Dean’s Turtle Farm

Dean’s Turtle Farm Turtle/tortoise hobbyist/keeper/enthusiast/rescuer.
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To schedule a visit, send me a message. *not a breeder* Maryland Captive Reptile and Amphibian permit # 59177.

LEAVE WILD ANIMALS WILD
06/19/2026

LEAVE WILD ANIMALS WILD

I am helping an individual rehome some reptiles who is going through a hard time. There are 3 leopard geckos, 2 African ...
06/17/2026

I am helping an individual rehome some reptiles who is going through a hard time.

There are 3 leopard geckos, 2 African fat tailed geckos, and a gargoyle gecko.

Please message me if interested. I am not flipping these animals, so there is no formal adoption fee. But you do need a minimum 40 gallon enclosure for the Leo’s and fat tails, and an arboreal enclosure minimum 36 by 18 by 18 for the gargoyle, and to pass a vetting interview.

I may not be able to answer promptly but please send me a message if you’re serious, and allowed to have these animals where you live.

Heat lamp fixtures and such will be included but you will need your own enclosure.

Please note, these animals are as is, and you will be signing an adoption form to release me from any liability. I’m only helping to rehome these, and not taking them on officially.

Thanks,

If you’re in the Westminster area and it says severe storms, you can ignore that. I put my tortoises away which all but ...
06/15/2026

If you’re in the Westminster area and it says severe storms, you can ignore that. I put my tortoises away which all but guarantees nothing will happen.

*for legal reasons I have to say I’m joking and to please follow instructions from your local weather team*

😉 😉 😉

🐢 THE DEAN’S LIST 🐢Week 2: The Eastern Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)This week’s species is the Eastern Musk Turtle, commonly kn...
06/14/2026

🐢 THE DEAN’S LIST 🐢

Week 2: The Eastern Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)

This week’s species is the Eastern Musk Turtle, commonly known as the Stinkpot!

Here are some fun facts:

• The Eastern Musk Turtle is native to Maryland and can be found throughout much of the state.
• They get the nickname “Stinkpot” from special glands that can release a strong musky odor when they feel threatened.
• Adults are small, usually reaching only 3–5 inches in shell length.
• Unlike many aquatic turtles, they spend a surprising amount of time walking along the bottom rather than swimming in open water.
• They are excellent climbers and are often found basking on low branches over the water.
• Their diet includes insects, snails, crayfish, tadpoles, carrion, and other aquatic foods.
• They have a pointed snout that helps them search for food in mud and vegetation.
• Males have a noticeably longer tail than females.
• Despite their small size, they can be surprisingly bold and full of personality.

🐢 Native to Maryland and much of the eastern United States, the Eastern Musk Turtle is a small but fascinating species that plays an important role in our local aquatic ecosystems.

Have you ever spotted a Stinkpot in the wild? What species should make The Dean’s List next week? 🐢

06/14/2026

Turtles are renowned for long lives, but they also take a long time to reach reproductive age – often a decade or more. Because most hatchling turtles don’t survive that long (they are bite-sized snacks for predators), adults often must reproduce for their entire lives to ensure just one hatchling makes it to reproductive age to help sustain the population. The loss of adult turtles can seriously impact their populations. When people take turtles out of the wild, they put entire populations at risk.
📷Meghan Marchetti Virginia Dept. of Wildlife Resources

06/10/2026

🐢 WILD TURTLE WEEK - DID YOU KNOW? 🐢

Turtles are among the most imperiled vertebrates in the world! More than half of the 360 remaining species face the threat of extinction. On top of habitat loss, climate change, and car strikes when crossing roads, turtles face growing threats from a danger that’s harder to see: illegal collection. Turtles are collected illegally in the U.S. for the pet trade, food, and traditional medicine. Illegal collection exacerbates the other threats turtles face, making it difficult to keep vulnerable species and populations from the brink of extinction, and to ensure common turtle species stay common. 🐢 Did you know? Turtles are sometimes stolen from the wild and sold illegally. If you suspect someone is illegally collecting or selling wild turtles, contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1–844-FWS-TIPS), and if you see someone illegally collecting wild turtles in town contact our Taneytown Police Department (or 911) immediately!

🐢 THE DEAN’S LIST 🐢With over 30 species of turtles and tortoises under my care here at Dean’s Turtle Farm, I thought it ...
06/07/2026

🐢 THE DEAN’S LIST 🐢

With over 30 species of turtles and tortoises under my care here at Dean’s Turtle Farm, I thought it would be fun to introduce my followers to a different species each Sunday.

Week 1: The Three-Toed Box Turtle

First on the list? For no particular reason other than I liked this photo I took this morning—the Three-Toed Box Turtle!

Here are some fun facts:

• They can completely close their shell to protect themselves from predators.
• Many live 50+ years, with some reaching over 100.
• Adult males often have bright red eyes.
• They are omnivores, eating insects, worms, mushrooms, fruits, and more.
• They have excellent homing instincts and can become stressed when relocated.
• Unlike colorful Eastern box turtles, adults are usually olive-brown and more subdued in color.
• They are surprisingly good climbers for a turtle.
• Missouri named the Three-Toed Box Turtle its official state reptile.
• Many captive individuals learn feeding routines and will recognize their keepers.

🐢 Native to the central United States, Three-Toed Box Turtles are one of North America’s most fascinating terrestrial turtles.

What species should make The Dean’s List next week?

06/06/2026

Love this!

This Saturday!
06/04/2026

This Saturday!

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Westminster, MD
21158

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