Do Red-Eared Sliders Make Good Pets?
August 15, 2018
The Flipside of Getting a Turtle
Turtles are often viewed as ideal starter pets and loads of kids want one. They’re cool, small, and don’t need grooming or walking. How hard could that be? But underneath that hard shell lies a delicate reptile with special needs.
Baby Turtles Can Carry Salmonella
There’s no denying turtles are fun to keep as pets. I remember owning a red-eared slider back before anyone knew about the potential threat of salmonella. My turtle was no bigger than a silver dollar, probably only a few weeks old. He(?) didn’t live long. It could’ve been the inadequate kitty-litter-tray conversion that I had made for him or the fact I handled him too much (I was eight; I loved him!) He got soft shell disease and slowly slipped away.
Nowadays, turtles for sale in pet shops are much older and bigger and pose little threat of salmonella, but the potential is still there. So if you’re thinking of buying a baby one (less than four inches) from someone off the Internet, think twice. Salmonella is not worth the risk.
Turtles Can Live 20+ Years
Some of the longest living pet turtles have lived as old as 30 and even 50 years old. It’s not unusual for the average turtle to reach 20 years, if they’re well looked after. So make sure you want a pet that will be around long after your kids graduate from university!
Turtles Need Expensive Equipment
By the time you factor in housing, food, and special equipment like filters, aerators, and lighting, a turtle could cost you anywhere from $600 and up.
Turtles Thrive On A Varied Diet
A top quality food will nourish your pet turtle, but some experts recommend a varied diet including fresh fruit, leafy greens, shrimp, crickets, and even mice.
Turtles Need To Swim
Your turtle needs exercise the same as any other living creature, so an ample sized tank is needed. Experts say that for every inch of shell, a turtle needs 10 gallons of water. Red sliders can grow about a foot in length. If you do the math, that’s a ridiculously big tank!
Turtles Don’t Like Attention
If you’re looking for a cuddly pet, turtles aren’t for you. They’re more the sit-and-watch kind of pet that only loves you when it’s feeding time. Too much handling is not good for a turtle.
Turtle Tanks Require Daily Cleaning
A turtle aquarium needs daily sprucing and will require about half an hour of your time a day to maintain. That’s a big commitment and means you need a turtle-sitter when you’re away on holiday or unable to tend to your pet.
Turtles Like To Hibernate For 10-20 Weeks A Year
Prepare to be lonely during the hibernation months when you're turtle puts his 'Do Not Disturb' sign up. You'll also need to provide him a cozy, quiet, dark place to sleep in peace.
As cute as they are, turtles come with big responsibilities and a long-term commitment, not to mention expense. So think carefully before you decide and maybe steer your kids towards the rabbits, mice and Guinea pigs instead!
Photo by: GIALLO1963 - 519201806aMILANO-198