Kids want a turtle...Im clueless!

**jillybean1852** · 04-25-2008, 05:40 PM

Hey all. Ok, My girls really want a turtle and have been asking me for one for about a year or so now but I am CLUELESS when it comes to them and not really sure if a turtle would be happy in our home. I am wanting something small that would be comfy in like a 10 gallon without growing out of it & realitively low maintance. Does such thing exist?? Also, what breeds are great for kids (12yrs & 9yrs)? Is there a heavy maintance schedule for them & if so, what does it involve daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc? Thanks everyone for all your help in advance! I really appreciate it! :)

**Rue** · 04-25-2008, 05:46 PM

Nope, with the smaller turtles you'll need at 75g tank...you can start them in smaller tanks, but plan on at least a 75g down the road...

Turtles are a lot of work. You need good filtration, lots of water changes (they always potty in the water

) and a good diet, high in calcium to maintain shell health...

**jillybean1852** · 04-25-2008, 06:41 PM

See, and thats what I was thinking all along while at the same time hoping I was wrong...for the kiddies sake anyway...LOL I feel so bad telling them no, but I cant in good faith get a pet that I KNOW would not be taking care of properly, you know? Its just not right.

**MandyL** · 04-25-2008, 08:34 PM

Do you think they would be interested in any other reptiles? I would take them to a well-stocked store and show them some of the smaller toads and lizards. Perhaps a gecko or something like that.

**Drumachine09** · 04-25-2008, 08:48 PM

Your best bet would to do what we did when I was a kid.

One the way home from work, on several occasions, my dad would find a turtle in the middle of the highway, so he would get out, and pick it up, and take it home. I'm not sure this is legal or not, but I think it is.

Anyway, we had the back 12'x12' portion of our yard fenced off with chicken wire. We had a small pond, and shelters, with some grass growing here and there, and thats where we kept our turtles.

**Rue** · 04-25-2008, 11:14 PM

Sure! An outdoor enclosure is ideal! You still have to keep the water really clean...

**jillybean1852** · 04-26-2008, 02:37 PM

Originally Posted by Drumachine09

Your best bet would to do what we did when I was a kid.

One the way home from work, on several occasions, my dad would find a turtle in the middle of the highway, so he would get out, and pick it up, and take it home. I'm not sure this is legal or not, but I think it is.

Anyway, we had the back 12'x12' portion of our yard fenced off with chicken wire. We had a small pond, and shelters, with some grass growing here and there, and thats where we kept our turtles.

LOL! Its funny Ushould say that. I lived in Florida for several years and down there, its illegal to take them home or anything bc of their endangerment status. But everytime one was in the road we would stop and take it to the side of the road it was heading for so it wouldnt get hit and everytime we did, the kids asked to keep it. lol Just about everyone down there would do that though. Every so often we would see one that got hit :(( but it really was maybe once a year and for the numbers of them on the road daily, even though it was horrible, it wasnt too bad considering. You know. Anywhos, It just brought back memories when you said that. :)

**jillybean1852** · 04-26-2008, 02:48 PM

Originally Posted by MandyL

Do you think they would be interested in any other reptiles? I would take them to a well-stocked store and show them some of the smaller toads and lizards. Perhaps a gecko or something like that.

Im not sure actually. We've been to some stores that had some here or there and they were never interested in anything but the turtles...oh and some $400 lizard.... Shyeah Right! That'll happen!

I might have to do that though after we are moved and settled and just see. Then if not, I will most likely stay with my original plan to set up my 10 gallon I have sitting here and let them pick out some smaller fishees. :)

**traciec** · 06-22-2008, 06:22 PM

We have a Reeves turtle that I bought for our boys on a whim while in Destin and that really wasnt a smart idea. He's been a great pet and we really love him but a $16 turtle has cost around $200 in 'set up' for his very basic needs and requires constant work and attention. If your ready to commit for the long haul, they can be great pets but do your homework first!

**Rue** · 06-22-2008, 06:28 PM

Good point!

People have to remember that the actual cost of the pet is the least of it...and that any animal, cheap or free - deserves the best care you can give it...