Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey,

I just bought a hatchling stinkpot and housed it in a nice aquarium. I've never smelled anything bad or musky from it so I'm wondering what it's supposed to be like. And do they give off that odor on a regular basis or only when they're frightened, etc? So far mine just smells like any other aquatic turtle that I have.

Johnny

The name musk turtle is somewhat of an exaggeration.
While they can and do musk in self defense, they don't always stink. In fact, there are many other turtles who's musk smell WORSE!
At any rate, in captivity, they don't musk on you unless stressed somehow.