Questions?

All turtles are shipped Priority Overnight to insure the quickest delivery possible. We monitor and check weather at your delivery location as well as any FedEx Hubs where the package will pass through on its way to you. We insure that the temperatures and overall weather conditions will not cause delays or adverse conditions for the turtle(s). If all is okay we then place each turtle or group or of turtles with the utmost care in a sustainable shipping container late in the morning on the ship date. We use moist sphagnum moss to provide padding, moisture, and temperature stability to the shipping container. Where necessary we will add heat packs and insulation to the package. Generally a photo of the turtle(s) with the shipping label and tracking information will be sent to you just prior to closing up the box. Placards listing the fragile nature of the contents, temperature requirements, orientation of the box and legal descriptions are applied. We then drop off the package at the latest time possible to keep the shipping time to a minimum. 

An indoor enclosure or setup should include some level of temperature management in some manner. Water should be maintained roughly around 78 - 82 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is important that the temperature of the water be as close as possible to surrounding air temperature. This is why it is also important to have a basking platform or area with a basking light which will provide a zone of heat even where air conditioning is in use. It is also important to avoid drafts from air conditioning vents or fans if possible. Where temperature of the water differs greatly from the surrounding air there is risk of turtles developing upper respiratory infections. This can be a quite dangerous and usually fatal condition. So it is quite important to manage temperatures well both in the water and the surrounding air wherever the turtle(s).

CBB is an abbreviation of Captive Bred and Born and the year the turtle was born (2026 in this case). This affirms that the turtle listed was the offspring of captive born and raised turtles (they were not taken from the wild). Wild populations of many turtle species around the world are threatened by poaching of wild populations. We have worked hard to raise captive born turtles to breed and produce captive born hatchlings. This is why you will always see this abbreviation in front of any of the turtles we have for sale.

Firstly, before making a purchase it is highly advisable to consider the long term plan for you turtle(s). If you buy a hatchling it will grow and you need to know what kind of enclosure it will need as it grows and when it becomes an adult - these are important thoughts to consider. Now, here's why. For the first year a hatchling is naturally a bit more delicate. We recommend keeping a hatchling indoors over its first winter. In doing this you need to insure that the room temperature and the water temperature remain relatively stable and close to one another - within a couple of degrees. Nighttime temps can be an issue in some cases so setup your turtle enclosure with this in mind. If the water and air temperatures differ too much a hatchling can contract an upper respiratory infection which can be quite fatal. Have a back up basking light as this will be quite important for keeping the immediate air temperature in the enclosure stable. Avoid the enclosure being near any drafts or vents. You can let the temp come down slowly but keep it stable and we recommend not letting the temp slip below 75 degrees Fahrenheit if possible. Also, note that your hatchling will naturally slow its eating pace down as winter comes. This is normal. Feeding every other day will become more of the norm typically. So don't panic. As the turtle(s) age, know the options ahead of time. Many species can be kept outdoors over winter while tropical species certainly cannot. Do your research and please do not hesitate to ask for help.