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Pet Turtles2007-11-24 2:01:53

I am thinking of a pet turtle for my son (9). Looking for inexpensive & easy to care for, any ideas?

Answers:

A turtle is not an inexpensive pet. Sure the water turtles sell for $20 or less in the pet store. However, the aquarium, filter, full spectrum lighting (they MUST have special full spectrum lighting for reptiles or they will die), heater, etc., will probably run $80-$100. The cost after the initial set up is probably not too bad, mostly just turtle food and new full spectrum bulbs that are regularly replaced, but the intial set up is often more than most people are expecting.

Also, not the best pet for a young child. Reptile vets will tell you that 85% of pet turtles are asymptomatic salmonella carriers. What this means is that the turtle is not sick but carries the bacteria in its stool. If your child forgets to wash his hands after handling the turtle or cleaning the aquarium he could get sick.

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Don't get a pond turtle then.we found a pond turtle in our yard.$600 later it has a nice home in an aquarium in my kitchen.

Try a land turtle they might be cheaper

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Well my daughter found a box turtle in the garden this last summer. We still have her, we made her a habitat out of mulch and planted a few seeds to grow. We used an older container I had (you know the storage containers from walmart or kmart), I used a large glad disposable bowl for a swimming and drinking area make sure the mulch is surrounding it well. Keep a lamp over the top or keep it in a warm room. We feed ours tomatoes, bananas, apples, pears, carrots, soft dog food, etc. Turtles are like dogs, they have a preference on their food or you can just get turtle food from walmart depending on what type of turtle you get.

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I've kept both land and water turtles, and can still only offer you this for advice: Wonder into your local library and check out at least two general care and maintenance books on either type. Make it a point to read them cover to cover. Do an internet search on various species you find at your neighborhood pet shop. If the shop has Russian Tortoises, check on 'em. see if the care of them will fit into your family's lifestyle. If Red Eared Sliders (a water turtle that's the most common you'll find) interest you, then there's quite a bit of information availible on them doing a google search.