Choosing a Reptile as a PetTerrapins, Tortoise & Turtles
Home Reptile Choosing a Reptile as a Pet Terrapins, Tortoise & Turtles

Terrapins, Turtles & Tortoise

These are three names for a very similar reptile, their name depends really on where you live. In Ireland we would generally have Terrapins as a pet only.  

Classification between the three: 

A terrapin is your typical pet and can survive happily in a tank. They live mainly on land but need water to wet themselves with. Terrapins are carnivorous, they eat fish and vegetables.

A tortoise is a land creature. They are strictly vegetarian and hibernate through winter. Tortoise can be pets in a warmer climate, but in Ireland they would not survive outside.

A turtle is a sea dwelling creature – again eating fish and vegetables. They cannot live on land, only coming to shore to lay eggs before returning to sea. Turtles are not are advised to keep as a pet.


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