All Turtles Message Board

Willie · Level 3 Joined: 16 Sep 2002 Posts: 382 Location: Wisconsin

Okay, It didnt take long, but I have come down in the price because I have to get rid of him by the end of May. (Because I am moving and can't bring him along.)

He is awesome!

His price is $50! I will also include his heat, filter and basking area, so you don't have to go out and buy all that. Shipping your your choice of UPS, or USPS (regular mail) There is no guarentee on USPS, but it is a lot cheaper. I will do Priority mail if you'd like (again, much cheaper-like $9) since it is getting warmer. Please, I''m begging you, someone buy him! HE WOULD MAKE A WONDERFUL GIFT IF YOU CAN'T TAKE HIM!!!

deesygirl · Moderator Joined: 12 Sep 2002 Posts: 1202

He sure is pretty. I wish I could take more but I am at my turtle limit.

I am looking for homes for a few hingebacks and an African Spurred.

deesygirl · Moderator Joined: 12 Sep 2002 Posts: 1202

Willie, would you put some info on how you keep these guys? And maybe info on diet and life span.

Pretty good pic of an adult

Here is some info on the Terrapin.
http://www.ocean.udel.edu/kiosk/terrapin.html

Diamondback Terrapin
(Malaclemys terrapin)
Size: The shell size of the male averages 5 inches. The female is larger than the male, with shell size averaging 7.5 inches.
Range: Cape Cod to Texas along Atlantic and Gulf coasts.

This turtle is named for the diamond patterns on its top shell. The diamondback terrapin's range is along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, from Cape Cod to Texas. It is believed to be the only turtle in the world that lives exclusively in brackish-water areas. In these areas, such as tidal marshes, estuaries, and lagoons, the water contains some salt, but it is not as salty as the ocean.

The diamondback terrapin's shell is covered with scales or plates called scutes that bear deep, diamond-shaped growth rings. The top shell is light brown, gray, or black; the bottom shell ranges from yellow to olive. Black spots and wiggly marks, in a pattern unique to each turtle, appear on the reptile's whitish skin.

Female terrapins are much larger than males, averaging about 7.5 inches compared to 5 inches for the male. Females reproduce when they are between 8 and 13 years old. In the summer, they move from marsh creeks onto beaches and dunes to lay their pinkish-white eggs in 6-inch-deep nests in the sand. After 60–120 days, the inch-long hatchlings emerge from the nest and enter the nearest water.

IWhile the diamondback terrapin eats snails, clams, crabs, and some marsh plants, the reptile's population was decimated in the 1700s and 1800s because its meat was considered such a delicacy — the chief ingredient in terrapin soup. While protective legislation is now in place, the terrapin's population has a long way to go to rebound from previous overharvesting.

Today, the diamondback terrapin is faced by a number of threats: destruction of its coastal marsh habitat; automobiles (that run over turtles crossing the road to lay eggs); boat propellers; and raccoons, muskrats, skunks, and crows that eat the turtle's eggs. While it is doubtful that the diamondback terrapin will ever recover from its decimation for terrapin soup, this fascinating reptile is making a comeback in some areas.

The word "terrapin" is derived from the Algonquian Indian word "torope" and is used to refer to a variety of North American aquatic turtles of the family Emydiolae, especially the genus Malaclemys. The diamondback terrapin is the state reptile of the state of Maryland and the official mascot of the University of Maryland.

fishrmann2 · Level 2 Joined: 24 Apr 2005 Posts: 38

I may be interested in your turtle. I just need to find out about that kind. First, does it live in fresh water? Do I need to do anything special for this kind of turtle? Does it eat regular turtle pellets?

I right now have 2 baby RES and one 4" Painted turtle.

Thanks,
Nick

kelleytidwell · Posted: Fri May 27, 2005 8:43 pm Post subject:

I hope he finds a home not too many days left in the month. Let us know if he finds a good home!
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Willie · Level 3 Joined: 16 Sep 2002 Posts: 382 Location: Wisconsin

I'm so sorry guys that I haven't been able to get on here that often because of med school finals. (It was an experiance I won't ever forget!!!)

Actually he is sold If you are still interested in getting one of these guys, go to this site. He has DBT's ready to go aroung August, email him to put your name on the waiting list!!

http://www.diamondbackterrapin.com/index2.html

Thanks!
Willie