beginners turtle

MTB Mamba · #1 (**permalink**) 12-13-2003, 12:18 AM

Ok here's the deal, No I'm not gettin a turtle, but My sister's daughter wants one for christmas. I told her it wasnt a good idea cuz her daughter is only 4 years old. BUT i talked to her and her hubby for a long time and they know what they're doing. Basically they will be the care takers and have it somewhere that the little girl cant get to it unless they are with her. They have been educating themselves on turtles in general and their care, but wanted to know what would be the easiest to care for and best for a little girl to be around. As in no snapping turtles ya know..... What are your suggestions?

savannah_babe · #2 (**permalink**) 12-13-2003, 12:27 AM

red ear sliders, yellow bellies...although, they will grow up and get big..just to warn ya

AnAcOnDaMaN · #3 (**permalink**) 12-13-2003, 12:40 AM

A gallapogus turtle would be nice muchin on the lawn and free turtle-back rides

AnAcOnDaMaN · #4 (**permalink**) 12-13-2003, 12:47 AM

i had this nice aquarium for my turtle where i took a tank and i got a custom piece of glass to divide the middle of the tank into half land and half water. Very nice for turtles get a stair of rocks so the turtle can climb up to the dry surface.

faze · #5 (**permalink**) 12-13-2003, 12:55 AM

to start off... are we talkin aquatic or land?
either way i'd check have them check into rescues and the such before buying one...one more thing big nasty word SALMONELLA

AnAcOnDaMaN · #6 (**permalink**) 12-13-2003, 12:56 AM

i agree wit faze u got to watch out for that, even with the daughter WASh HANDS

MTB Mamba · #7 (**permalink**) 12-13-2003, 01:14 AM

ok, i'll make sure to pass the info on, I'm guessin they would want something that would stay small. Any suggestions?

faze · #8 (**permalink**) 12-13-2003, 01:28 AM

like how small?

Bry · #9 (**permalink**) 12-13-2003, 04:22 AM

How about a Russian Tortoise? They are small, quite hardy (as long as they are de-parasitized), and fairly easy to care for. Also, they don't require the frequent water changes that are required of the basking turtles.

Bry

MTB Mamba · #10 (**permalink**) 12-13-2003, 04:36 AM

good suggestion Bry, are they easy to come by and not too painful on the pocket book?

Faze, how small? I really don't know, I don't know much of anything about turtles but would assume they want one that will stay pretty small. (6-10 inches?) I'll ask em

Bry · #11 (**permalink**) 12-13-2003, 05:21 AM

Kent, no, they're not too hard to come by. They're not terribly expensive either. Most I've seen are in the $40-60 range. The majority of Russian Torts in captivity are wild-caught, so they will want to avoid the pet shops, and look for the healthiest ones they can find. I would also take it in for a vet visit and a fecal to be sure that it is rid of parasites. Also, they get to about 5-6" in total length.

Bry

MTB Mamba · #12 (**permalink**) 12-13-2003, 07:57 AM

so where would you recommend they look? on that other site or is there somewhere else more turtle/tortoise specific?

Ed_r · #13 (**permalink**) 12-13-2003, 03:10 PM

How about a good old fashioned Box Turtle. relatively easy to care for. Check your local herp society, there are probably a few in rescue. If not I'm sure they are relatively inexpensive. I really don't recomend water turtles. Lots of work, almost daily waterchanges, and tank cleanings. Plus the salmonella threat is definately enough to turn me off of them.

Bry · #14 (**permalink**) 12-13-2003, 05:33 PM

Well, any good reptile shop in the area or online should do the trick, i.e. LLLreptile.com. I have heard nothing but good things about them.

Bry

Burm-Bomb · #15 (**permalink**) 12-22-2003, 06:00 PM

Quote:

How about a good old fashioned Box Turtle.

deff i have had one for years, they are great, no bigger that 6 in or so across, they live along time, (poss 100 yrs in captivity) so you do have a long term commitment, but they are great litte guys

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