which makes a better pet...turtle or tortoise?

Question

my daughter has been asking for a turtle from santa and we are considering because this would be her first real pet,and we think she could handle one better then say a dog.but before we go out and get one i want to learn as much as i can about them..my problem is that i havent got a clue on which would make a better pet and i dont know what breeds would be suiteable for her.so which would be better...a turtle or tortoise and what species would be good?...thanks for all or any help!!

Answer 1

Turtle's are better.

Answer 2

Turtles aren't pets for kids. For many reasons. First, they stress out very easily in the hands of a child. They can't handle being picked up, placed down, jerked side to side, and all those things that kids do to their toys.

If, however, you are committed to taking care of that animal and letting your child handle it under supervision every once in a while, it becomes a matter of preference and financial resources to choose between a turtle or a tortoise.

Other than advising you to stay away from box turtles and others that hybernate for logistical problems, I suggest that you google "turtle species" and "tortoise species", and start looking at pictures of what appeals to you. Then, read up on their care and demands. Then you'll be best able to make a decision. See if you have a turtle rescue society in your state. They can give you one-on-one guidance too.

From personal experience, if you are willing to build a pen in a sunny side in your yard, enclose it and protect it from predators and lurkers, you could house a red footed tortoise most of the year. They are puppies in a shell. BUT not without their demands from a dedicated owner! Good luck

Answer 3

I would beg you to please not get a tortoise. Tortoises live a VERY long time and usually die of improper care or neglect. If you are considering a tortoise you need to consider who will take care of it when your daughter goes to college, gets married, has kids of her own. Really, a well cared for tortoise can live 50-100 years!
Aquatic turtles also don't make great pets. They are very high maintenance as far as keeping their tank clean and not stinky. A proper habitat set-up is also pretty costly.
If you are dead set on getting a turtle I would recommend looking into adoption. Call your local humane society and see if they know of an agency near by that adopts out reptiles. You can also try looking in the paper or on Craig's List. Adopting a reptile is less expensive than purchasing one in a store and does not support the pet trade.
Check out this website, it is the Colorado Reptile Humane Society, they have great info about ownig reptiles, the commitment, diet, habitat requirements life spans etc..
http://www.corhs.org/
Their article You Think You Want A Reptile is a great read before taking the plunge
http://www.anapsid.org/parent.html
Another good site for aquatic turtle care info.
http://nv.essortment.com/petsturtlescar_rwzy.htm

If your daughter would be happy with a different kind of reptile try a more short lived one like an Anole.
Other more suitable reptiles for beginners are:
Bearded dragon's: They are very easy to care for, very docile and easy to handle. They generally live about 10 years.
Corn Snakes: These are also easy to care for and generally quite docile and easy to handle. However, a well cared for corn snake can live 20+ years.
Also, the last person is correct, most reptiles carry salmonella. As long as you don't lick your reptile and you wash your hands after handling them, it's usually not a problem.

Answer 4

ok well turtles arnt for any body thars alot of hard work
that comes with them i have a red eard slider he is great but i have spent about almost up to about 500 doallars on him
iv gone thru 3 filters and tons of food and fish and basking places you name it iv done it but land turtles are kinda better than water turtles but the red eared slider res is one of the most common house pet a person can have.
thar kinda some difrence than a turtles and a tortosie not a whole lot differnt
if your chuld is about 8 get her a land turtle like a russian tortosie if she is like 11-13 i would get her a red eard slider
the only reason i would get her the russian tortoise is beacuse
its alot more easy to handle the job of cleaning the tank
but a red eard slider you have to find a good filter a basking pad a uvb light for him a light you have to have water in the tank you have to change the water every 1-2 weeks.

Answer 5

I wouldn't recommend either as a first pet. They live for a very long time.
I had two young RES and the tank got very messy and smelly fast. They also would sometimes be nippy. I had to give them away when I went away to school.

I don't know much about turtles or tortoises but I would look into Russian Tortoises for her. They can to around 10 inches but they each vegetables and live on land which will be more fun for her.

Answer 6

get her a tortoise they are much hardier than turtles who just die at the slightest knock. They are also cheaper to feed, their main diet being vegetables. Always research before buying a pet though.

Answer 7

Turtles carry diseases like salmonella. DO NOT BUY A TURTLE for a kid.

Get your daughter a puppy or kitten that she can have as a friend and companion for the next 10 to 15 years. Don't get a pure bread dog, a small mutt will live longer and give just as much love to your little girl, as will a nice cat.

Answer 8

turtle, because a tortoise is very large.

Answer 9

turtle