im thinking about getting a turtle, but i don't know how to care for one. what are some precautions and steps you need to take?
2006-06-12 06:27:36 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Ask yourself 'why'?
A lot of people keep turtles because they are cute as babies, and think that a 'living jewel' in a small tank is pretty- but they grow up, and keeping them in a bowl or small tank kills them in a few months very inhumanely.
Turtles (and most other reptiles) are tough pets. You have to provide a complete and semi-natural environment for them- water, heat, light, food. You need to pay attention to calcium-phosphorous ratios in the diet, UV-B lighting, water cleanliness, and so forth.
Once you get the set-up going, they can be wonderful pets- but they don't cuddle, greet you cheerfully, like to be held, or return your affection hardly at all.
Just do your basic research, such as the links below:
(Oh, and don't worry a lot about Salmonella if you use basic handwashing precaustions!)
2006-06-13 06:30:04 · answer #1 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Do not get an aquatic turtle! They are messy and hard to take care of. I have 2 and they are dirty creatures that require alot of work. If you get a turtle get a land turtle.
Go to a pet store and pick up a book or two on a type of turtle you are interested in. Read up on it. You can look in the web... but a lot of the info on here could be submitted by amateurs. Talk to an expert if you can.
It certainly is a good idea to educate yourself first...
2006-06-12 13:32:10 · answer #2 · answered by Kamunyak 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I keep 20 turtles right now and I have kept over 75 before. They are a long lived animals which need large enclosures. You will need a 50gallon tank minimum, up to 100G if you get bigger species.
I'd stick to southern painteds, mud or musk turtles which stay under 5" when full grown. All other turtles will get to be the size of dinner plates (sliders, cooters, etc.).
Turtles are not cuddly animals, but animals to observe. They are safe and my family and I have never been sick from them (people will feed you non-sense about salmonella poisoning). Wash your hands and use common sense.
Do read up on it and research it. Keeping a turtle is a life time responsibility (30 years or more).
Here are some articles for you to read:
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Info/info.htm
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/care.htm
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Articles/firstturtle.htm
Caresheets:
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/cs-spaint.htm
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheet-stinkpot.htm
If you have any questions feel free to email me.
2006-06-12 14:11:05 · answer #3 · answered by wu_gwei21 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well turtles are not like cats and dogs......there more like fish,you would have to keep him under a UV light to keep there shells hard,he will need a tank with room temperature water...i suggest that you use a open top tank,don't make it all water...they need to be able to "sun bathe",make sure there are rocks or pebbles{bought from a pet store} specially designed for turtles and that you put them any where he will walk,also,you need a big tank for a little turtle so they can get their exercise.......make sure you wash your hand thoroughly AFTER you hold the turtle so you donut get diseases and yes they are possible to get,don't squeeze him hard....as in all pets,luv him,care for him,feed him,and don't think its sill to take him to the vet.....a turtle may not seem like a lot of work but it is,you could also ask the one who you bye the turtle from...he will help you and give you some good tips......good luck to you and your turtle.............
2006-06-12 13:39:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
learn all you need to about the breed of turtle you are getting before you bring it home. BIG diffreance between them. I have African spured tortoises. I love them but they need to be housed out side in a few years and take alot more care then I thought. I bought 3 diffrent houses for them before I got it right because I dident do my home work first. Buy books at a reptile store or go to relable sights on the internets.
2006-06-12 18:15:43 · answer #5 · answered by Julie M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to decide whether you want a land turtle or one that mainly stays in the water. I prefer land turtles because they are easier to clean up after and you can pick it up without getting your hands all wet. Land turtles will eat insects, fruit or hamburger, so you don't have to buy any special diet for them.
Yes, turtles are reptiles!
2006-06-12 13:32:48 · answer #6 · answered by Randy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Last time i checked Turtles and Tortoises were repitles.... anyway.... water turtles are alot of work and do not make a good first choice. Hermann tortoises and Russian Tortoises (land turtles) make good first time pets. Theyre easy to care for if you know what to feed them and what enviroment they need to live in. Whatever turtle you choose make sure you do your research. What is right for one turtle/tortoise might not be right for another. I have Russian Torts and i love them to pieces!!
2006-06-12 14:09:11 · answer #7 · answered by waterglint 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
we have a turtle, we keep him in an aquarium, with wood chips, a large bowl of water , and a soft yellow light, believe me they stink and they need feed small amounts 4 or 5 times a day, he came from somewhere down around australia.
2006-06-12 13:40:36 · answer #8 · answered by mark m 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
lol You psoted this in reptiles. A turtles an amphibean. That made me laugh.
2006-06-12 13:31:49 · answer #9 · answered by The Show Must Go On 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I put the same question a few hours ago before I saw yours.If I get some good answers,I'll answer your question with them.
2006-06-13 10:06:41 · answer #10 · answered by ana m 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋