Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My mom is a teacher and one of her students gave her an asian leaf turtle. I have 2 red ear sliders but I dont know how to care for a asian leaf turtle. How sould she set it up? thanks

Well the FIRST thing to do is to figure out which Asian Leaf Turtle you have. There are three or four different species of turtles which are commonly called "Asian Leaf Turtle". They require similar but slightly different care. Can you get us a picture? Do you know how long the other person had it?

You can begin by looking here:

M Hopson on Leaf Turtles

Then the next thing to do is to take it to a vet. This is REALLY important! These guys come in imported (very few are bred and this applies to all of the turtles that might be called "leaf" and they are notorious for being filled with parasites. Get a good REPTILE specialist for a vet. Don't go to the local dog vet (though even a dog vet should be able to do a fecal and presecribe a de-wormer) . It may need more serious attention and its always good to get a check up and establish a relationship with a good vet early BEFORE your turtle becomes very ill.

Try arav

click on "members" and "USA" and fin a reptile vet ;listed near you.

Then you will need to set up a semi-terrestrial habitat. It will need to be a large pen (made from wood or plastic or a large aquarium (probbaly not less than 55 gallon larger if the turtle is more than 5 inches long), or a stock tank or plastic box. You will need a land part and a water part. How much of each and what temperatures will depend upon what species of turtle you have.

When you figure out what kind it is post again and we can help you set up a cage for it. Do plan on needing a UVB light and hot light in a clamp lamp for basking and either a really goof filter or VERY frequent water changes. But don't fear as setting up a turtle cage can be fun and some have been made to be very beautiful additions to people's homes.

Here are some basic care sheets so you know what you will likley be getting into:

cyclemys care at WCT

Spengleri care by R Gurley

Good luck and let us know what you find out. Feel free to ask any questions as they come up.