Burman Big-headed Turtle

1 Overview

The beaked turtle, also called the hawk-billed turtle, is divided into five subspecies by origin. The Burmese Big-headed Turtle is found mainly in Myanmar and Vietnam, likes meat, is numerous and adapts well to captivity, but is aggressive, so care is needed. Mating begins in September to October at 5 to 6 p.m. when temperatures are around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, and egg laying starts the next June as water warms, lasting until mid-August.

2 Physical Characteristics

The Burmese Big-headed Turtle is a subspecies of the beaked turtle, similar in appearance to the Chinese subspecies. The carapace is not large, a medium-sized aquatic turtle, with no pattern on the shell. The head cannot retract into the shell, so unlike most turtles that avoid predators, the Burmese Big-headed Turtle prefers to take the initiative.

The Burmese Big-headed Turtle reaches about 20 cm in carapace length. The head is large and triangular, covered on top with a large horny shield; the upper jaw is hooked like an eagle’s beak, the eyes large, and there is no external ear. Because the head is so large it cannot be hidden in the shell, it is protected mainly by a cap-like scute. The upper jaw is like a raptor’s beak, a large hook. The carapace is flat, brown, elongate-oval and flat in the center, with the front and rear edges not toothed. The plastron is olive, smaller and flat, connected to the carapace by ligaments. The limbs are gray with tile-like scales, and the toes are half-webbed.

Along the edge of the plastron the Burmese Big-headed Turtle has a dark band-like stripe. There is a clear central keel on the carapace with two less obvious side keels. The growth rings on the carapace are very clear, and the rear edge is serrated. The jaws bear no markings and have a very developed hooked upper jaw. Behind the eyes are black band-like stripes. The tail is long, in a few individuals exceeding the carapace length, covered with ring-like short scales. The head, tail, and limbs cannot retract into the plastron. Because the plastron is small, it does not hinder limb movement.

3 Care Guidelines

The Burmese Big-headed Turtle is among the easier turtles to care for, but it is very fierce, so taming takes a long time at first. Most seen on the market are wild-caught and need the owner’s steady guidance.

The Burmese Big-headed Turtle is highly wild, far fiercer than other turtles, and does not easily adapt to captive life. New arrivals should not be put directly into tap water; place them in a dry spot and sprinkle some water on them and the surroundings to keep it humid. Slowly offer live prey such as tadpoles, young frogs, and earthworms.

If they stop eating for long periods, still offer live bait and inject vitamins B and C into the body to maintain nutrition and health. The Burmese Big-headed Turtle prefers clean clear water, but bait is placed in the water, so leftover matter easily pollutes it and the whole tank smells, harming growth and health. Keep the water clean at all times; in spring and summer change the water after it finishes eating, in autumn wait until noon, and in cold winter no change is needed.

Regarding water depth, the Burmese Big-headed Turtle is not a strong swimmer, so deep water is not recommended; 10 to 15 cm is suggested, later adjustable to 20 cm after a period.

4 Behavior & Habitat

The enclosure for the Burmese Big-headed Turtle can follow its wild needs: for example, water depth. In the wild it does not like deep water, so avoid excessive depth when setting up to prevent drowning.

I. Enclosure suggestions for the Burmese Big-headed Turtle

For the fun of keeping, a glass tank is recommended for easy observation. A filtration system reduces heavy water changes and creates flow; an overhead filter is recommended, with the submersible pump also serving to condition the water. Chlorine must be fully removed. The Chinese subspecies is relatively easy; the Burmese one requires mental preparation, as during acclimation it may well develop shell rot and skin rot. Watch closely in the early period after arrival to prevent problems.

For resting and hiding, use a piece of driftwood, which the Burmese Big-headed Turtle loves to hide under. A few stones in the water serve as perches to breathe. The water depth should let it perch on a stone and breathe. A reminder: although an aquatic turtle, its swimming is poor, and overly deep water can cause drowning.

II. Special temperature requirements for the Burmese Big-headed Turtle

Keepers know that turtles must be heated in winter if not hibernating, and even in spring and autumn some keep them at constant temperature. But the Burmese Big-headed Turtle dislikes high heat despite living in the south; too-high water temperature can be fatal. It usually lives in water of 15 to 25 degrees, ideally around 20; below 10 it hibernates but not below 5. Above 30 degrees danger begins.

5 Feeding Requirements

The Burmese Big-headed Turtle is an absolute carnivore. In the wild, though a poor swimmer, it still likes to catch small fish, so in captivity offer quality fish, shrimp, or meat to ensure complete nutrition.

I. Food suggestions for the Burmese Big-headed Turtle

In practice the more varied the food the better, balancing easy availability with what it likes to eat:

1. Loach: an excellent choice, rich in calcium and nutrition, and restores its wild nature.

2. Chicken or duck liver: nutritious but low in calcium; the turtle gets it without effort.

3. Crayfish: the small red shrimp we see; the perfect food, just remove the big claws, no further prep, as the turtle easily crushes the shell.

4. River snail: also good, but small ones are hard to find.

5. Pork or beef: can be fed and helps it grow.

6. Small fish: unfortunately the turtle’s luck is poor and it usually only gets dead ones. Some individuals even eat vegetables like banana; try various foods, but variety is the key to healthy feeding.

II. Feeding precautions for the Burmese Big-headed Turtle

Two small reminders: first, the Burmese Big-headed Turtle has a habit of biting fish to death without eating them, so do not put in too many fish at once. Second, although it is best kept alone, some try mixing; occasionally it works, but as noted it demands high water quality, so avoid mixing with species like sliders that cloud the water.