Why would anyone buy a turtle?

Question

While I was waiting to fall asleep a few nights ago, I got to thinking about why people get pets. The next day I formalized it after writing in my Livejournal, and came up with four reasons:
1. Actually petting them, such as most cats (not hairless ones), some dogs, hamsters, mice, chinchillas, etc
2. Playing with them, such as dogs, cats, and ferrets
3. Admiring their beauty, such as with fish, birds, and some especially beautiful cats and dogs
4. Because they're rare, like buying hairless cats, rare breeds of dogs, spiders, and other unusual pets

However, turtles don't seem to fit in with any of those. You can't pet them, can't play with them, they're common and cheap, and pretty ugly. By my four reasons, it would seem no one would ever buy a turtle. But people do, and I'm not quite sure why.

So, why would anyone buy a turtle?
(also, in the same line, turtle owners out there, what posessed you to buy your turtle?)

Answer 1

You forgot 'fascinated by them for some reason'- which covers most reptiles, amphibians, birds, insects, crabs, etc.

We are often fascinated by animals for various reasons. We are sometimes attracted to dangerous animals because of the danger (wolves, big cats, big snakes, etc.)

We are fascinated by things that are similar to but different from us. People come over and watch my tortoises just move and eat for long minutes, mesmerized by the familiar but slow movements- it is like a slow-mo fish tank.

People are fascinated by movement- fireplaces, dryers, fish tanks, windsocks, and animals moving in habitats.

Then, there is just a quirk that some people are fascinated by certain things- stamps, gems, Coca-cola things, turtles, snakes, spiders...

I also think you missed the beauty aspect of many turtles and reptiles- although, in many cases, 'cuteness' is a more accurate term- especially for baby turtles. (In fact, impulse purchase of many 'cute' animals is one of the big tragedies in pet keeping.)

Answer 2

It all really depends on the size of the turtle. If your turtle's shell measures 1 inch, then he/she needs a 10 gallon tank. If the shell measures 2 inches, then he/she needs a 20 gallon tank. etc. So I think that if you get another turtle, then you need to see what is the length. But if you want to buy a friend, it has to be at least 4 inches length by its shell. Otherwise, it would be illegal. But, if you CATCH a baby turtle less than 4 inches, it would be legal. Now, if your baby painted turtle is measured 2 inches by shell-length and you buy a turtle that is measured 4 inches by shell-length, then you would need a 60 gallon tank. (Make sure that you keep the turtle in deep water, otherwise if it was put in shallow water and THEN put in deeper water, it would take a few hours for it to start floating and swimming right)

Answer 3

Because they don't make the whole house smell bad.

They don't scratch all over the furniture.

They don't leave balls of fur everywhere.

They don't poop in our yard.

They don't make you sneeze.

You don't have to walk them.

With turtles, everything is all in one place. Oh, and you CAN play with them. Who says you can't? LOL. And... so you don't think cats and dogs are common? Wow. Maybe us turtle-owners want something LESS common... we want a pet that EVERYONE ELSE doesn't have. Not a cat, not a dog... a turtle.

My turtles were cheap. I saw how tiny and cute they were. So I got them. There's nothing more enjoyable than having a baby turtle twice the size of a coin in your hand. I've NEVER regretted ONCE buying my baby turtles.

Enough reasons for you?

Answer 4

ok, well this is sort of silly but I have 2 turtles. Can't really answer why except that I like all animals. I didn't buy them, my kids found them in our pond. They were both about as big around as a golf ball. But yes I do play with them. They get very excited to see me or when they hear my voice. They know it means food. They will take food out of my fingers. And they like to be petted, they actually stretch their neck or leg out for me to pet it. And just for the record, I think turtles are sort of cute. So hope this answers your question. To each his own, I guess.

Answer 5

I received a red earred slider as a gift, i loved him. Turtles actually fit in 2 of your "4 reasons to buy a pet", admiring their beauty and because they're rare. In the state i live it's actually illegal to sell turtles. You can't just group all turtles together and say they're ugly, that's like just saying dogs are ugly. there are many different types. Why don't you open up your mind a little bit and look up information and pictures of turtles, before you just group them all together.

Answer 6

first of all, I have a RES turtle at home and I absolutely LOVE HER! she is such a sweetie. doesn't like being held but loves to be petted. she is scared to bask when people are around. and whenever you walk in the room and open up a bottle of food pellets, she'll go crazy and try to swim out of the glass! so whatever you are trying to say, I don't understand because turtles are adorable!

Answer 7

1. I think my turtles are kind of cute.

2. They are fun to play with, you can train them to eat out of your hand.

3. They're funny to watch. Mine do really random things like pile up rocks in their tanks or climb over each other.

4. They're cool, having a shell is pretty neat.

5. To each, his own. I'd much rather have a turtle than a stupid hamster.

Answer 8

You know what, your right. My Dad wanted to get a turtle for us once, but why would I want a turtle? They are so boring!