Other Turtle Discussion :: Musk Turtles

[imderanged]

Anyone have musk turtles? A friend e-mailed me to tell me a friend of theirs is giving away a couple of turtles. I was thinking of maybe taking the musk since they are supposed to stay small. Do they really smell bad? Anything else I should know?

[Diamondbacks4Life]

I have 4, used have alot more. No they dont smell bad at all. The smell they release isnt strong at all you have put the turtle to your face to smell it. I personally like the smell. Id make me some musk cologne lol

There a shallow water turtle, idk if you knew that. So dont want a tank thats tall. I personally like plastic bins you can get some nice long and wide bins with no height. Its perfect for them. Feeding/care is then same as res. They are a really great small turtle.

[jozzep]

I have a stinkpot musk turtle breeding group.Females grow larger than males, and max size is between 4/5 inches.

They very rarely bask, but i still provide a basking area cause they're in a community tank.

They only secrete the musky smell when they're disturbed or in danger.It's not unbearable.

[Sir Max]

When i first joined this site one of the popular threads in photo gallery was

"who ever said musks dont bask hasnt met my sydney"

so yea haha i think jozzep is right when saying they rarely bask

@Painteds4life

Can i buy some of that cologne ;D

[imderanged]

I'm seriously thinking of taking this turtle. I got a little more info, it's story is sad. the guy who wants to give theses turtles way isn't the original owner, they were his mothers and she just passed away and he can't take care of them. There is a big YBS with the musk. But just can't take the YBS, she's BIG.

I need to get all the info I can on this species, do I need to used shallow water?

[Moose]

Good Luck imderanged bcuz that is a tough call and if your like everyone else on this forum we're always trying to help and save turtles, let us know what the verdict is.

There is a book called Musk Turtles I think its an Eyewitness Book you know those science book they cram down your throat in elementary and middle school i have one for fish and frogs very useful!

[jwinters]

I have a musk turtle. You really can't smell it unless you put the turtle near your face. They stay small and are very cute. I read they're shallow dwellers, but mine is an active swimmer. Most don't bask, but another user on this forum has a musk that does like to bask. Every turtle has their own personality. If you're worried about the smell, then it won't be a problem. Size isn't either as they stay small.

[Diamondbacks4Life]

It doesnt have to be shallow water, but you need planty of things for the turtle to climb to the top of the water surface. I had one drown already putting into full water or at least thats what i think happened.