My friend wants a turtle!

[bamby71994]

My friend wants a turtle! Her rat just died, she wants something that will go outside with her and that likes the sun. I might talk her into getting a lizard instead since they like the sun. How are turtles, what to they eat, what other reptiles are there?? Any comments is much appriated!

[babyboo]

My dad had a turtle when he was little but I haven't. Turtles though I know are not that hard to take care of. They just eat a vaiety of turtle pellets and then they need thier daily veggies, but other than that it isn't that hard. Also you should research thenfor your friend then print stuff out about them.
Gecko's are really good pet to, I know.

[chexxy]

But you have to be careful bevause turtles carry diseases, like, I believe slamonella.

[bamby71994]

Geckos are high maintainces, and my cousins had those, they didn't live very long.

[conclay1995]

I would also suggest doing research before getting a turtle, or any other pet. I had a turtle when I was younger. He was easy to feed and take care of, but they carry salmonella (sp?). I have heard that are also susceptible to soft shell.

I agree about the gecko's being high maintainence. You have to keep the cage a certain temperature, the right amount of moisture and the right amount of UV rays. Our little girl had trouble shedding and died. It nearly broke my heart.

[bamby71994]

Yes she has done research! Your supposed to put them in the frigrater for hibbranate! Sp??

[Alusdra]

What? Geckos high maintenance and turtles low? I would say the exact opposite. Turtles need a much larger tank with water in it- that's way more work than a gecko. True, geckos live less long than a turtle- but only relatively. Turtles can live longer than people, geckos should live into their teens if properly cared for.

All you need for a leopard gecko is (minimum) 10 gallon/ lizard, a heat pad to go on one side, a water bowl, a mealworm-proof bowl, a dry hide and a humid hide. I've had no shed problems since starting to use the humid hide, which I would like the site I learned about it on except they are very pro-breeder (I defy you to find a gecko rescue, and if you do let me at them, I've had no luck myself except for breeders that rescue and rehome as well). Prior to using the humid hide system, though- yes I did have some shed problems, but nothing a bit of soaking and a gentle massage with some paper towels didn't clear up. Now, if you had like a tokay or a house gecko or something- I can see where there might have been issues. But leos? Easiest pet ever. And they can be real affectionate. My first would come when called and loves a skin scratch. My three now are less human centered. It's sort of hit or miss on personality sometimes. But I haven't ever met an affectionate turtle, either.

That being said, there are some downsides to geckos- most people don't like having to handle mealworms. And they can carry salmonella... though I'm bad and never wash my hands and have yet to get sick... *knock on wood*

And there are way way WAY more turtles in need of homes. I go on Craigslist and Petfinder all the time looking for geckos (prompted by a debate on this site a year ago about being able to define gecko breeders as "good" as there are none in shelters, and not being 100% on numbers- but now I can say with confidence that there are less than 20 geckos that were up for rehoming in the state this whole year- including a breeder that was getting out of the business and was trying to sell his entire 'stock') and see turtles all the time.

Turtles, though? Worse than cavies as far as I can tell.

Just remember they (should) live a long time, get pretty big and need all that water (and fish to eat? maybe...)

Or you could always suggest a guinea pig or three- no? They like sunlight.

[bamby71994]

Thank you very much, but she wants a veggie like her! She hates the smell of meat, and espically touching it! Yeah are turtles ever affianite?? SP?

[GermanGirl]

I had 2 turtels but they are really hard to care and it´s not easy to recognize diseases or find a good veterianarian.

[Newpiggiemom]

I don't have a turtle but my sister had one that she used to keep in her classroom at school and at home sometimes and it was very affectionate. He loved to be where the children were and would come out and walk all over the floor where the people were. He also loved to have his shell scratched and would shake back and forth when you rubbed his shell.

They are not that easy to care for mostly due to the large space they need. And water in it, and it needs a filter to keep it from getting filthy.