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What is a Chicken Turtle?

Debra Durkee
Debra Durkee

The chicken turtle is a fairly rare type of turtle native to the Southeastern United States. There are three types of these turtles: the Western, the Eastern, and the Florida. All have long necks and distinctive stripes on their rear legs.

The native range of the Eastern and Western varieties is defined by the Mississippi River; as the names suggest, the Eastern is found east of the Mississippi, and the Western to the west. The Florida chicken turtle is the most localized of the three species, and is found only in southern Florida. The chicken turtle thrives in warmer environments, usually where the water is around 75°F (about 23°C), and it can bask on sunny, warm rocks where the temperature is upward of 85°F (about 29°C). As it prefers these warm temperatures, it is more commonly found in the southern part of the country.

The Florida chicken turtle is found only in southern Florida.
The Florida chicken turtle is found only in southern Florida.

The turtle has a typically drab green or brown shell patterned with yellow and a matching stripe down each of the front legs. Among the most distinctive of the chicken turtle's markings is the set of vertical stripes along the rear legs and tail. The yellow on the shell and the stripes are the widest on the Florida species, but prominent on all. The female is typically larger than the male, and most have a shell between 4 and 6 inches (about 10 to 15 cm) in length, although some females in captivity can easily reach 12 inches (30 cm).

Easily kept as a pet, the chicken turtle can be kept quite happy on insects and vegetables similar to those that wild turtles feed on. These turtles do well when kept in groups, and require fresh water and stones to sun themselves on; temperatures of water and air should be monitored to reflect those in their natural environments. Pairs of chicken turtles will usually breed in captivity, laying up to 10 eggs in a season. Very alert, this turtle is generally well aware of things going on outside of the enclosure, and will react to its owners. Once accustomed to the surroundings and the voice of the owner, the chicken turtle can become a very tame, easy to handle pet.

In the wild, the turtle can commonly be found in various bodies of fresh water, where it tolerates anything from still ponds and lakes to fast-moving rivers. A social turtle, it can often be found living in groups. If the temperature drops below levels that the chicken turtle finds acceptable, it will hibernate until warm temperatures return.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Chicken Turtle and where can it be found?

A Chicken Turtle is a species of turtle native to the southeastern United States, particularly found in freshwater habitats like ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams. They are distinguished by their long, striped necks and a shell pattern that resembles a chicken's comb, hence the name. Chicken Turtles are semi-aquatic and can often be spotted basking on logs or vegetation.

Why is it called a Chicken Turtle?

The Chicken Turtle earned its name due to the taste of its meat, which is said to be reminiscent of chicken. This comparison dates back to when turtles were more commonly consumed as food. The name also reflects the unique patterning on their shells, which bears similarity to the comb of a chicken.

What do Chicken Turtles eat?

Chicken Turtles are omnivorous, with a diet that includes a variety of aquatic plants, insects, fish, and amphibians. Their foraging strategy involves both active pursuit and ambush, making them versatile feeders. According to studies, their diet shifts with age, with juveniles consuming more animal matter and adults incorporating more vegetation.

How do Chicken Turtles reproduce?

Chicken Turtles have a unique reproductive cycle compared to other turtles. They are known for delayed nesting, which occurs in late winter to early spring. Females lay eggs in nests dug on land, and the incubation period can vary. Interestingly, the sex of the hatchlings is determined by the temperature of the nest during critical periods of egg development.

Are Chicken Turtles endangered?

Chicken Turtles are not currently listed as endangered, but they face threats from habitat destruction, road mortality, and pollution. Conservation efforts are important to maintain their populations, as they are considered a species of least concern by the IUCN Red List, but local populations may be at risk due to environmental pressures and human activities.

How can one identify a Chicken Turtle in the wild?

To identify a Chicken Turtle, look for a medium-sized turtle with a distinctive long, striped neck and a shell that features a pattern similar to a chicken's comb. Their carapace is typically olive to dark brown with yellow lines, and their plastron (underside) is yellow with dark blotches. They are often seen basking or foraging in shallow waters.

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    • The Florida chicken turtle is found only in southern Florida.
      By: Anna
      The Florida chicken turtle is found only in southern Florida.