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Pet Turtles: What you need to know before buying a turtle

Reptiles are quickly gaining popularity as pets throughout homes. There are multiple reasons that people may want to keep reptiles as pets. They're interesting to watch, they're distinctive from traditional pets, their keepers may have allergies to fur, some reptiles are truly out of the ordinary, or perhaps people may think that they are less work and require less of a time commitment than their furry counterparts.

It may be really tempting to buy a turtle on impulse; however these species have special requirements that need to be fulfilled if they are to survive and flourish once you bring them home.

In order to keep turtles healthy, and provide them with everything they would get in the wild, there are a lot of equipment and supplies that will be necessary. The major cost for this pet is not for the turtle itself, but for setting up the turtle's environment.

The first thing that everyone considering buying a turtle must know is just how big these turtles can get. Within a few years, these cute palm-sized animals can grow up to around 28 cm; that's almost a foot! So, before you pick up that tiny turtle, know that one day, if provided with the right indoor environment, it will grow to be a large pet that will require a very large aquarium.

Turtles need to come out of the water to bask so they can thermoregulate (regulate their body temperature), but it's also important that they occasionally get completely dry in order to help prevent fungal infections. The aquarium should be big enough that a full-grown turtle can swim around in, and the land should be solid enough to support the weight of an adult turtle.

All reptiles, including turtles, are ectothermic, or cold-blooded. Unlike dogs, cats or you and me, ectotherms depend on environmental conditions to warm themselves when they're cold, or cool themselves down when they're warm. Any turtle will need a warm basking area on solid land so they are able to thermoregulate. A bright incandescent bulb or ceramic heater would serve as an ideal heat source.

In addition to a heat source on land, a water heater will be necessary to keep the water warm enough for the turtle. If the turtle is not kept at its ideal body temperature its metabolic rate will decrease, causing its digestive system to slow down and consequently the turtle will not eat. It is vital to keep turtles at their optimal temperature in order for them to maintain basic life functions.

Another important thing to know about turtle behavior is that they are not prim and proper eaters. Turtles are definitely messy, and if you are planning on buying a one, be prepared to clean the aquarium often. Feeding a turtle in a separate enclosure will reduce the mess in the main aquarium, but frequent water changes are needed in order to prevent the accumulation of liquid waste products that are harmful to turtles.

Vital to your knowledge before acquiring any turtle is knowing that they can carry Salmonella, which is not harmless to them, but may cause illness in humans. Not all turtles carry Salmonella however, and it is difficult to test whether a turtle has the bacteria or not. Since turtles have the potential to carry this bacteria, it's important to wash your hands after handling turtles or anything in their environment.

Although turtles can make outstanding pets for the right owner and caretaker, it is important to realize that not every household is right for a turtle. Always remember, only individuals willing to commit time, energy and money should consider a turtle for a pet.