Top 10 Beginner Reptiles and Amphibians-Turtles and Tortoises!
Here it is!!! A compilation of the top 10 best beginner turtles and tortoises! There are many different species of turtles and tortoises kept as pets out there, and many of them can make for great pets, but in order to really narrow down possible options for the new or beginning reptile enthusiast, we’ve decided to create this top 10 list, in no particular order! This list is based on many different factors which should always be researched and considered as to which animals do make good pets, and includes, but is certainly not limited to the species’ eventual adult size, lifespan and longevity, cost of care, temperament and handleability, overall ease of care, overall affordability and availability, and other factors.
There are many different opinions as to which species specifically make the best beginner’s pets. However, the best “beginner’s pet” is ultimately one that someone has done their research on and are interested in most. We hope these top 10 guides can better help YOU pick out your first, or even next reptile or amphibian! These guides are also great for choosing a classroom, or even office pet as well! And, if you have a species which does not appear on this list, but believe it should, let us know, and we may evaluate it for another top 10 list! In general, turtles and tortoises are not the best “beginner’s” pets among pet reptiles; however, with the caveat and understanding that these animals are going to be much longer lived than most other reptiles, here are some which can still make for the best choices, given one does their research.
*Photo credit: Reptiles Magazine.
1. Russian/Hermann’s/Greek, and Other Small European Tortoises (Testudo/Agrionemys spp.)
Pros: Small Adult Sizes, Readily Available, Personability, Manageable Space and Enclosure Requirements (Relative to Tortoises, No Aquatic/Semi-Aquatic Setup Needed), No Live Foods Required, Hardy and Active.
Cons: Long Longevity, Proper Diet and Nutrition, Proper Lighting, Heating, and UVB Requirements, High Up Front Costs, Lack of Captive-Bred Availability, Space and Housing Requirements (Relative to Other Reptiles), Some Common Health and Husbandry Issues.
*Photo credit: PetGude.com
2. Mud and Musk Turtles (Kinosternidae)
Pros: Relatively Small Sizes Overall, Reasonably Sized Aquatic/Semi-Aquatic Enclosures/Setups, Unique Appearances, Bold and Personable.
Cons: Long Longevity and Lifespan, Still Requires Proper Diet and Nutrition, Proper Lighting, Heating, and UVB Requirements, Legalities (Including if in a State Where They are Native).
*Photo credit: William Romanowski.
3. Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata)
Pros: Relatively Small Adult Sizes, Friendly and Personable Nature, Unique Colors, Relative Overall Enclosure and Space Requirements (Relative to Chelonians), Water and Setup Requirements Not Too Difficult.
Cons: Long Lifespan and Longevity, Semi-Aquatic Enclosure and Water Maintenance Requirements, Upfront Price and Costs, Legalities (Including if in a State Where They are Native).
*Photo credit: Reptiles Alive.
4. Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin)
Pros: Relatively Small Size (For Aquatic Turtles), Colorful and Unique Appearance, Few Feeding Issues, Personable and Good with Handling.
Cons: Long Lifespan and Longevity, Semi-Aquatic Enclosure and Water Maintenance Requirements, Legalities (Including if in a State Where They are Native).
*Photo Credit: Kidzone.Ws
5. Red Footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria)
Pros: Overall Medium Size And Not Overly Large, Colorful, Highly Intelligent and Personable, Some Even Smaller “Races” Available (I.e. Cherry-Heads).
Cons: Long Longevity, Enclosure and Space Requirements, Higher Humidity Requirements, Some Common Health and Husbandry Issues.
Photo credit: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
6. Common Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina ssp.)*With the proper education, sourcing, and care.
Pros: Relatively Small Sizes, Intelligent and Personable, Can be Colorful and Highly Variable, Relatively Simple Diet (with Supplementation), No Aquatic or Semi-Aquatic Enclosure, Setup, or Associated Maintenance Required.
Cons: Long Lifespans or Longevity, Enclosure and Space Requirements, Some Common Health and Husbandry Issues, Legalities (Including if in a State Where They are Native).
*Photo credit: Animals.Net.
7. Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta ssp.)*Depending on sourcing.
Pros: Relatively Small Size (For Aquatic Turtles), Colorful and Unique Appearance, Few Feeding Issues, Personable and Good with Handling, Hardy and Cold-Tolerant.
Cons: Long Lifespan and Longevity, Semi-Aquatic Enclosure and Water Maintenance Requirements, Legalities (Including if in a State Where They are Native).
*Photo Credit: Addi Lehmann
8. Central American Wood Turtles (Rhinoclemmys spp.)
Pros: Relatively Small and/or Manageable Adult Sizes, Colors and Patterns, Intelligent and Personable, Low Overall Difficulty of Care.
Cons: Long Lifespan and Longevity, Semi-Aquatic Enclosure and Water Maintenance Requirements, Some Common Diet, Health, and Husbandry Issues to be Aware Of.
*Photo credit: PetGuide.com
9. Chinese Pond/Reeve’s Turtle (Mauremys reevesii)
Pros: Relatively Small Adult Sizes for Chelonians, Personable and Active Nature, Uniqueness, Hardy and Undemanding Overall.
Cons: Long Lifespan and Longevity, Semi-Aquatic Enclosure and Water Maintenance Requirements, Upfront Price and Costs, Legalities, Availability.
*Photo Credit: Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group
10. Pancake Tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri)
Pros: Small Relative Adult Sizes (Relative to Tortoises), Unique Appearances, Space and Enclosure Requirements (Relative to Tortoises, No Aquatic/Semi-Aquatic Setup Needed), No Live Foods Required.
Cons: Long Longevity, Proper Diet and Nutrition, Proper Lighting, Heating, and UVB Requirements, High Up Front Costs and Lower Availability, Space and Housing Requirements (Relative to Other Reptiles).