Best pet turtle/tortoise for me?

Question

I'm thinking about getting a pet turtle or tortoise, I want a rather small one (less than 11 in) & I plan to keep it indoors for the most part.

If you can, please include basic care such as life span, size, and housing.

Answer 1

I personally enjoy tortoises over turtles as turtles need  A LOT of work. (making sure water is clean, and just the regular maintenance is a lot.) If you're a beginner a Russian Tortoise would be a good thing to start with.

The most the adults grow to is 10" and will most likely outlive you. So just with any turtle or tortoise, it's a life long dedication.

For housing, the simplest way would be to buy one of those big rubbermaid tubs, or just go get a 75gal aquarium. They do not need large amounts of water, a water dish and misting will do just fine.

For more information the link provided goes in depth of the care, housing, etc.

You can do your own research as well, as there are many other 'beginner' turtles and tortoises. This was simply my opinion, and have had more fun and enjoyment with tortoises.  

Answer 2

I can't tell you the answer to this question... I don't know how many years of your life you would be willing to spend caring for a turtle or tortoise. You'll probably get people saying "Box turtle! Box turtle!" These can live over 80 years if taken care of properly. Most of the sliders are 30 - 35 year animals... we're not talking dogs and cats that are lucky to make it to 20, many of these animals live at least as long as we do... How much room are you willing to give it? Aquatic turtles should have at least 10 gallons for every inch of shell length... in other words, nearly a 100 gallon tank for almost any slider as it approaches adulthood... "only" a 50 gallon or so for a mud or musk turtle.

UVB lighting, temperature regulation for the cage (which may include a water heater depending on how cool you keep your house if you're keeping an aquatic turtle), filter if it's aquatic (rated for twice the water volume if it's not marketed as a turtle filter... they make more mess than fish)... all in all, expect to spend about $200 for proper setup for any turtle, terrestrial or aquatic.

And since I'm not giving any suggestions as to what would be best for you, I'm not giving dietary information...

Remember, only YOU can tell what the best pet for you is. People can make suggestions, but please, don't just take someone's word here on how to take care of your new pet... find a good website that has care information for the specific species you're looking into getting, learn a decent amount about care and maintenance and common health issues before purchasing, and/or buy a book on the care and maintenance of your species of choice.

Answer 3

‘If you have allot of $$$$ and start out with a 55 gal plus size tank and great filtration system for Aquatic turtles I say do it!

Sliders, cooter, painted, map, yellow bellied all are basically the same and require the same basic care. I have had my 2 slider  girls for 36 yrs. Plus an 8 and 5 yr old and now a 2 yr old that was adopted last week from this site.... Been in a pond for almost 7 yrs now.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29035692@N0...

They grow fast!

A 55 plus size tank to start or you will be buying tank after tank so strt big.

Walmart sells a 55 gallon tank with hood, light and decent filter for $153.00. You would need to buy some extra stuff, but that is a cheap tank set up with a good filter. You still need the a UVA rep light and large enough gravel they can’t swallow., and a dock…and FISH  and rep food.

I have used kiddy pools and plastic pond liners from most nurseries.. for thier home for more space.

The bigger the environment the bigger the healthier the turtle.

Did you know that they need to bask under a reptile light UVA for 8 to 10 hrs a day for the vitamin D that they need to grow. So that means getting a turtle dock also.

Leave the heater on 75 to 78 degrees always.

Their water needs to be clean otherwise they get sick easily from dirty water cause they p**p allot.

You need a good filter system! Gravel larger than they can swallow.

You need to feed them feeder guppies, goldfish or minnows for protein and calcium daily drop 30 or so in the tank and watch them disappear! This way when they swim for their dinner they get exercise also!

They need leafy greens( Romaine, Butter lettuce. Iceberg and cabbage are bad for them, any leafy greens will do) for vitamin A that they need at least 3 to 4 times a week.

You probably already know that they get sick easily, shell rot, respiratory sickness, lopsided swimming, coughing,blowing bubbles