13 year old wants a turtle, but unsure of what kind would be easy for her to take care of?
whats agood beginner turtle to keep as a pet?
2007-01-09 13:47:02 · 12 answers · asked by E. 4 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Try this article, and those in the same area: http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Articles/firstturtle.htm
Good info!
2007-01-09 15:29:14 · answer #1 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Be cautious with any type of turtle as they do carry salmonella, and the red ear sliders are illegal if the carpus (shell) is less than 4 inches, because children will put them in their mouths and contract salmonella poisoning. It is important to advise your child to always wash their hands before and after handling the turtle as well as any of its terrarium contents.
Box turtles are the easiest to care for. I got my 10 year old son a sulcata which is the third largest species of turtle in the world and it can fit in your hand right now. He has had it over a year and it is a great pet. Whatever turtle you decide to get, do some research first as to what type of housing it requires and what the natural diet is. The sulcata I got only eats grasses so it is a pain to grow the different types of grasses or find companies that will ship small amounts of different types of hay.
The best turtle really depends on what you can properly care for and have access to, for the care.
2007-01-09 17:17:56 · answer #2 · answered by bullygirl151 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Definitely, definitely, DEFINITELY NOT a red-eared slider (those little water turtles you see)!. They cost alot of money to house and take care of and need alot of extra supplies. Get a box turtle or tortoise--something that lives on land if he/she must have a turtle. Just remember--turtles live a long time and you have to be prepared to leave it to someone in your will! Make sure you want a lifelong pet and will not get tired of it!
2007-01-09 23:32:11 · answer #3 · answered by Amanda 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not get a turtle for your child. A turtle is not a toy. They take a huge amount of responsibility. I have had my tortoise for 16 years. I got him when he was only 1 month hatched. He is going to be sweet 16 on January 15 this year. I am STILL learning about how to care for him properly!!!
2007-01-09 19:22:36 · answer #4 · answered by zaytox0724 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Land turtles (tortoises) are generally easier than water turtles. Cleaning the tank for a water turtle can be a huge hassle for a teenager. Our favorite is the Russian Tortoise. They're more active than, say, Box Turtles; are relatively low maintenance, long-lived, and quiet.
2007-01-09 14:22:15 · answer #5 · answered by Fetch 11 Humane Society 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
For water turtles Red Eared Sliders are pretty nice, they do eat minnows and small comets as they get bigger. You have to change part of the water several times a week.
Otherwise tortoises are generally well mannered and are easier to upkeep since they eat salad greens and are kept on Reptile Bark.
2007-01-09 13:53:44 · answer #6 · answered by excelsiortfts 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
All turtles are a lot of work. Get her something else!
2007-01-09 13:50:39 · answer #7 · answered by PenguinsWife 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle - it's a toy, so it won't matter if it gets neglected.
2007-01-09 13:50:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
i'd have to say a box turtle
2007-01-10 03:14:25 · answer #9 · answered by ipod killer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mammoth Sea Turtle with Kung Fu Grip.
She can ride it and it does not move very fast, but will whoop GI Joes butt
2007-01-09 13:51:21 · answer #10 · answered by Joshm 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋