Common Musk Turtle (Stinkpot Turtle) Care and Tank Set Up

Stink Pot Turtle Care
Taking home two stink pot turtles!
Turtles are from Fish Addicts in Langley, BC. Thanks Fish Addicts!
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[@Kaiser187]

Your water level is way too deep without having easy access to the water. As hatchlings they need a lot of plants / drift wood etc to make their way to the water for resting and easy breathing. Also I would get rid of that basking area and get some drift wood where they can haul out the water if they want.

[@austinkosowski6247]

musk turtles do not bask they are fully aquatic turtles that rarely bask

[@hccvun3280]

Austin Kosowski they need a fully dry basking area, and its even more important if theyre females so they can pass unfertilized eggs

[@AnnaLuna]

@@austinkosowski6247, the 37yo Musk turtle I have been caring for didn't have a basking lamp until we got her one and she LOVES it! She is finally staying on her dock basking when we're in the room, unless we're too loud, then she's off in a flash.

[@chadmathis2336]

@@austinkosowski6247 I guess you have never seen them in trees 3-6 feet above the water basking, here in NC they bask but I've heard in more northern climates they don't but if given the opportunity they will bask.

[@maddclaude]

Aww shut up you mastermind

[@emjaymajor5299]

Hi Caitlin! An extra must have is needed for your turtle to have a happy life! A uvb, and heat bulb is needed. UVB is to prevent your turtle's shell to LITERALLY rot away, and to absorb calcium, which is very important since your musk turtle will develop metabolic bone disease. Heat is needed to help your turtle digest food properly. Have fun with your new turtle!

[@saiga5476]

She did mention the UVB and heater in the video.

[@Kaiser187]

UVB and a heat bulb isn't needed for these turtles. A high quality pellet such a Saki Hikari has more then enough Vitamin D3. Cuttlebone is also a good to feed them once a week. A heater set to low to mid 70's does the job for heating. My female Razorback is healthy as a horse at 8 years old and is 6+ inches. I feed her a varied diet of high quality pellets and live insects. UVB is good to use as I used it just to have nice lighting but it isn't a must.

[@ryuken1583]

What if I bask the turtle everyday under the sun for a couple of minutes but not have uvb in the tank,because for tortoises tht method is ok

[@Kaiser187]

@@ryuken1583 Tortoises and Musk turtles are exact opposites and need totally different care requirements. But to answer your question and answer is NO.

[@backupemail4837]

@@Kaiser187 It is needed, but they don't always bask. But it is needed. That's why I let them in my pond because it's not always sunny.

[@lordishurue4153]

i remember back as a kid, me and my friends set up a turtle Spa outside. One of the turtles i had loved it. We "dyed" their shells in mud ( dirt from pesticide free areas/lawns, everything was in place no pesticides on lawn were used ) This one turtle use to just chill, as if he knew he was at a spa. covered turtles in mud let them chill in sunny area. most would just leave and go back in the mud water pond ( a small hole we dug under a patio covered with bricks . one of the turtles, we named Little dude ( Jaws), would extend his neck out as if he were saying more mud right there . Was fun and a very funny time. Another memory, giving turtles physicals , strength test, the turtle would have to support itself between our thumb and index finger ( something we read in turtle book at library ) if a turtle could not do that, we would isolate him/her during feeding, to ensure they ate enough . all of our turtles were kept with fish, 85-90% survival rate on fish ( 10-15% well things like crabs, certain fresh water sharks were usually killed by the turtles) things with small mouths or strong fighting spirits ( pink kissing gourami, Male Beta, pearl gourami, even dwarf frogs, fresh water eels ) were left alone, unless they taunted the turtle, in which the turtles would respond with a gtfo bite lmao . The joy of walking into my room in middle school , tell friends wait at door, as i crawled on my stomach to aquarium, quietly open the door to grab turtle pellets . ( sometimes would be spotted crawling by a turtle and he knew what was coming) would shake the container, boom, The eel would pop out of the gravel or castle, turtles would go nuts. Was hand feeding ham to the eel, did feed ham to turtles along with pellets, sometimes turkey etc . sometimes would see tug of war with eel and turtle over piece of ham, lmao . turtle steal eels would, eel would chase him/her to get it back lmao , anyone who says reptiles arnt capable of love blah blah blah, probably has never had them as friends/family members of the house. Enjoy the tank cute lil turtles btw .

[@rozansama2512]

The smile on my face as I read that. I’m truly jealous.

[@JJStale]

🤣 dam that’s a good story

[@iamspartacus6713]

we are guilty of massively underestimating animals and birds they are all capable of deep emotions,don't forget they are ALL God's creatures.

[@AmyGood-cg6ok]

And in Mississippi. I just rescued from dog in our backyard. We do live close water but from what I’ve seen so far, they don’t go too far from the water. She’s missing an eye. Bringing her to rescue in the morning.

[@bloedprop138]

One day I came home from work and my two musk turtles devoured all the six tetra fish, there was only one eye left of them flaoting around. They were not even a year old.

[@iamspartacus6713]

exactly my first thought when i seen them mixed.A much safer option to mix with the fish are mini crabs and they look great too,be warned they do fight a lot.that's ok though they grow their legs back 🤣

[@connorkitchen7285]

Look at them glide!!! Happy little babies.

[@anthonyh2540]

0:27 sounded like a fart lol

[@zoobeemama211]

That water is way to high! I have two musk turtles and they have very little tank water they swim up to get air. Your turtles have a good chance of drowning!

[@austinkosowski6247]

no shit turtles need to breath water depth is not a prob with musk andmud turtles

[@kaptainkpop6750]

But when they live in lakes their water is twice as deep than that

[@MarcoIsidori]

Hi Caitlin,nice video and beautiful turtle tank....

[@langenandanimals]

They're lovely animals, they will eat all those fish as soon as they grow though!

[@horstp.7995]

Nah, my stinkpot is 10 and only kills the ill ones.

[@langenandanimals]

@@horstp.7995 awesome!

[@uniquefrog4521]

The turtles are kinda blind so there bad at hunting

[@dylanstout7903]

Thank you help a lot thank love the videos keep it up

[@thenameofthegame4037]

You are drowning them

[@justinsaquatics]

Yup

[@Superman-yu5px]

Thanks for your video！I called the store this morning but turtles are sold out yesterday…

[@CaitlinG]

aw, they will probably get more!

[@llamaswithtophats4294]

Just a friendly reminder to do your research and remember that stink pots can live up to 50 years! (Don't know if you already did research. Not trying to be rude.)

[@marcgulla9685]

So awesome

[@1uke4eva]

lol there going to love destroying those nice plants, looks a good setup and like you said needs more ramps upto the top. My musk turtle is a great swimmer so no harm in having that deep water imo. Mines 10 years old now.

[@lauragilmore3907]

My musk turtles are terrible swimmers lol, but they're only babies so maybe soon I can have a deeper tank!

[@faithgarcia8720]

Nice i love setup 🐢🐠

[@paradoxflows893]

How deep can you have the water for stink pots I have two with a pretty big tank but we don't put the water too high im scared they won't be able to swim strong enough to get up for air. They are 1 year olds

[@CaitlinG]

Mine is a 30 gal and I have it as high as I can go, knowing that they will safely stay inside without falling over the edge. They are doing great in it. I would just be sure to have LOTS of driftwood, rocks, plants, things that they can use to climb their way up or take a rest on. Also keep a close eye on it! If you see any problems, make the water level lower.

[@paradoxflows893]

@@CaitlinG I have a large piece of driftwood and some rocks I would like to use plants but they keep on eating them and never get a chance to grow is there anyway to allow them to grow? Sorry if I'm asking alot of questions

[@CaitlinG]

I always have trouble with plants too.. Just keep trying new varieties.. maybe you'll find something that grows and they won't eat. Or try offering them veggies to eat instead of the plants. I mostly just have moss right now in the tank, they have eaten almost everything else! Fake plants are always an option too. I haven't tried fake plants yet though.

[@paradoxflows893]

@@CaitlinG thanks for your help u just got a new sub!

[@karebearsanimalhouse7195]

You dont need water too deep like in this video. That water is way too deep compared to the size of the turtles. They could drown.

[@vice-graffiti6603]

Would 1 full grown common musk turtle be okay in a 40 gallon tank??

[@CaitlinG]

yes :)

[@pernunculous]

1 full drown musk turtle will be fine in a 20 they are very small turtles

[@fecalflinger29ross58]

Vice -Graffiti yes one common musk turtle can live in a 20 gallon tank and it would be fine

[@langenandanimals]

40 gallon would be great!

[@ethansexotics616]

That would be perfect.

[@philliprobertson]

Can you house them with fish? What about cleaner fish like otto cats or coryadoras? What about shrimp or snails?

[@muskturtle3342]

My musk turtle is 5 months old

[@cachecrab378]

Awesome turtles

[@tylermcginnis6916]

please don't impulse buy an animal that lives 50+ years

[@BigSmoke-iw4zo]

Tyler McGinnis in captivity the highest one has lived is 34 years, but still I hate impulse buyers

[@bakenman6371]

Tyler McGinnis they only live like 45 years lol

[@pernunculous]

She didn’t impulse buy them

[@bapeboyz6353]

Why not ?

[@pernunculous]

BapeBoyz she said so much info before she showed us the turtles you’d have to be deaf to think she impulse bought them

[@harryheckels7232]

How we supposed to have a 40 gallon tank but the tank not to deep you only need like a 10-20 half full and eventually you'll need a 3-4 foot tank again not all the way full

[@deancover6019]

What size tank is that because I'm thinking about getting common musk turtles it be nice to heard from you

[@Rryan8065]

Dean Cover don’t lister to her she is unprofessional and clearly did not research

[@uniquefrog4521]

50 gallons for one musk turtle 75 for 2

[@kacper6116]

@@uniquefrog4521 is 55 gal good for a adult around 6-4 inches

[@justinsaquatics]

@@kacper6116 Well, Kinda but it would be best for a 70 gallon or higher :)

[@allthingsmiracle]

Hello, this is exactly the tank I would like to set up sorta. I have a 55 gallon tank and I am looking for two baby stink pots myself. I would like to know what type of filtration system and substrate you’re using? Also the type of live plants? I think it would be nice touch to create a live and easy feeling home for the two.

[@CaitlinG]

Hey! Thanks for watching :) Sorry for the late comment! The plants didn't last, I mostly just have moss in there now. But it still looks good! This is the filter that I have. www.amazon.com/Hydor-Professional-External-Canister-Filter/dp/B00CRIDDCU Its the Hydor 250 External Filter. It works great! I do weekly water changes as well (about 20% of the water I take out and replace with fresh).

[@xenascullion4753]

Hey im thinking of getting a musk turtle but have never had one before so a few questions, how often a day do u feed them and how much do u feed them

[@caolanherron]

For babies 2-3 times a day for 15 mins

[@lauragilmore3907]

@@caolanherron I'd say that's a little tooooo often. For babies, once a day for 15 minutes, and for adults 3 times a week (or every other day!)

[@justinsaquatics]

@@lauragilmore3907 once a day? I thought that it was 2-3 times a day? Thats what I fed mine when he was a baby and he was living lol

[@lauragilmore3907]

@@justinsaquatics I was obviously advised very different! I’m not sure which is the correct way anymore, My turtles are healthy on once a day, but now I’m worried they’re underfed!

[@justinsaquatics]

​@@lauragilmore3907 Sorry! I don't want to make you worried! Maybe yours is right, now im questioning too! But yeah if they are still living then I guess it depends on the turtle and its being fed right. But yeah, have a good day!

[@ethansexotics616]

I have one of similar size. He is adorable.

[@Srr248]

Are they still alive 🤔

[@BOREDFU]

Not a chance unless she dropped that water level 😂

[@michaelaedson4557]

I love aquariums and reptiles. Have you posted any update videos? Did you ever name your lil shell-babies? :)

[@CaitlinG]

Hey! Ah I know! I was thinking I should do that. I've been meaning to make a video on reptiles or aquariums. I usually try to do a good mix between that and dog/cat.. but with the new puppy my focus has been on her. I'll upload next Friday with an update on the turtles! :)

[@michaelaedson4557]

@@CaitlinG oh wow! Well thank you so much & I look forward to watching it!

[@yuri7765]

Do they really need heated water? They seem to do fine in the wild here in Maine, waters much colder than 78f.

[@CaitlinG]

Just from my research, heated water is always recommended. But I totally agree, in the wild their waters would often be colder than 78f. I've always had my temp around 75, havn't tired any lower. Maybe consider where you are getting the turtles from, their age, and what conditions they have had in the past. If you don't heat the water, I'd be sure to have a basking light so that they can warm up if needed. A good light would heat up the water a bit as well.

[@brandonarmstrong7463]

For the first year, it is pretty necessary for them to stay warm while not hibernating. After that a heater isnt really needed, but the fish she had in the tank still need it

[@bakenman6371]

i absolutely adore my baby common musk turtle

[@CaitlinG]

they are so cute, aren't they! full of personality too :)

[@alyshasterkins7917]

As hatchlings that water is way to deep. They like shallow water.

[@eshax3122]

hi I was going to get a turtle but then we realised they grew to big! I have carried on my research and found the common musk turtles which are small which is perfect! If you don't mind answering I have a few question. 1. Are they hard to look after? 2. Are they good pets? 3. Are they safe for kids to have in their room ( with the tank and correct stuff ) ? please answer!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@stephen876]

I have owned two mud turtles for 10 plus years, 1. They are not hard to keep at all. Mostly because of their relatively small size, just follow all the basic aquatic turtle basic care (large enough tank, VERY good water filtration, heater are a MUST) For food, I feed Reptomin turtle food sticks and everything is well. 2. Depends on what you consider a 'good pet'. Turtles are not 'hands on' pet, but they will recognize their owner and swims up to the glass whenever they see you, which in my opinion, provides a lot of joy watching. However , they do bite and their bite is relatively strong for their size. 3. Like I said, they do bite and are not 'hands on toys'. Whether it's a good pet in a kid's room really depends on the child. If he/she is someone that likes to pick up the pet all the time, then no it's not a good pet for a kid's room.

[@kacper6116]

Does anyone know if a 55 gal is good enough for a adult mud turtle pls reply

[@MightyDude11]

Yea that’s plenty big enough

[@mattwest8921]

Doing an educational video when she doesn’t have a clue . UVA and UVB basking bulb is essential for bone and shell growth and the absorbing of calcium.

[@xenascullion4753]

How often do u clean them out

[@AnnaLuna]

Do you still have these little guys? I just checked your IG and didn't see them after a bit of scrolling. I'm a caregiver for someone with Parkinson's and I've been helping her take care of her Musk turtle, so I've been looking into ways to improve her set-up.

[@comepuchas990]

5.14.22

[@karting_taylor.england]

know i have to name my musk turtle elon!

[@syhpherpkmeow6790]

Does anyone know why my turtles shell on the side is lose and weak

[@scootskie]

Nobody: Not a single soul: This lady: BASKING LIGHT

[@jonnywick4402]

Own a turtles is for mature people, plus they will need space and time for maintain them well. Turtles are not a regular pet like dogs not to be discriminate but just being honest.

[@dekabmyco]

Please get a proper bulb.... Also look into mbd they shouldn't suffer tho hardy buggers

[@HaVoK1802]

I know I’m late to this video but I just had to point out that all the keyboard geniuses that said these turtles were in danger and gonna drown were way facking wrong. If you look at her current videos they are perfectly fine and seem perfectly healthy, and the tank looks pretty much the exact same. LoL... I just love pointing out when know it all trolls show up to make someone look bad but then over time the facts prove the trolls to be the dumb ones. Hahahahah. Nice job there internet aquatic biologist

[@teha17]

You have a point HaVoK but I’m pretty sure those people were just giving her tips. If musk turtles could choose whether they wanted to be in a 40 gallon full tank or a 3-4 inch high (shoreline) water level that also happens to resemble their natural habitat, I’m pretty sure we know what they would choose. Still I’m glad she did her research and tried her best.

[@teha17]

Additional information: 3-4 inches is enough for hatchlings, over time they will need more water but definitely less than what’s available :)

[@Doughboy6912]

Oh yeah yeah

[@tyshoultes4659]

Can you put them in a 55 gal. Or is it to deep?

[@CaitlinG]

I think it would be ok. I'd be sure to have plenty of rocks, driftwood, and whatever else you want to make sure that they can climb up to the top as well as across the tank.. no big wide open spaces ( horizontally and vertically) so they don't have to swim too hard and can rest.

[@BigSmoke-iw4zo]

OMG IM FROM BC TOO

[@CaitlinG]

yay Canada!

[@BigSmoke-iw4zo]

Caitlin G haha. Btw how much did you pay for these

[@CaitlinG]

they were $250 each or two for $400

[@tomass6203]

Oh yeah oh yeah

[@shaynacatherine8286]

I would reccomend studying how to take care of baby turtles. Your setup is lacking some necessities.

[@simonjudah8770]

Wayyyy too deepp for stinkpots, They need to be able to have an area to rest and breathe without having to swim up or be fully out of the water.

[@lelebun]

am i the 1st sub????

[@saiga5476]

I know you probably already know this because you've had other insecticide reptiles, but I'll mention this as a tip for other viewers: One trick for providing calcium for reptiles who need it is to gut-load the feeder insects. All you do is that 24-48 hours before feeding the insects to the reptiles, you feed the insects nothing but high calcium gut load formulated food (if your local pet stores don't have any, you can find it online). That way when the reptile ears the insects, it benefits from that calcium in the insects' stomach. Just remember that if you raise your own feeder insects, you only want to gut load them a day or two before they are to be fed to the reptile. Gut load formulas are generally not healthy for the insects on a long term basis, plus it's probably a lot more expensive.

[@CaitlinG]

yes! thanks for adding that :)

[@saiga5476]

@@CaitlinG You're very welcome; I'm happy to try to help.

[@witchyhobbit]

Thanks for adding this so people know how to gut load for other beautiful pets as well!

[@dylanstout7903]

When would you feed them

[@monkeymarcell2867]

DYLAN STOUT 3 times a day or twice that’s what I feed my 10 year old one

[@jdkansjamsoshwkaoxnwlannsj1248]

Update?

[@furrychaos661]

They're going to eat all of those fish... please do more research. They need a better basking spot and the water is way too deep. It's common sense.

[@adorezee2222]

That water is too high

[@MasterBlek]

Just throw some ramshorn snails and they will get the calcium they need.

[@pieterboehmer4398]

They need a basking area with uva and uvb lights

[@karebearsanimalhouse7195]

This tank doesn't look right for these turtles. Seems like something you just decided to do one day.. impulse buy. That turtle is having. Hard time in that tank.

[@LiveLinerFishing]

Want until they get bigger. My 5 yo stinkpot rips up fake plastic plants lol

[@CaitlinG]

lol oh wow. looking forward to it.. haha

[@novaxoxo9028]

MD Fishin how big do they get?

[@samuelnunez2842]

@@novaxoxo9028 depends on how much they are fed. they can reach 6 inches but they will probably reach 4-5

[@chipp255]

Well I bought a 20 gallon tank but brought two musk 😳

[@chipp255]

A year later I have a 40 gallon now

[@ctophercs]

Wow there's soooo much rong information in this video. First off this aquarium is way too deep the water level should only be around 4 or 5 inches. Raw beef heart is the best food you can give them. You don't need a uvb light for musk turtles. Sure it's nice to have but you definitely don't need it after all these turtles do live in mud swampy Waters and never come out of the water unless they're laying eggs. At around 3 years of age some females will sleep out of the water at night but this is normal.

[@sydnieraine2731]

chris all turtles need UVB. If they don’t their shells will -literally- rot away. They need a mixture of meat and veggies

[@davidbravo7642]

Unprofessional the water is too deep and they're going to drown they are semi aquatic turtles they need to come up to breathe I have mine in no more than 5 inches of water

[@lexievaneese5288]

WATER IS WAY TOOO LOW DO RESEARCH DUDE

[@witchyhobbit]

How tf is it too low?

[@devimon4607]

Lexie Vaneese how is that too low...

[@jerryrich3002]

Its a joke...

[@royalfolkspark]

Did you kill them yet ? Care and Tank Set Up .........(what a joke)

[@marcseyes1665]

yeah...

[@HaVoK1802]

They are still living and are perfectly healthy.. 🤘🏻 on trolls

[@sandhyaojha6742]

Its illegal to keep turtles with shell diameter less than 4 inches