Musk Turtle
- Adult weight: around 137.9 g, for the common musk turtle.
Health awareness
- 1
They are long-lived, with captive specimens recorded at 50+ years - owners should be prepared for a very long-term commitment to their care.[1]
- 2
Musk turtles can bite hard and their neck reaches as far back as their hind feet - handle with care to avoid injury.[1]
- 3
Some individuals develop megacephaly (abnormally large head and jaw muscles), possibly linked to diet - worth noting if head shape changes noticeably.[1]
- 4
Algae commonly grows on their shell - monitor to distinguish normal growth from signs of shell problems.[1]
- 5
They are poor swimmers and mostly bottom-walkers - ensure any captive water setup allows them to reach the surface easily to avoid drowning risk.[1]
- 6
They release a strong musky odor when stressed - frequent odor release may signal the turtle feels threatened or is being handled too much.[1]
- 7
Their plastron is small and offers little leg protection - check legs and soft tissue regularly for any signs of injury.[1]
References [1] Wikipedia (CC-BY-SA-4.0)
Not veterinary advice. General guidance to help you care for your pet. For anything specific to your animal, speak to a vet.
