Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Actually, these are my first turtles of any kind, not counting the painted turtle I had as a kid that my parents got rid of during the big Salomonella scare.

I am getting two female Eastern Muds next Tuesday. They might be Mississippi Muds, although they were originally caught in a river in Louisiana in a net/trap meant for catching Crayfish.

The guy who has them now has been very successful in keeping them outside during the Spring/Summer/Fall in a kiddie pool and brining them in to house in a filtered tank in the winter. I'd like to continue keeping them in the manner they are used to.

I set up a kiddie pool today and started adding rocks and hiding places. He is giving me some plants from the pool they are in now which will make it look much nicer. And I'll add more rocks and hiding places during the week. I know I have to drill holes in the sides right above the ideal water line to prevent flooding in the rain.

The turtles have not been covered and he never had a problem with wild animals. The only wild animals I am aware of in my area are squirrels and skunks. And some cats that roam around.

If I decide to cover the pool, what are some of my options that would protect them and still look nice?

I bought Wardley's Premium Stick Food and Repcal Aquatic Turtle Food. Someone suggested they might like some fresh caught worms. What else would a mud turtle enjoy eating?

Any ideas for things to put in their pool to hide under or climb on would be great!

Here is their new home so far... Complete with some critters to watch out for them!

Here are some pics I took of the turtles.

Here is the other one...

They are so small, but are full grown... This is the same turtle as the first picture. She has less spots on her beak (is it called a beak?)

Any suggestions would be welcome! I'll post more pics once their pool is finished and they get here on Tuesday!

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Lyns Lair
Frogwatch USA
WNY Herpetological Society

0.1 Cat (Mia)
4.2 Ferrets (Wolf, Shadow, Verdell, Sullivan, Boo, Peach)
1.0 Carpet Python (Bear)
1.0 Malagasy Blonde Hognose Snake (Wilbur)
1.0 Yellow / Everglades Rat Snake (Pumpkin)
1.0 Russian Sand Boa (Fang)
0.1 Normal Corn Snake (Mysty)
1.0 Anery Corn Snakes (Suezo)
1.0 Banded Water Snake (Ripley)
0.1 Golden Greek Tortoise (Sunshine)
0.2 Mississippi Mud Turtles (working on names)
1.0 Green Iguana (Norbert)
1.0 Whites Tree Frog (Trevor)
2.0 Solomon Island Eyelash Frogs (Chompy & Gimli)
1.0 AFT Gecko (Cocoa)
5.5 Leopard Geckos (Trouble, Scooter, Simba, Firenze, Teddy, Mystique, Freckles, Dotty, Zipper, Twister)

Wow! What a story. They are Mississippi muds (Kinosternon subrubrum hippocrepis) and look like beauties too.
The setup you have is fine but just make sure that it doesn't get too hot in the middle of the day. Raccoons would be the only real threat I think in that kiddie pool.
They can be kept just fine indoors in an aquarium too.
The diet should be as varied as possible---your big problem will be keeping them from becoming obese. I have found that in addition to the foods you mentioned, many of the pellet form fish foods are also good and convenient supplements. Get the ones for large cichlids or goldfish. Boiled or grilled chicken is also OK for an occasional treat, as is cooked shrimp. Of course, I mean when YOU are having these things, don't go out and buy them just for the turtles! Hope they arrive OK.

Thanks for all the suggestions! There is a big tree over the pool (I'm a bit worried about falling leaves if they are still out when the leaves turn). So the sun is not direct until the sun passes the tree in late afternoon. Until then it's dappled light through the leaves. It's been unseasonably cool here, today was actually sweater weather. They will arrive safe because I am picking them up. The guy who owns them now lives about 15 minutes away so they won't have far to travel. I was originally taking his pool, but was afraid I'd have trouble getting the temperature right setting up the pool the same night as getting the turtles which is why I bought one of my own ahead of time. The water will be the exact same temp (or really close) as what they are in now. My main concern now is that I feed the birds and have lots in my yard. All small ones, none that would eat the turtles, but they've already been in the pool to bath and drink, I found feathers in there today. I bought some live plants today and will be getting more with the turtles. I might have to put netting over the pool to keep out the birds.
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Lyns Lair
Frogwatch USA
WNY Herpetological Society

0.1 Cat (Mia)
4.2 Ferrets (Wolf, Shadow, Verdell, Sullivan, Boo, Peach)
1.0 Carpet Python (Bear)
1.0 Malagasy Blonde Hognose Snake (Wilbur)
1.0 Yellow / Everglades Rat Snake (Pumpkin)
1.0 Russian Sand Boa (Fang)
0.1 Normal Corn Snake (Mysty)
1.0 Anery Corn Snakes (Suezo)
1.0 Banded Water Snake (Ripley)
0.1 Golden Greek Tortoise (Sunshine)
0.2 Mississippi Mud Turtles (working on names)
1.0 Green Iguana (Norbert)
1.0 Whites Tree Frog (Trevor)
2.0 Solomon Island Eyelash Frogs (Chompy & Gimli)
1.0 AFT Gecko (Cocoa)
5.5 Leopard Geckos (Trouble, Scooter, Simba, Firenze, Teddy, Mystique, Freckles, Dotty, Zipper, Twister)

I don't think birds are going to bother an adult mud turtle but you never know I guess. Better safe than sorry.
The sunshine doesn't sound like an issue either.
When it starts to get cold though they will have to come inside.

I love mud turtles. I will suggest that you build a fence around your pool. Mud turtles (at least the Sonoreise we have here) are great climbers and they dig as well. It would be upsetting to come home and find them missing. After you have a nice attractive fence, you can always add framed wire or screen covers. They really will need shade on their pond during most of the day. If you have a pair, they are going to need a different set-up with plenty of land for egg laying
Our muds eat a variety of dry chows including Reptomin and koi foods. I feed "dilly" worms at least once a week and other suitable insects that I catch in the garden (we never use insecticides). I offer fish such as perch or talapia, usually once a week. If I can get perch or sunfish from friends, I cut them into quarters and freeze that way. Using frozen fish, I don't cook it, just warm under running water. Bones and all are good. I buy sardines in water when they are on sale and that is very popular.
Their favorite food is snails (probably slugs as well, but I don't have any of those around. I think the box turtles ate them).
The only plant I have seen them eat is watercress, which I leave floating in their tanks.
Good luck with you turtles.