Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok, lets say in theory that somebody FOUND a Chinese Big Head Turtle in their front yard. Now this person brings the turtle to me knowing that I'm into reptiles and the fact that he had no clue what it was and was housing the turtle like it was a desert tortoise.

Anyway, what I need to know is this.

1. Are they legal to have? Keep? Transport? Sell?

2. Diet? Temps?

I know they are streem dwellers. I know they should like it in the 70's but I'd like slightly more precise numbers.

Thanks for any info you could give me.

Chris

You may keep them as a normal aquatic but DO NOT ubderestimate their phemomenal climbing ability. Some say not to overfeed them. I have not noticed any difference in outcome. Some say keep them cool, but I have kept one for over 15 years at the ambient temperature of my reptile room ( about 78 F). I feed mine typical prepared turtle foods and nothing else. You may wish to vary the diet of yours. This is one of those Asians that, if they arrive fairly healthy, will survive, but if parasite-laden may decline. There is no restriction on keeping them that I know of, unless they have been very recently protected.