Posted: 11/25/2009 2:30:03 PM EDT
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My 6 year old wants a turtle for christmas. He has wanted a pet turtle for about three years now, it may be time.
I was told to never get one smaller than 4 inches, but what else should I know. Home Food Temp. Water etc... Are there any on-line places you can direct me for info? THANKS |
| I don't know what the 4 inch thing is about but turtles are pretty easily kept as pets. They will grow rather large, most breeds anyway, like the ones you see out in the creeks or ponds. I suggest going for a tortoise rather than aquatic turtles as they can really create a stinky environment and take a lot of cleaning and such. Tortoises take a special diet where as turtles are fine with regular store bought turtle food. If you go for the turtle set up a biquarium or viquarium, which consists of water and dry land. You will need a basking light and use fresh Di water or use water treatment chemicals in tap water. Also need a tank filter. Just google "Turtles as pets" and you will be fine. |
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I had 2 turtles that we bought from a pet store a few years back. A Red Eared Slider and a Mississippi Map turtle. I loved 'em. Had to re home them recently due to a move, and it broke my heart. They are really easy to care for (cleaning the aquarium once a month is a pain though.) I miss my little guys.  |
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My recommendation as a keeper of turtles and other herps? Choose something else. Turtles are not nearly as easy as some believe. Even a commonly sold red eared slider will grow fast and eventually need a VERY large enclosure. They get big. You can't keep them in a 10 gallon tank. Many keepers keep them in large stock tanks once they grow up. They also need proper lighting ($$), heat, filtration, etc. Just do good research.
I highly recommend you do your research on turtle forum. www.turtleforum.com In addition to care sheets for various species they have a message forum too. |
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Quoted:
Thanks Everyone!  I really hope you took my advice and did your research where I suggested. It really bothers me when I see so many turtles that are not cared for correctly. Despite what you may read here, many don't have a clue what they are doing. Turtles are not good pets for young children or even most adults.
Care sheets: http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheets.htm |