The chicken turtle (Deirochelys reticularias) is classified into three species, each of which is found in a separate part of the United States southeast. The first species may be found from Virginia through Texas, and farther north into Oklahoma and Arkansas. Because of their long, yellow stripes on necks that are about the same size as their shell, they are frequently referred to as ‘American snake neck.’ The turtles are medium-sized, with adults reaching approximately 9.8 in (25 cm) in length. The genus name means hill, or hump, turtle, and refers to the female’s domed carapace or their extraordinarily long neck. The term reticularia, which means ’netted’, alludes to the carapacial net-like pattern. Miaria is a Greek word that meaning ‘stained’, alluding to the dark plastral pattern.If you enjoy this reptile, you might also want to take a look at the snapping turtle and Olive Ridley sea turtle.
Fun Florida Chicken Turtle Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Crayfish, fish, aquatic insects, frogs, tadpoles, leafs
What do they eat? Omnivore
Average litter size? 5-15 eggs
How much do they weigh? N/A
How long are they? 6.02-10 in (15.3-25.4 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Yellow striped legs
Skin Type Dry scales with a hard shell
What were their main threats? Humans, Destruction Of Freshwater Wetlands
What is their conservation status? Not Evaluated
Where you’ll find them? Marshes, Canals, Sandhills, Other Water Environments
Locations Florida
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Deirochelys
Class Reptilia
Family Emydidae
Florida Chicken Turtle Interesting FactsWhat type of animal is a Florida chicken turtle?An Eastern chicken turtle (deirochelys) is a turtle.What class of animal does a Florida chicken turtle belong to?The Eastern chicken turtle (deirochelys) is a reptile. The first subspecies (with no yellow stripes) may be found from Virginia through Texas, and farther north into Oklahoma and Arkansas.How many Florida chicken turtles are there in the world?Because local population numbers are often modest, chicken turtles are rarely the dominant species of turtle at any given place. The disturbance, destruction, or isolation of freshwater wetlands, especially tiny or temporary ones, as well as the removal or modification of neighboring terrestrial habitats, pose threats to this species. Although certain outlying populations are designated as locally endangered, the species is not currently considered globally endangered.Where does a Florida chicken turtle live?The three subspecies of western chicken turtles can be found in adequate habitats (like ponds) across the southeastern United States.What is a Florida chicken turtle’s habitat?These turtles have semi-aquatic habitats, which means they can live on land and in water. They are primarily found on land, where they may be seen moving between watery environments and looking for dirt burrows to avoid dry weather. Chicken turtles can be found in canals, marshes, and other sorts of still water environments, but because they prefer to dwell on land, they are most commonly seen in sandhills. They like water with thick flora and a soft layer below if they wish to dwell in it. During migration, men usually travel farther than females. The Florida turtles are more active throughout the year, with the majority of them out during the day.Who do Florida chicken turtles live with?They are active from March through September. They spend the remainder of the year hibernating in animal burrows or buried in the muck at the bottom of ponds. This turtle forages on land or in the water and feeds in the morning or late afternoon. Elsewhere in its range, it inhabits lakes, ditches, and cypress swamps. They are also more active on overcast days rather than sunny days. They avoid predators by plunging into the mud and swimming through it. The chicken turtle is non-territorial and gets along nicely with other animals.How long does a Florida chicken turtle live?Chicken turtles have a lifespan of 15 - 20 years. This species has a considerably faster life cycle than other American aquatic freshwater turtles, which means that juveniles grow and develop quickly, and adults do not survive as long as other species. Wild chicken turtles have been recaptured up to 15 years after being taken for the first time. Some lived to be between the ages of 20 - 24.How do they reproduce?When male turtles vibrate their foreclaws on the female’s face, the female turtle reproduces. If the female is attentive and agreeable to this, they may begin to mate. Unlike most North American turtles, the nesting season begins in the fall or winter, while the egg-laying season occurs in the early spring or early winter. Temperature is highly crucial for chicken turtle nesting, and egg hatching begins at about 152 days at a temperature of 84 F (28.8 C).What is their conservation status?The chicken turtle, Deirochelys reticularia, population is now considered stable across their range, despite the fact that they face significant threats. Destruction of habitat lowers appropriate habitat for feeding, migration, and hibernation. Chicken turtles are occasionally killed on highways when migrating between habitats. Hunting for food has an effect on chicken turtle populations as well. Raccoons and alligators prey on young chicken turtles. Their conservation is not a priority now.Florida Chicken Turtle Fun Facts What do Florida chicken turtles look like?These turtles’ shells have a net-like design on them, and their webbed feet let them swim easily in water. Males have thicker tails and more compressed shells yet female chicken turtles are larger than the male turtles. They typically have a yellow stripe on both their front and back legs.How cute are they?The chicken turtle, Deirochelys reticularia, is said to be quite adorable. Many people like having them as pets. They are wonderful pets since they are sociable with their owners. They are also highly clever and relatively simple to keep.How do they communicate?To make females amenable to copulation, males employ tactile communication. Chicken turtles, like most turtles, detect their surroundings by eyesight, touch, and chemical signals. They are terrestrial and lay eggs in the wild in winter.How big is a Florida chicken turtle?Their average carapace length ranges from 6.02-10 in (15.3-25.4 cm). The adult feeds on vegetation.How fast can a Florida chicken turtle move?Chicken turtle species are frequently seen on land, either moving between aquatic habitats or looking for places to burrow into the dirt and escape the heat. Males tend to go further than females. In South Carolina, the months of March and April are the busiest for land activity. However, their exact speed is unknown.How much does a Florida chicken turtle weigh?The juvenile chicken turtle (Florida) is known to weigh 0.01-0.02 lb (8.7-13.3 g).What are the male and female names of the species?A male or female Deirochelys reticularia (Latreille, 1801) is not given a name. They are simply known as male/female Florida chicken turtle hachlings. They are terrestrial and can be found in vegetation.What would you call a baby Florida chicken turtle?Hatchlings are baby turtles who have recently hatched out of their eggshells near bodies of water. These species grow to have a long neck.What do they eat?Chicken turtles are omnivores, meaning they consume both plants and animals. They are carnivorous in certain ways, and during their first year of life, they are completely carnivores, yet they also eat plants. Crayfish, fish, aquatic insects, frogs, tadpoles, and leafy greens are all favorites of these turtles. Their well-developed hyoid system allows them to readily force food down their throats by producing a suction, which is a highly rare event in these animals.Are they dangerous?They are gregarious, spending a lot of time basking on logs and rocks and swimming in small groups. Chicken turtles hibernate in soft mud, but only in the northern portion of their habitat, and in bodies of water with vegetation. They are known to be fearful, yet if captured, they will bite quickly.Would they make a good pet?If you have or desire one of these turtles, you may build indoor and outdoor cages with fresh water and adjacent basking spots for them. A 75-125 gal (284-473.1 L) tub with a good filtration system and UVB light beaming from above can be used for an indoor enclosure. You may utilize a pond to provide an appropriate habitat for their hibernation in outdoor cages.Did you know…Because of their omnivorous nature, they are classified as both prey and predators. They primarily eat fish, tadpoles, frogs, and other amphibians. Because they may dig into their nests, predators such as eastern moles pose a risk to their nests. Snapping turtles are also thought to be a possible predator of chicken turtles.Temperature is highly crucial for chicken turtle nesting, and egg hatching begins at about 152 days at a temperature of 84 F (28.8 C).The scientific name of the Western chicken turtle is Deirochelys reticularia miaria.Are Florida chicken turtles endangered? Chicken turtles are not considered endangered since their population is now steady across their range, however certain species, such as western chicken turtles, are. Nonetheless, they confront certain severe challenges that may result in a reduction in the number of species. The destruction of their habitats may provide a barrier to their migration and capacity to hibernate. In this example of development, the issue is people. Another concern is that they are caught and sold for meat in some Southern markets.How many eggs does a chicken turtle lay?In South Carolina, females lay two clutches each year, with five to 15 elliptical eggs per clutch, with an average of eight. In Florida, clutch sizes range from two to 19, with an average of nine. The eggs are flexible and oblong in shape, ranging in length from 1.1-1.5 in (28-40 mm) and weighing 0.01-0.02 lb (8.7-13.3 g). Fall-hatched eggs are often bigger than spring-hatched eggs.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these lava lizard facts and white throat monitor facts for kids.You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Florida chicken turtle coloring pages.
What type of animal is a Florida chicken turtle?
An Eastern chicken turtle (deirochelys) is a turtle.
Fun Florida Chicken Turtle Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Crayfish, fish, aquatic insects, frogs, tadpoles, leafs
What do they eat? Omnivore
Average litter size? 5-15 eggs
How much do they weigh? N/A
How long are they? 6.02-10 in (15.3-25.4 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Yellow striped legs
Skin Type Dry scales with a hard shell
What were their main threats? Humans, Destruction Of Freshwater Wetlands
What is their conservation status? Not Evaluated
Where you’ll find them? Marshes, Canals, Sandhills, Other Water Environments
Locations Florida
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Deirochelys
Class Reptilia
Family Emydidae
Fun Florida Chicken Turtle Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Crayfish, fish, aquatic insects, frogs, tadpoles, leafs
What do they eat? Omnivore
Average litter size? 5-15 eggs
How much do they weigh? N/A
How long are they? 6.02-10 in (15.3-25.4 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Yellow striped legs
Skin Type Dry scales with a hard shell
What were their main threats? Humans, Destruction Of Freshwater Wetlands
What is their conservation status? Not Evaluated
Where you’ll find them? Marshes, Canals, Sandhills, Other Water Environments
Locations Florida
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Deirochelys
Class Reptilia
Family Emydidae
Fun Florida Chicken Turtle Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Crayfish, fish, aquatic insects, frogs, tadpoles, leafs
What do they eat? Omnivore
Average litter size? 5-15 eggs
How much do they weigh? N/A
How long are they? 6.02-10 in (15.3-25.4 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Yellow striped legs
Skin Type Dry scales with a hard shell
What were their main threats? Humans, Destruction Of Freshwater Wetlands
What is their conservation status? Not Evaluated
Where you’ll find them? Marshes, Canals, Sandhills, Other Water Environments
Locations Florida
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Deirochelys
Class Reptilia
Family Emydidae
Fun Florida Chicken Turtle Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Crayfish, fish, aquatic insects, frogs, tadpoles, leafs
What do they eat? Omnivore
Average litter size? 5-15 eggs
How much do they weigh? N/A
How long are they? 6.02-10 in (15.3-25.4 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Yellow striped legs
Skin Type Dry scales with a hard shell
What were their main threats? Humans, Destruction Of Freshwater Wetlands
What is their conservation status? Not Evaluated
Where you’ll find them? Marshes, Canals, Sandhills, Other Water Environments
Locations Florida
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Deirochelys
Class Reptilia
Family Emydidae
What do they prey on? Crayfish, fish, aquatic insects, frogs, tadpoles, leafs
What do they eat? Omnivore
Average litter size? 5-15 eggs
How much do they weigh? N/A
How long are they? 6.02-10 in (15.3-25.4 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Yellow striped legs
Skin Type Dry scales with a hard shell
What were their main threats? Humans, Destruction Of Freshwater Wetlands
What is their conservation status? Not Evaluated
Where you’ll find them? Marshes, Canals, Sandhills, Other Water Environments
Locations Florida
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Deirochelys
Class Reptilia
Family Emydidae
What do they prey on? Crayfish, fish, aquatic insects, frogs, tadpoles, leafs
What do they eat? Omnivore
Average litter size? 5-15 eggs
How much do they weigh? N/A
How long are they? 6.02-10 in (15.3-25.4 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Yellow striped legs
Skin Type Dry scales with a hard shell
What were their main threats? Humans, Destruction Of Freshwater Wetlands
What is their conservation status? Not Evaluated
What do they prey on?
Crayfish, fish, aquatic insects, frogs, tadpoles, leafs
What do they eat?
Omnivore
Average litter size?
5-15 eggs
How much do they weigh?
N/A
How long are they?
6.02-10 in (15.3-25.4 cm)
How tall are they?
What do they look like?
Yellow striped legs
Skin Type
Dry scales with a hard shell
What were their main threats?
Humans, Destruction Of Freshwater Wetlands
What is their conservation status?
Not Evaluated
Where you’ll find them? Marshes, Canals, Sandhills, Other Water Environments
Locations Florida
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Deirochelys
Class Reptilia
Family Emydidae
Where you’ll find them?
Marshes, Canals, Sandhills, Other Water Environments
Locations
Florida
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Deirochelys
Kingdom
Animalia
Genus
Deirochelys
Class Reptilia
Family Emydidae
