2006-07-13 07:05:33 · 12 answers · asked by Jane 1 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
I would not recommend it.
Although I believe the salmonella scare has been blown out of proportion, all reptiles do carry salmonella & youngsters have immature immune systems that may not be able to fight off salmonella.
And you know all the boys will want to handle the turtle. how many will properly wash up afterwards?
Don't do it.
2006-07-13 12:56:47 · answer #1 · answered by carl l 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is this your own daycare? Would you allow fish? Would you allow pocket pets (like hamsters)? If you did, would you allow the kids to pick it up?
I work in an elementary school and used to work in a preschool, and I have always kept a turtle tank, a fish tank without problems, and a rodent tank. I do not allow my students of any age to touch the turtle or the fish. I only allow supervised time with the mammals, hamster or rat.
Turtles, and other reptiles MAY carry salmonella, so can cats, dogs and people. There are many strains and people are too phobic of salmonellosis and turtles. If you wash your hands and use common sense, there is very little chance you will get it. Pour the water down the toilet, rather than the sick. Wipe down areas with disinfectant, which you do anyways in a public school or daycare.
If the students do touch the turtle by chance, just get them to wash their hands. Treat turtles like a piece of raw chicken. Arey ou worried your kid will touch a piece of raw chicken or the cutting board? wash your hands and everything will be fine.
The problem in the mid 70s when the whole salmonella problem and turtles came about is that parents were not educated about keeping turtles and they allowed yong children to pick them up and play with it without washing their hands. Of course this will increase the likelihood of salmonellosis. Would you let your kid play with a piece of raw chicken?
I can be done, but you need to be clean and educate your parents and children about it. Good luck.
2006-07-13 07:28:56 · answer #2 · answered by wu_gwei21 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's certainly not recommended, as turtles cary salmonella. Kid's have their hands in their mouth all the time, so I would seriously consider them an unnecessary risk factor.
Turtles are better pets for adults, since they're not so interactive, anyways. They need quiet, nature-like environment, and that's difficult to provide with children around.
2006-07-13 07:09:36 · answer #3 · answered by Privratnik 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure I don't see why not. I don't know of anyone who is allergic to turtles and as long as you keep the aqarium clean, there are no sanitary issues. Turtles could bite, so you will have to set rules for the children and maybe have him up high enough so little fingers can't disturb him.
2006-07-13 07:10:37 · answer #4 · answered by Michelle 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is allowed, but like many other reptiles, they carry salmonella. If there is a turtle or a lizard there, look for a clean, lockable cage and sanitary wipes near the setup.
2006-07-13 10:43:19 · answer #5 · answered by Pappa Poopy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only if you can show the turtle carries no disease. Maybe a vet could check the turtle out for you?
2006-07-13 07:10:03 · answer #6 · answered by mykind2 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it would be a good idea. That is just me. I like turtles.
2006-07-14 03:50:26 · answer #7 · answered by Pgjr8 :) 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think it would be great!!! i think the kids would get a kick out of it...a good way to show kids that turtles can be pets too!! good luck
2006-07-14 03:22:20 · answer #8 · answered by ozzkat2002 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
generally not but depends on your local ordinance. they have been known to carry salmonell and this is why they are not recommended around young children. i've never had a problem but both adoptees came from local schools.
2006-07-13 23:18:47 · answer #9 · answered by the shug 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't suggest it, as it would increase the potential for Salmonella infection.
2006-07-13 07:09:09 · answer #10 · answered by Shadar 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋