Monday, May 10, 2010

Pet Turtle Care: Purchasing Pet Turtles

Sorting Through the Confusion of Buying Pet Turtles

My family and I have purchased and currently keep pet turtles and it has been fun and a great learning experience for us all. Getting information on purchasing pet turtles is very important before making the leap of having a turtle in your home. There are some excellent places to purchase pet turtles, however, make sure you buy from someone who knows what they are doing. You can find turtles at pet stores but in many cases the people working there are not experts on turtle care. Ask a few questions to get a feel for how much expertise they actually have and use your best judgment. If it is obvious they lack good information about the turtles they sell, move on. The advent of the internet has provided a vast source of good information and is great for research.

One of the most important things to think about when choosing what kind of turtle to buy is if you can provide the proper enclosure and equipment for the species you are considering. Aquatic turtles require enough water volume to swim. Red eared sliders are probably the most common. Painted turtles are similar in behavior to the sliders. Painted turtles will quickly learn to recognize their keepers and come to feeding.

Tortoises are a great example of a dry land turtle and some species stay quite small and can make great pets. Some even have similar requirements to humans in regard to temperature and humidity and can do very well as "apartment" pets. Purchasing pet turtles requires a commitment from the new turtle owner. You have to be prepared to provide the proper habitat, diet and care. Research is essential in order to provide a happy and healthy life for the turtle you choose.

Keeping turtles doesn't have to be difficult. It can be simple and fun...with a little research and some good information you'll be well on your way.

Article Source: Matt Maldanado

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