Blanding's Turtle

Blanding's Turtle key facts

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

Extremely long-lived; active and reproducing into its eighties and nineties

Size

Carapace length averages 18-23 cm, max 25.5 cm

Diet

Omnivore (crustaceans, insects, snails, fish, aquatic plants, berries)

Housing

An agile swimmer that approaches 25 cm, so it needs a large setup with ample water and a haul-out area.

Diet & Feeding

An omnivore taking crayfish, aquatic insects, snails, fish, frogs, carrion, berries and aquatic plants; combine pellets with animal foods and plants.

Temperature & Humidity

Wild animals brumate in or under water, mud or vegetation; as a northern species, avoid prolonged heat.

Temperament

Timid; when disturbed it withdraws into the shell or stays underwater for hours.

Health & Cautions

It takes 14-20 years to mature and can live beyond 80 or 90 years, so plan for care that may outlive the owner.

Notes

Both Emydoidea and Emys are used for the genus. It is endangered across much of its range, so choose captive-bred animals. Never release a captive animal into the wild.

About Blanding's Turtle

A semi-aquatic North American turtle known for its bright yellow throat and remarkable longevity. Here's what to know about the Blanding's Turtle before bringing one home.

7 things to know before welcoming a Blanding's Turtle

1. 1Room for Land and Water

   As a semi-aquatic species, Blanding's Turtles need both a swimming area and a dry basking area. Since adults reach around 18–23cm in shell length, plan for an enclosure that can accommodate their full-grown size.

2. 2Built for a Temperate Climate

   Unlike many tropical turtle species, Blanding's Turtles come from temperate parts of North America and tolerate seasonal temperature shifts reasonably well. Keep their enclosure conditions in mind with their native climate as a reference point.

3. 3Calm, Even-Tempered Nature

   These turtles are generally docile and rarely aggressive toward people. When startled, they may partially close their shell using the hinge on the plastron — a natural defensive behavior, not a sign of illness.

4. 4A Multi-Decade Commitment

   Blanding's Turtles are remarkably long-lived, with some individuals remaining active and even breeding past 80 or 90 years old, showing little sign of aging. Before bringing one home, consider how this long-term commitment fits into your own life plans.

5. 5A Balanced Omnivorous Diet

   In the wild they eat a wide range of foods, from small aquatic animals to aquatic plants. Offering a varied, balanced diet helps support their long-term health.

6. 6Why This Species Suits Experienced Keepers

   Maintaining proper water quality and temperature requires a degree of specialized knowledge, and adults need considerably more space than hatchlings. This makes Blanding's Turtles better suited to keepers with prior turtle-keeping experience.

7. 7Prepare Equipment in Advance

   Set up a tank or enclosure sized for their eventual adult dimensions (up to about 25.5cm in shell length) from the start. Planning ahead while your turtle is still young makes the transition to adulthood much smoother.

Frequently asked questions about Blanding's Turtle

Q.How long do Blanding's Turtles live?

A.They are remarkably long-lived, with some individuals remaining active and even breeding past 80 or 90 years old while showing few signs of aging. It's worth planning for a very long-term commitment before bringing one home.

Q.Is this a good turtle for beginners?

A.Blanding's Turtles are generally considered suited to experienced keepers rather than beginners. They require specialized knowledge of water quality and temperature management, making them a better fit for keepers with prior turtle-keeping experience.

Q.How big do they get as adults?

A.Adults typically reach a shell length of about 18 to 23cm, with some individuals growing up to roughly 25.5cm. It's a good idea to plan your enclosure around their full adult size while they're still young.

Q.Are they aggressive?

A.Blanding's Turtles are generally calm and rarely aggressive toward people. When startled, they may partially close their shell using the plastron hinge, which is simply a natural defensive behavior.

Q.Are there any legal considerations for this species?

A.The Blanding's Turtle is listed under CITES Appendix II. It's worth keeping in mind that this species falls under an international trade framework as part of your research before bringing one home.

Useful tools for Blanding's Turtle care

Learn more about Blanding's Turtle in the encyclopedia

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