I want to get a pet (alligator snapping) turtle, but my dad doesnt a high mantinence pet that smells- ok or no

Answer 1

alligator snapping turtles are NOT good pets. they don't smell any worse than other turtles, but they are very large- almost 3 ft long and over 100 pounds, and thus can consume a large amount of food. and they need live food, they don't usually eat stuff that isn't moving. and because of their size, they'll need a very large aquarium. plus, they're very aggressive, and can easily bit off you finger. finally, turtles can transmit salmonella.

make your dad happy and don't get it.

Answer 2

Turtles are a LOT of work and require a LOT of space and live for a VERY long time. If you want a low maintanence pet, there are many better alternatives, such as rats or betta fish. Unfortunately, all animals have a distinctive smell that your father may be opposed to; it's just a question of how well you can minimize this smell.

Answer 3

Once you get things set up, most turtles are not high-maintenance, but it can easily cost over $150 to set things up- big tank, heaters, lighting, filtration (LOTS of filtration), etc.

Check http://chelydra.org for good care ideas.

However, to be perfectly blunt- an alligator snapper is a TERRIBLE choice for a first turtle! What is your plan for handling a giant turtle that can easily weigh 100 lbs and be over 30" long- which would mean a tank of over 300 gallons!

A lot of people pick up 'cool' animals that they find they cannot take care of after some point. This is not fair to the animal, and there are not many people who will take an adult gator snapper off your hands.

Try this article for a more realistic option: http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Articles/firstturtle.htm

Answer 4

Do a lot of research. some tortoises hibernate in the winter. To keep an animal from being smelly, keep its environment clean and dispose of fresh food after a few hours. Turtles are rather low maintenance: no immunizations, no walks on a leash, no grooming bills, no fleas or ticks, no waking the family or neighbors with annoying barking, no marking territory with pee in the house, no tearing up shoes, purses and such, I hope this helps your case.Have a great year.

Answer 5

Dad is right. Alligator snappers do stink. They take a lot of time to maintain.They can deal a heck of a bite,then they won't let go! But they are a lot of fun to watch,and when they get up to about 8#'s they are delicious. PeeTee

Answer 6

Well its Ok to get the turtle and they don't smell bad.....I have a box turtle. Just make pretty good size aquarium for it then just clean it out every 2 weeks. So thats an ok. e-mail me @ [e-mail]