is a turtle a a good pet for a 7 and 10 year old?

Question

they love animals and would like a pet thats just for them. are they easy to take care of or what. turtle expert plz

Answer 1

To properly take care of most reptiles, you need to offer a habitat that provides the proper heat, light, humidity or water quality, etc. It can easily cost $100 to get things set up well.

Most reptiles are also not animals that can or should be handled, walked, taken out, etc. This makes them awkward for most animal lovers who want something a bit more physical.

With these two thoughts in place, there are many species of turtles that would well as beginner pets. Try this article: http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Articles/firstturtle.htm

Answer 2

First you must consider whether he is mature enough to have a pet at all. Make sure he understands that a pet will have needs and feelings too. Ensure you are not left to look after the pet all the time. Fish might be good idea, but are probably too "boring" and are not at all cuddly. The same kind of thing applies to a turtle: they're not ~furry~ ! As you say, a dog bears far to much responsibility at the moment. Wait until he has some experience with some other pet before you consider that. A small(ish) animal like a syrian hamster or guinea pig is worth considering, because maintenance is relatively low and they are cute and cuddly. If he is prepared to at least help clean out the cage then it is definitely worth considering, but supervise playing and such like at all times. Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Not really, they are not pets that can be handled, most species grow to take up a lot of space, and they require a lot of maintenence (and $$$... proper lighting, good water filter, large tank etc...). There is also a "risk" of salmonella, however as long as the children wash their hands and don't stick the turtle in their mouths it's not an issue... If they have their hearts set on a turtle, go for a land species such as a box turtle or Russian tortoise. They still require a lot of room and care, but it's easier to build an enclosure for them, they tolerate more handling, and you don't have to deal with water filtration/chemistry.

If you want a hardy, easy, handleable reptile go for a bearded dragon, corn snake, ball python, or leopard gecko. Other good choices would be a hamster/rabbit/guinea pig...

Answer 4

Turtles are VERY good pets for responsible adults. HOWEVER, they carry Salmonella which could not be good for kids that do not wash there hands often. If a responsible adult will be managing the care and controlling the environment needed for healthy turtles than the 7 and 10 year old will DEFINITELY benefit by watch the turtle grow.

Answer 5

I just wanted to talk about the salmonella thing. If ycare for your turtle properly (which im sure the previous posters do), there's not a good chance it will even contract salmonella. However, they are right, turtles willl carry it. I just didn't want you thinking all turtles are dirty and diseased or anything.
And yes, I think turtles are the perfect pet for a kid. My best friend had a turtle as a child, and she has that same turtle now, she really loves it. Popular turtles are "red eared sliders (RES)" and "map turtles". They're both very friendly and easy to care for, and will live many years if cared for properly. :)

Answer 6

It really depends on the kind of turtle, and if your kids want a pet they can "hold and pet" or not.
Turtle are really not a pet that likes to be held. And as another person said, they can carry salomanilla bacteria, and therefore, after handeling, your kids should ALWAYS wash their hands.
Land turtles and tortoises compared to water turtles; require very different environments and care, so you would need to decide which of those suit you. Your best bet would be to go to a reputable pet store and find out all the requirements of the different kinds of turtles, etc. There is a lot of info and a lot to think about.
We have a turtle, a red ear slider ( a water turtle) and my kids don't even pay her a whole lot of attention, as she doesn't like it, and she is not easy for kids to interact with. I wouldn't really reccomend one for kids...mine was a homeless adoptee, and me the animal lover, took her home. :-)

Answer 7

Turtles are nice pets to have but they do come with certai maintenance needs. Some even carry salmonella so hands should be washed frequently after handling reptile. Their environment has to be kept at a certain level and even the water they consume cannot come from the tap. I found a link about pet turtles that can answer all your questions and concerns and give you better insight into your fianl decision on this matter. Best of luck to you and the children.

Answer 8

Yes, they are very easy to care for,don't take up a lot of space and they don't bite,they eat all kinds of vegetables and fruits ,so it is easy to feed and care for. They will also have fun decorating the tanks, they have the rocks and the trees and things. Turtles are great pets for children

Answer 9

no, turtles need attention but they don't like to be touched or bothered, a 7 or10 year old wouldn't understand their needs. touching can cause stress which might lead to death and turtles in good condition aren't cheap + all the supplies, you should have to spend about 500$.

Answer 10

sure, they are very easy to care for, just make sure the kids wash their hands after handling them, as 1 in about 10,000 carry salmonella.