Pet Turtles?

Question

I am thinking of a pet turtle for my son (9). Looking for inexpensive & easy to care for, any ideas?

Answer 1

A turtle is not an inexpensive pet. Sure the water turtles sell for $20 or less in the pet store. However, the aquarium, filter, full spectrum lighting (they MUST have special full spectrum lighting for reptiles or they will die), heater, etc., will probably run $80-$100. The cost after the initial set up is probably not too bad, mostly just turtle food and new full spectrum bulbs that are regularly replaced, but the intial set up is often more than most people are expecting.

Also, not the best pet for a young child. Reptile vets will tell you that 85% of pet turtles are asymptomatic salmonella carriers. What this means is that the turtle is not sick but carries the bacteria in its stool. If your child forgets to wash his hands after handling the turtle or cleaning the aquarium he could get sick.

Answer 2

Choose a different pet. Turtles require a lot of equipment and special lighting, and aquatic turtles are very dirty (or at least they sure make their tank that way). A land turtle can be cheaper if (note the if) you live in an area that mimics their natural environment and you can set them up in your backyard. If not, they could potentially cost more due to the space issue, and the fact that they tend to be more expensive turtles to begin with.

(note just FYI: red-eared sliders are often sold at the size of a half-dollar [which is illegal first of all in the USA] and get twelve inches across [which is conveniently not mentioned] so just be aware of that...and I agree with the earlier comment of get a couple turtle books and read them all the way through at least once before deciding)

And if you have young children, I would nix the turtle idea for a while as they can carry salmonella and could pose a threat to a young child who's immune system isn't as developed as an adult, and who is more likely to stick their hands into their mouth after touching something the turtle touched.

Answer 3

I've kept both land and water turtles, and can still only offer you this for advice: Wonder into your local library and check out at least two general care and maintenance books on either type. Make it a point to read them cover to cover. Do an internet search on various species you find at your neighborhood pet shop. If the shop has Russian Tortoises, check on 'em... see if the care of them will fit into your family's lifestyle. If Red Eared Sliders (a water turtle that's the most common you'll find) interest you, then there's quite a bit of information availible on them doing a google search.

Land turtles tend to win most family battles, simply because their diets are often full of fruits and vegetables -- which most people already have on hand. Water turtles are mostly carnivore, and demand not only regular water changes, but the food itself: Earthworms, mealworm, scraps of fish (with bone, if possible), insects of various types, and the list goes on.

Whatever you choose, make sure that the maintenance doesn't overwhealm your son... or you, dear Dad, have a new pet to either care for yourself (water turtles can live 25 or more years, and some land turtles will outlive your son!) or find a new home for. Either way, it's a commitment that I wish you luck on.

Answer 4

Few reptiles REALLY count as easy and inexpensive. For most, including turtles, you have to get heating systems, lighting systems, etc. A decent turtle set-up will run you almost $100 if you have to buy everything from scratch.

Once you get the set-up covered, however, there are a few turtles that are not too bad.
- Small pond turtles, if you want an aquarium, such as the Red-ear slider or Reeves turtle.
- Eastern (Carolinian) or Three-toed box turtles for a dry pen.

Check out http://www.austinsturtlepage.com for more ideas. in their 'Articles' section, they have several articles on choosing your first turtle!

Answer 5

your son might be a little too young to care for this pet, turtles dislike being touched,they are peaceful animals and touching can cause stress which might lead to death. turtles aren't easy to care for pets (you might want to start with a hamster). the proper care for a turtle should include a water filter, basking light, UV lamp, tank, basking area, maybe a friend, smooth rocks, a vet and lots of other things (cheapest should be about a few hundred $s )

Answer 6

Well my daughter found a box turtle in the garden this last summer. We still have her, we made her a habitat out of mulch and planted a few seeds to grow. We used an older container I had (you know the storage containers from walmart or kmart), I used a large glad disposable bowl for a swimming and drinking area make sure the mulch is surrounding it well. Keep a lamp over the top or keep it in a warm room. We feed ours tomatoes, bananas, apples, pears, carrots, soft dog food, etc. Turtles are like dogs, they have a preference on their food or you can just get turtle food from walmart depending on what type of turtle you get.

Answer 7

Don't get a pond turtle then...we found a pond turtle in our yard...$600 later it has a nice home in an aquarium in my kitchen.

Try a land turtle they might be cheaper