What Can I Expect From a Turtle?

• Turtles do not interact with or particularly like humans. Are you prepared to have a pet that does not interact with you other than at feeding time?
• Turtles and tortoises are an interesting novelty to children, but soon lose their charm. Turtles are not recommended as suitable pets for most children because of the risk of certain diseases, including Salmonella. Are you willing to take the proper precautions to protect yourself and your family?

What Kind of Turtle Should I Get?

If you are prepared to provide excellent nutrition, ample and adequate housing, and a lifetime of caring and husbandry to your turtle, then the next step is to research the different breeds available. There are major differences between turtles, tortoises, and terrapins. Choose a species that fits your lifestyle and your environmental niche. For example, does it really make sense to have a tropical species from the jungle of South America living in the Northwoods of Wisconsin? Pick a species that needs an environment similar to the one where you live, and then you can provide the best outdoor as well as indoor housing and nutrition.

Where Should I Get a Turtle?

If you are confident that you understand all the above requirements for ownership, then you should consider one more important factor before you choose a turtle or tortoise as a pet, and that is, where did it come from? This question does not pertain to whether it was from a pet store or private sale, but rather did it come from the wild (wild-caught), or was it hatched from a captive-raised and bred turtle. If it was hatched and reared in captivity that is great; if it was captured from the wild, then you might want to rethink your decision.

Most people who get a turtle or tortoise as a pet have no idea where it came from. They would be shocked to know that many of them are taken out of the wild. I am not going to go into great detail about the huge loss of wild species, the high death rate of wild-caught turtles, the susceptibility of wild-caught turtles to disease, let alone the psychological trauma of any wild species that is suddenly taken out of the wild and caged. Just suffice it to say that short of specialized breeding programs that are set up to help replace endangered species, there is no room for wild-caught species to be in the commercial pet trade. Before you purchase a turtle or tortoise, insist that there is proof that it has been captive-bred and raised. If the seller cannot provide this proof, then assume the turtle was wild-caught and look elsewhere. Breeders that provide good housing, nutrition, and controlled breeding programs are much more likely to provide healthy species and good husbandry information. Do yourself and turtles a huge favor and never purchase a wild-caught turtle.

Conclusion

If you are well-informed, choose the right type of turtle for you, obtain it from a reputable source, and are willing to commit the time and money to care of it, you and your new turtle can live a long and happy life together.