Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm thinking of keeping a pair of diamondback. My question is will it be ok to keep them in freshwater?

Yes! But if they are mature adults, you may have trouble getting them to eat. Scroll waaaay down to see another thread on this issue.

I've been keeping Northern DBT in fresh water for years now without any problems. I do add some salt to the water, but that is more as a preventative against infection.
I add salt to all my turtle's water.
I must add to this, all my DBT's are captive bred and hatched quite a few generations removed from the wild. My originals were bought in Hawaii.
I keep my water impeccably clean. Do water changes about every 8-6 weeks. Massive filters.
They also eat like pigs. If I fed them 10 times a day, they want to eat 20 times. All they do is beg for food.
I've yet to have any kind of problem with my DBTs.
Just make sure you buy fresh water raised specimens.

The diamondback I'm thinking about getting is an adult female at my local petshop she's about 7 inches. The petshop keeps her in freshwater with musk turtle. I saw it feeding on the pallets that they feed to musk turtles. If I get a pair will they breed in freshwater?
How much is an adult diomondback going for? the pet shop is asking for $100 for her. I'm in California if that is going to make a price difference.
Thanks,

I'd be leery of buying a large adult DBT from a petshop, only because so many are rescued that were headed to food markets.
Most of those are saltwater (brackish) turtles. WC just leads to other problems.
I'm not saying this is the case, but there are plenty of freshwater raised turtles here on kingsnake that will cost you about the same with shipping.
That is quite a high price.You can usually find a young concentric for around that price.
If you choose to buy this turtle, you can add some salt to the water, and keep an eye on the skin. Otherwise, I'd be more concerned about the water quality than salinity.
I will also admit, I have seen some beautiful WC specimens.

Just the fact that you've seen it eating pellets is an extremely good sign. This could be a LTC animal because fresh wild caughts typically don't eat pellets......If it's eating pellets, I'd probably buy it and make sure it's heavy, solid, and is not thin......Good luck

Barry

I'm not sure if you've bought this terp yet, but I would stay away from any large pet store specimens. Even though you've seen it eating, As someone else said, they are typically rescued from meat markets. I have had many turtles that I've aquired this way, and they tend to need plenty of attention and medication down the road. Also, just because they are beng kept in freshwater now, doesn't mean it won't need brakish. Before you buy it, ask how long he's had it, what he's been feeding it, and check it over REALLY GOOD for any SCUD. Even little dots can spread fast. If you need any more help with your decision, feel free to email me scott@theturtlestore.com I am also in CA.
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Thanks!

Scott