[wellington]

You being a noobie to water turtles, which I think is a little harder then a tortoise, my opinion would be to go with the juvie. A little hardier.

 

[DanaRae60]

Thank you Wellington!

 

[byles01]

with out a doubt, go with the older for several reasons, baby or hatchling aquatics tend to be more of a chore to get started and keep healthy, they are very sensitive to everything, but once out of the baby stage they are very tolerant species. and enjoy your new addition!!!

 

[harris]

Spotteds in general are a little tricky to keep. If you're dead set on one, the 2 yr old for sure.

 

[DanaRae60]

with out a doubt, go with the older for several reasons, baby or hatchling aquatics tend to be more of a chore to get started and keep healthy, they are very sensitive to everything, but once out of the baby stage they are very tolerant species. and enjoy your new addition!!!

Thank you!

---

Spotteds in general are a little tricky to keep. If you're dead set on one, the 2 yr old for sure.

Hi Harris,
I'm not set on a spotted, I'm still in the research phase. Ideally I would like a turtle that would stay small and would be okay in an aquarium. I have read a bit about Musk turtles, would that be a better choice?

Thanks