Together with Pseudemys and Trachemys, these are the North American river turtles that are often seen basking above the water. They are usually more conspicuous further north than the other two genera. Chrysemys are smaller than the species of the other two genera but equally if not more hardy, and Walls recommends them as pets if one wishes to observe the interaction of a group of terrapins. It should be noted that most authors recommend keeping these turtles separate from other species, as it seems they are otherwise subject to catching infections. Palika claims that the species thrives better in outside ponds than indoors, but for UK keepers with gardens this should not be a problem.
Painted Turtles are not often seen for sale in the UK, but David Green recommends them in his book Your First Terrapin, so presumably they are sometimes available.
Turtles and Tortoises of the World, David Alderton, Blandford, London 1999.
A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America, R Conant and J T Collins, Peterson Field Guides, Houghton Mifflin, Boston/New York 1998.
Schildkröten, Gerhard Müller, Eugen Ullmer, Stuttgart 1995.
The General Care and Maintenance of Red-Eared Sliders, Philippe deVosjoli, Advanced Vivarium Systems, 1992. Covers Chrysemys in addition to several other species.
Cooters, Sliders & Painted Turtles, Jerry G Walls, TFH, New Jersey 1996. Has a chapter dedicated to Painted Turtles.
Turtles and Tortoises for Dummies, Liz Palika, Hungry Minds Inc, New York 2001. Useful overview of the practicalities of keeping chelonians and with a snapshot of information for many species.
California Turtle & Tortoise Club have an article by Mary Cohen on her experiences of keeping Painted Turtles.
World Chelonian Trust article on sexing Chrysemys, by Darrell Senneke.
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