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COMMON MUSK TURTLES ( STERNOTHERUS ODERATUS )
The Musk Turtle has a domed shell much like a tortoise, and a large head with yellowish 'lightning' stripes on both sides of the head.
They are a hardy species and therefore easy to keep.
The Common Musk has a well known nickname, it's 'stinkpot', the reason being that if they feel threatened they emit a horrible smell through glands under the carapace, in captivity however this is very rare so is not an issue for owners.
Beware, these turtles like to climb out of the water to a height and fall back into the water, therefore consideration must be made as to the choice of 'furniture' within the enclosure.
Enclosure
A good internal/external filterpump.
Submersible heater with heater guard.
Basking area with floodlight.
UV-B lighting (repti-sun 5.0 or 10.0 flourescent).
Shallow water depth for juveniles around 5"-7" deep.
Temperatures
Water Temperature...............74-78 degrees.
Basking temperature..............85-90 degrees.
Air Temperature...................82-86 degrees.
Feeding
Juveniles...........bloodworms.
Adults..............Turtle pellets, shrimp, prawn, krill, worms.
most of the above can be bought from petshops mixed together with essential supplements.
Feed once daily for juveniles and 2-3 times weekly for adults.
Don't forget to vary the diet where possible.
