Is Brazilian fresh water turtle safe as a pet? Someone told me that it carries some kind of germs. True?

Answer 1

this really depends on the species of chelonian.all living animals,including me, you and so on so forth carry a multitude of different germs.
several years back there was an unfounded salmonella scare that was pointed at turtles, so a law was passed saying that turtles under 4'' was illegal to sell, unless for medical,educational, or scientific reasons.

Answer 2

'Brazilian fresh water turtle' is not a type of turtle. There are many fresh water turtles from Brazil- and some make good pets, while others do not. Try to find out the exact species this one is.

All turtles, and anything else that lives in its own wastes, can carry several diseases- but they can be easily avoided by cleaning the cages properly and using good handwashing practices. This applies just as much to turtles, hamsters, snakes, rabbits, etc.

The most common illness would be Salmonella- a usually fairly mild food poisoning similar to a stomach flu. Some strains of Salmonella are stronger, and some peole are more susceptible to it, but turtles are not a special risk for this. In fact, almost all cold cooked chicken carries it, as does about 15% of all paper money.

Answer 3

It really depends on how small the turtle is. All animals carry germs of some kind. But, there is a law that says that captive turtles can't be sold at a shell diameter of under 2". Turtles under this size have a greater chance, and usually test positive for sallmonella, the same disease transmitted by the consumption of raw eggs.
Your turtle should be fine, but make sure you wash your hands before and after handing him/her, just in case!

Answer 4

All species carry about the same risk. Most of the time if the turtle carries it though it will act an look sick. Even if it does carry it though you should be fine as long as you wash your hands after handilling it and don't kiss it or anything like that.

Answer 5

obilysk is incorrect mata mata turtles are between the biggest freshwater turtles i imagine there second greatest 1st being aligator snapping turtle so dont get a mata mata. you may want to get a musk turtle or 6 :P lol it could be completely fitted to that tank. yet i imagine you'll lose interest of your turtle they do stay a lengthy time period might want to stay as previous as you with proper circumstances lol. so a musk turtle or per chance a softshell yet you could not take care of softshells they chew and get lower than pressure out and die yet or per chance one yellow belllied slider.

Answer 6

yeah.