I want to get two painted turtles as babies. I have also found a place where I can get Eastern, Western, and Southern painted turtle babies. I want to get two different types, which I heard is not a good idea, but since they are all painted turtles I was wondering if this was the exception?

All 4 Painted Turtle species will get along and even interbreed – at the Bronx Zoo I cared for a Midland/Eastern hybrid; this occurs in the wild also, where the ranges overlap. Hybridization, however, should not be encouraged – better to stick to 1 species if breeding.
There’s always a chance of a parasite that doesn’t bother 1 species being dangerous to another (this is why mixing species is not recommended in general). Te safest option is to have a vet submit fecal samples to a lab, to test for parasites, before mixing the species. www.5d2d.comPets Questions and Answers
You might enjoy my articles on Semi=Aquatic Turtle Diets and Turtle Care in general: http://blogs.thatpetplace.com/thatreptil…
Good luck and enjoy.

I am a zoologist with over 35 years experience at the Bronx Zoo and in field research, and am currently the animal care consultant for ThatPetPlace.com (http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/index.we… My bio and photos of some animals I’ve worked with is posted at http://blogs.thatpetplace.com/thatreptil…

FRANK is right, give him the best answer!