I would like to purchase a turtle....?

Question

to wander my yard during the day. I like in southern california so it is pretty much sunny alll the time. is this a good idea? What kind of care would it need. I need to know the basic on turtle keeping. I would prove a sort of pool as well. My neighbor had a tortoise that wandered her front yard and I would like to do the same in the back, only with a turtle.
Can you help?!!
}:~D

how much is a tortoise?

Answer 1

I don't think keeping pesticides/chemicals out of your own yard is too difficult.

There are a wide variety of species that can live outdoors in So California. However, if for no reason other than size, I would recommend you get a tortoise, and an adult one at that (since there are always sweet pets in need of homes as people find themselves unable to care for a pet for so many decades). Turtles are surprisingly good climbers, so they are much better hiders/escapees than you would ever expect, so turtles, being comparatively small, can be easy to lose in a yard. Easier to find your big tortoise=easier to watch his health and easier to watch his safety.

Also many turtles need a lot of water, which is a lot of work to keep clean/temperate. The less "swimmy" your turtle/tortoise, the exponentially easier it is to care for (in my opinion).

In addition to being easier to find, keep safe, and tend, a larger animal has the benefit of not fitting in dogs/racoons/etc mouths! Many reptiles effectively have an allergic reaction to saliva from such animals, and a wee turtle's shell can easily be punctured by your neighbor's unleashed dog...less so with a big ol' tortoise.

If you still want to get a turtle, I recommend something that comes from a marshy region, and keep it indoors with you most of the time if you get it as a baby. Many box turtles will bond to you, are pretty easy to care for, but enjoy romps in an outdoor enclosure in the warm weather. My 17-yr-old turtle is cute as a button searching for grubs in the back yard, but she would be way too vulnerable outdoors full time (and she's a pretty big girl for a box turtle).

Answer 2

If your hard is big enough, and you haven't got any dogs that will chew on it, and a well planted fence. I think it's a perfectly fine idea. A tortoise of course would be the best bet for a backyard habitat. They are pricey. You would need the essentials. Large water area, as well as a good size hide box, so it can cool off. Red footed tortoises are a great buy. They live a long time though, as do many tortoises. California is a great place for them because of the climate. Good luck!

Answer 3

you have alot of resposibilty too put a turtle on the back yard.
it maybe natural too the turtles but nature mean preditor time!!! make sure you put up gates around the turtle even on the top. i live in sourthern california but the weather isnt all that good =/

Answer 4

Try this article- it will help with most of your questions: http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Articles/firstturtle.htm

Answer 5

that is a bad idea. first of all at night predetors... second of wut would to happen if it consumed like poison from fertilizers, etc. i woudl just perchase a tank with supplies