Black Breasted Leaf Turtles: Care, Housing, Diet, & Buying Advice

Introduction to Black Breasted Leaf Turtles

The black breasted leaf turtle (Geoemyda spengleri) is a small to medium-sized turtle that is popular among reptile enthusiasts. Often called black breasted leaf turtles or black breast leaf turtles, these turtles get their name from the striking black markings on their plastrons (undersides of their shells).

Appearance and Size

Black breasted leaf turtles have olive to brown colored top shells (carapaces) with radiating streaks or lines. Their heads are typically olive green with some darker facial markings. As mentioned previously, their plastrons are primarily black with some yellow spotting.

These turtles are relatively small, only reaching an adult size of approximately 5-7 inches in length. Their streamlined bodies and webbed feet make them excellent swimmers.

Native Habitat and Behavior

In the wild, black breasted leaf turtles are found in various parts of Southeast Asia including southern China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. They tend to inhabit slow moving bodies of fresh water like marshes, ponds, lakes, and rice paddies.

Black breasted leaf turtles are quite shy and will quickly retreat into the water or mud at the slightest disturbance. They spend much of their time hidden among vegetation or buried in the mud with only their eyes and nose exposed. At night, they emerge to hunt for food.

Diet in the Wild

These turtles are omnivorous, feeding on a mixed diet of plant and animal matter. They will eat insects, worms, small mollusks and crustaceans foraged from the muddy bottoms where they live. Additionally, they will consume some aquatic vegetation.

Black Breasted Leaf Turtles as Pets

Due to their attractive appearance and manageable size, black breasted leaf turtles have become popular exotic pets. They tend to be quite hardy and adjust well to captivity when provided with proper care.

Housing Requirements

These turtles require an adequately sized aquarium or turtle tub with both aquatic areas for swimming and dry basking areas. The enclosure should be outfitted with powerful filtration, heating lamps, and UVB lighting.

Various hides should be provided around the habitat for the shy turtles. Substrates like large river rocks or aquarium gravel help mimic their natural terrain. Clean, dechlorinated water must be regularly maintained.

Feeding Black Breasted Leaf Turtles

In captivity, black breasted leaf turtles should be fed a varied diet including commercial turtle pellets and sticks as a dietary base. This can be supplemented with thawed frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, krill, and spirulina.

Occasionally offering live insects like crickets, worms, or small feeder fish provides enrichment. Calcium and vitamin supplements help ensure optimum health and growth.

Handling and Temperament

While very shy, black breasted leaf turtles generally become quite personable pets once accustomed to their owners. Their natural skittishness demands gentle handling whenever necessary. These turtles may hiss or emit a foul smelling musk from glands on their legs when frightened.

With time and patience though, most black breasted leaf turtles learn to tolerate moderate handling. Their small size prevents them from being a very hands-on type of turtle.

Purchasing Black Breasted Leaf Turtles

Many reptile breeders and exotic pet stores now offer farm-bred black breasted leaf turtles for sale. Prices range from approximately $50 to $150 per turtle depending on age and size.

What to Look for When Buying

Prospective owners should thoroughly examine any black breasted leaf turtle before purchasing. Key things to look for include:

• Active, alert appearance
• Bright, clear eyes
• No visible shell abnormalities
• Healthy weight and size for age
• Clean vent area with no diarrhea

Avoid purchasing any turtle that seems lethargic, emaciated, or has mucus secreting from its eyes or nose. Only obtain black breasted leaf turtles from reputable breeders that can provide veterinary records.

Midwest Black Breasted Leaf Turtle Breeders

When seeking black breasted leaf turtles for sale, Midwest reptile enthusiasts can find breeders located in states like:

• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• South Dakota
• Wisconsin

Reputable breeders should provide buyer guarantees on all turtles along with responsible general husbandry advice. This ensures healthy black breasted leaf turtles that have the best chance of thriving under proper captive care.

FAQs

How big do black breasted leaf turtles get?

Black breasted leaf turtles reach an adult size of about 5-7 inches in length. They are relatively small turtles that stay quite manageable.

What do black breasted leaf turtles eat?

These omnivorous turtles should be fed a varied diet including commercial turtle pellets and sticks as a base. This can be supplemented with frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and krill. Live insects and small feeder fish can also be offered for enrichment.

How long do black breasted leaf turtles live?

With proper care and housing, black breasted leaf turtles generally live 15-20+ years in captivity. Their average lifespan is slightly shorter than some other popular pet turtle species.

Are black breasted leaf turtles good pets?

Yes, black breasted leaf turtles can make very good pets! While shy at first, they usually become quite personable once accustomed to their owners. Their small size and attractive appearance make them a popular exotic turtle choice.