turtles

cap1384

cap1384

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Nov 19, 2007
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I am looning at getting a turtle for my daughters birthday. I know she won't be able to take care of it for a while but she likes them so its a new pet for me untill she is old enough..

So i was wondering whats a good beginner turtle, something that isn't too agressive. easy to care for. I want a land turtle. I don't know what else to really ask...


Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks, CAP
 
cap1384 said:
I am looning at getting a turtle for my daughters birthday. I know she won't be able to take care of it for a while but she likes them so its a new pet for me untill she is old enough..

So i was wondering whats a good beginner turtle, something that isn't too agressive. easy to care for. I want a land turtle. I don't know what else to really ask...


Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks, CAP
Click to expand...

To answer your question, there is no good beginner Turtle.

As always do tons of research.. I would not get a tortoise unless you want to build an out door enclosure.
I personally like Box Turtles but do your research I have rescued and rehabbed to many from people with good attentions and then giving up an animal with an over grown beak and other Captivity ailments. By Far Turtles are the worst pet to get. They are messy and have huge requirements. They constantly eat and land turtles have important and specialized food requirements. You will need to get special lights for them and replace them every six months. I know a woman online who has built outdoor enclosures for her Box Turtles and know a few around me who has done similar outdoor setups as well in MN.
Also, have you considered that she likes them now as a child but when she is in her 30s would she still want this same turtle? or how about if she goes to College, she will not be able to care for or take this animal with her. (dorms can get strict with pets.)
And as they become teenagers pets always become secondary and this animal will fall under your care again for a few years.

Need to toss all the negative stuff out there first. Really think about this before you buy any animal that requires specialized requirements.

I will post more information here but I want you to digest all of this first.
 
I agree with the above. There are really no turtles out there that don't require some type of special attention to their upkeep. I've have kept and bred many species of turtles over the years and every species is different from the next. If you really want it to be a land turtle do plenty of research first before purchasing one. Box turtles can be very rewarding but require a few important things for them to really thrive. Russian Tortoise can also be another good begining tortoise species but they really should have access to the outdoors for grazing along with a large enclosure and varied diet. Same thing goes for most North American Box Turtle species. If you were to consider water turtle. You could keep a Mud or Musk Turtle for life in an aquarium the size of a 40 breeder.
 
I would highly not recommend any turtles to children for one big reason,they carry somanella (i think i spelled it right),but it's a disease.And if they don't wash their hands or if conduct with wounds or open area,the effect would not be good.
 
Yeah, a lot depends on how old your daughter is. My rule of thumb is if they're too young to handle cooking with raw chicken, they're too young to be around turtles.
 
I'm sure there is a turtle that has less requirements than most others I am looking for one that doesn't have the highest of requirements but now my wife has decided no thanks for all your help
 
Virtuoso2K12 said:
I would highly not recommend any turtles to children for one big reason,they carry salmonella (i think i spelled it right),but it's a disease.And if they don't wash their hands or if conduct with wounds or open area,the effect would not be good.
Click to expand...

Any animals, including humans can carry salmonella, even Fido. They lick their butts. But anyways I agree if this is an animal that you want then it is a different story because like you said you would we caring for the animal. At least you asked questions before you walked in and purchased the animal. Maybe when she is older and still likes turtle then think about it.

Vicious, I think that you have own just about everything. Are you sure you don't own a zoo?:)
 
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