How much should DS set aside to buy a pet turtle and supplies?

[HomeOnTheRanch]

We've agreed that he can get one, but we're too far away from the pet store to price everything right now. We already have an empty 40 gal. aquarium that he can use, but he'll need $$ for a turtle(s?), food, and stuff for the aquarium.

 

Also, any advice on which types of turtles would be best? We definitely want some that will stay small.

 

The last inhabitants of the aquarium were anoles. The last one died last year after five years. DS asked for either a hamster or a turtle. I've done rodents before and said no to the hamster.

 

Websites? Other advice?

[6packofun]

My only advice is to get a *good* filter! Turtles are actually pretty filthy and aquatic/semi-aquatic ones need to eat in the water where they poop, so it's important to keep the water clean! Usual recommendations are to get a filter that works for MORE gallons than you will use in the tank. I have a 20-gallon long tank for my one turtle (I'd like to upgrade for her, though!) and I use a filter for a 20-40-gallon, even though I'm only filling the tank up about halfway (so 10-12 gallons of actual water).

 

Also, a good basking place and lamp are important, as well. You can find these at most pet stores. Otherwise, they can eat pellets and feeder guppies, minnows and tiny goldish. We do an occasional water plant as a treat. :) That's about it! I have a red-eared slider, but there are other species that work, too, like various mud turtles.

[Peek a Boo]

my ds got his red eared slider free from another Scout, along w/ the filter, tank, and basking lamp. check craigslist too.....

 

when we priced stuff at the pet store for his 4-H project, the going rate was about $80 for a start up kit, sans turtle. the turtles can be anywhere from $30- $130. we were told that they will grow to fit their environment [pretty much], so if you keep them in a smaller tank, they won't get that big. i'd have to ask ds if he found out whether that was true tho......

[Laura R (FL)]

Turtles won't stay the size of their aquarium, but will stay the size of their care, KWIM? When people were keeping them in those little island things, they were unable to grow properly and usually died from improper care before they attained full size.

 

I had an aquatic turtle for a few years then relocated him to a friend's outdoor pond with other turtles because he was so darn messy! Without clean water and a proper basking site where they can completely dry off, they can come down with shell rot. Not only is a basking heat necessary, but UV for proper calcium metabolism. We have a box turtle now and are much happier with her because she can go outside.

 

So:

aquarium

substrate

heavy duty filter (some even go with an outer and submersible when they get older)

basking island (they sell a floating one for $20)

heat lamp

UV lamp (you can get a combo mercury vapor for $40, or provide sunlight)

food (repto-min is the best, but supplement with fresh food, too)

 

I have found that reptilesupply.com is the cheapest place to order reptile supplies. You can compare prices to your local pet store.

 

Here's some links for turtle keeping that may help:

 

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=17+1797&aid=2613

 

http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html (she does a lot of rescue and really lays her opinion out there, but provides good info)

[Peek a Boo]

Turtles won't stay the size of their aquarium, but will stay the size of their care, KWIM? When people were keeping them in those little island things, they were unable to grow properly and usually died from improper care before they attained full size.

 

I had an aquatic turtle for a few years then relocated him to a friend's outdoor pond with other turtles because he was so darn messy! Without clean water and a proper basking site where they can completely dry off, they can come down with shell rot. Not only is a basking heat necessary, but UV for proper calcium metabolism. We have a box turtle now and are much happier with her because she can go outside.

 

So:

aquarium

substrate

heavy duty filter (some even go with an outer and submersible when they get older)

basking island (they sell a floating one for $20)

heat lamp

UV lamp (you can get a combo mercury vapor for $40, or provide sunlight)

food (repto-min is the best, but supplement with fresh food, too)

 

I have found that reptilesupply.com is the cheapest place to order reptile supplies. You can compare prices to your local pet store.

 

Here's some links for turtle keeping that may help:

 

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=17+1797&aid=2613

 

http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html (she does a lot of rescue and really lays her opinion out there, but provides good info)

 

Thanks Laura--

we have actually thought about an outdoor pond, but were concerned about the weather and their safety [predators? stray dogs/ coyotes/ and such]. I guess since turtles survive outside even in the cold we probably shouldn't have to worry too much about that, eh?

 

thanks for the links!

[Laura R (FL)]

I have zero experience with cold weather! But they do survive outdoors in cold temps by hibernating. Or...you can run an inexpensive aquarium heater and heat up the water. If the area is secure, they can usually hide and dive from predators. My friend had a privacy fence in his suburban backyard, a well-planted pond, and the water was deep enough for diving along with lily pad things for hiding.

[hornblower]

Just a friendly reminder to think of animal rescue.

 

Try to search online & see if there's a reptile & amphibian rescue active in your area or contact your local shelter or SPCA - they usually know if there's a reptile rescue. We have one in BC which pretty much always has red eared sliders avail..... they come in as stray or owner surrenders. I think the local shelters & spca's pass them on to this rescue also as she's all set up to look after them & assess properly. She rescues snakes & lizards as well - it's pretty cool.

 

Also, you didn't mention what type of turtle you were thinking of but red eared sliders can live 25+ years so it's a long commitment. I think box turtles live even longer. Getting an older turtle from rescue would still mean that it would be with you for a long time - and of course, it gives a homeless pet another chance.

 

BUT from everything I've heard, turtles are not easy pets...... so be sure you're up for it.

 

good luck!

[HomeOnTheRanch]

Thanks so much for all the info. We ended up going with the rodent for now, but he still has keen interest in the turtle. I suspect we'll be doing that in the next year or so.

 

Picture of Gerald the gerbil on my blog.