Diamondback terrapins are fairly docile turtles that are normally willing to be handled (although they will nip if they sense threatened). During the day they revel in basking in the sun (or beneath a warmness lamp), frequently in social groups. They are alternatively messy eaters, and will regularly unload their food bowls to enjoy consuming whilst and anywhere they pick.Pet terrapins require brackish (slightly salty) water in captivity simply as they do inside the wild. Some owners of captive born Diamondbacks have also had fulfillment keeping their turtles in freshwater.