Turtles: Life-Long Friends

If you are thinking of purchasing your very first turtle, please read this section very carefully!

Many people are easily wooed by turtles because often times in pet stores you see the little hatchlings swimming about and they are just irresistible, I know, but there is a lot of consideration that goes into taking care of these little friends. Turtles need constant water changes, an area to bask, a lamp for basking, proper filtration, proper diet and extra special care. Plus they grow, A LOT, and often quickly, some of them up to a foot long! When buying a turtle you also need to keep in mind that they are a life partner, turtles when properly taken care of can live as long as 25 years, or even more!

Turtles also become very expensive, and can even be compared to a cat or a dog by the amount of money you will need to spend on them. Turtles, as a pet come pretty cheap, but a good filter that will last costs 100$ and upward, plus these filters need to be cleaned! A home for your turtle will initially cost very little, but as the turtle grows you will need to buy it a bigger home, a 50 gallon tank (which is only big enough for a 6 inch turtle) will run you at approximately 80$. Then there is food, and hopefully not, but some times necessary, vet care.

Also, when you are in the pet store looking for a turtle, see if you can find one that is a little older and bigger. These turtles have usually been abandoned by their previous owners and need love too! They may cost a little more, but I promise they will make up for it by saving you the money of buying little tanks and filters and then needing to get larger ones, because you need to start with a bigger environment. Look online to see if there is a turtle adoption project in your area, or ask at your local reptile (if you are lucky) and pet store. The hatchlings are cute but these bigger turtles will prove to be just as much fun. Three WeeTurtles were bought when they were older, and I assure they entertain me to no end.

Please think before you buy a turtle, about your level of commitment and the turtles health and happiness. The turtles will thank you! If you are ready to commit to these life long friends read on for the specifics of care.