10 Things Tell You Turtles Are NEVER "Easy" Pets As People Think

Don't Buy a Pet Turtle or Tortoise If You're Not Ready

American Tortoise Rescue, the International nonprofit for turtle and tortoise protection, is asking people to not to buy live animals, especially turtles or tortoise as a gift.

Susan Tellem, co-founder of American Tortoise Rescue, said while these adorable reptiles have outlived most of the live animals, widespread illegal smuggling in turtles has devastated wild populations worldwide. Many of the once thriving species are now endangered. Even worse, some are now extinct.
Tellem added that they recommended avoiding impulse buys, understanding the appeal of an adorable two-inch baby turtle. "But like most animal rescues, we have many turtles and tortoises just like that ready for adoption to good homes."

10 reasons why people shouldn't buy a turtle or tortoise as a pet

1. Turtles need enough room.
Even the smallest turtles or tortoises need a lot of square footage to live. Most turtles also need both an aquatic and a terrestrial environment, a room where that can dry themselves off completely.

It can be expensive to provide a tank in that form. Never think it means that turtles can freely roam your house. Read the next reason to find more!
2. You need to maintain the correct temperature consistently.
Maintaining your turtle's environment is important to stay on top of. You may have thermometers for bothe the air and water in order to maintain an environment similar to whatever your turtle would find in the wild.

But have you ever researched to determine what temperature your turtle needs, as just guessing at what seems like a right temperature can create health problems. If your turtle is constantly in air that is the wrong temperature, they may get a respiratory infection or stop eating.
3. Turtles or tortoises need a secure habitat.

Keeping your turtle outdoors under proper temperature is ideal. However, you can not just let your turtle do whatever it wants. Instead, you need to have an escape-proof barrier so as to keep your turtle in the perimeter. Try to use concrete bricks sealed wood walls since your turtle might try to burrow under.
4. Never think you know everything because you have read one article or book.
There are a lot of conflicting information on turtles and tortoise published as if in great authority. If you are serious about being a good turtle owner, you need to read several sources to understand the high-level care that turtles require.
5. The pet turtle and tortoise may threaten native species.

If they are released in the wild, turtles can be a danger to native populations of turtles and tortoises. Because of the illegal pet trade, turtles are now considered as one of the world's 100 most invasive species.
6. Turtles and tortoises carry disease.

Did you know that it is forbidden to sell turtles less than 4 inches since 1975 in the United States? This is because turtles and tortoise pose a high risk of spreading disease, especially to children. The ban has prevented an estimated 100,000 cases of salmonellosis annually in children.
7. Turtles and tortoises need a lot of fresh food.

Turtles and tortoises are omnivores, though some of them are strict vegetarians while others are carnivores. Each species has not only a varied diet, but some have a very specific list of foods that are usually available in their home range in many cases.
Whatever you do, you can ensure that your turtle can survive on pellets from a pet store.
8. Your dog might eat your turtle.
Not only your dog can harm your pet turtle, but he can also inadvertently harm him by transferring salmonella bacteria to him, which could make your dog sick.

Never allow your turtle to nibble from your dog's dish because some turtles will eat dog food and this can transfer salmonella to your dog.
9. You just want to own an exotic pet for a Status Symbol.

This may be the worst reason to purchase a turtle or tortoise. It means that you are not energetic in owning a turtle, and you will not be putting your heart and taking all steps necessary to care for the turtle.
10. Once you buy one, it is not easy to Rehome.
Since turtles can easily live 25 years or more and some tortoises can live 100 years. An impulse buy without a thought to its future is not in the best thought of the animal. So plans need to be made in wills and with family members since the creature can outlive its owners.
Turtles are more likely to be abandoned into the wild. It is dangerous for the turtle as well as to the native population. Zoos are often reluctant to take them.

Things to consider if you still want a pet turtle or tortoise

If you really want a pet turtle, read a lot of books or do some research about them. Ask vets, zoo keepers, trainers about how to successfully take care of these delicate animals. Just because they have a shell never means they are indestructible.
1. Take all careful consideration these animals require. They are wonderful and fascinating creatures.
2. Consider buying a red-eared slider as they are one of the easiest to take care of.

3. Box Turtles are absolutely not for beginners. Choose your pet turtle wisely, and don't be afraid of consulting and listening to a vet if you need help.
4. Another great way to get a turtle is to adopt one. Online turtle forums usually have adoption sections. Most turtles that are up for adoption are turtles whose owners can't take care of them any more. You probably won't get to watch them grow, but you can give them a better, happier one.