today me and my son were fish shopping when we wondered into the reptile area, he saw a pair of florida softshell turtles. he fell in love with these adorable lil guys, but they were not for sale. i asked were i could get one and was told i wont find any in this state (washington). where is the best place for me to find these cute lil guys?
florida softshell turtle
- Thread starter N.C.
- Start date
Oh jeez well thats probably the difference i went to private Christian school but im far from Christian now
The Kingsnake.com classified section is usually productive.
I just thought I'd point out: these turtles get large (a female can be 20" in shell length) and can bite and scratch pretty fiercely. Housing a pair requires a few hundred gallon pond or tank at minimum.
Chinese softshells and smooth softshells are smaller species (usually less than 12" in shell length) that look similar.
I just thought I'd point out: these turtles get large (a female can be 20" in shell length) and can bite and scratch pretty fiercely. Housing a pair requires a few hundred gallon pond or tank at minimum.
Chinese softshells and smooth softshells are smaller species (usually less than 12" in shell length) that look similar.
All Softshells tend to be extremely bitey and scratchy. They obviously lack the main defense other turtles have (the hard shell), so immediately resort to trying to tear you to shreds when threatened.
As a pet for your son, I wouldn't say it was a wise idea (althought that would depend on the age of your son). These turtles are fascinating, but bite hard (my Chinese Softshell at 3" long, can draw blood and take a chunk out of my finger) and there isn't an easy way of handling them even to remove them from the tank for maintenance.
With Sliders, you can hold the back of the shell, between the hind legs, and you're safe from bites and scratches. Softshells have incredibly long necks, that can perform exorcist-style turns, and bite you even when this holding technique is employed.
Cute, but not an easily maintained turtle.
Paul
As a pet for your son, I wouldn't say it was a wise idea (althought that would depend on the age of your son). These turtles are fascinating, but bite hard (my Chinese Softshell at 3" long, can draw blood and take a chunk out of my finger) and there isn't an easy way of handling them even to remove them from the tank for maintenance.
With Sliders, you can hold the back of the shell, between the hind legs, and you're safe from bites and scratches. Softshells have incredibly long necks, that can perform exorcist-style turns, and bite you even when this holding technique is employed.
Cute, but not an easily maintained turtle.
Paul
Look into getting terrapin's, they're the only aquatic turtles I know of that stay friendly into adult age. Seasonal though, so you won't find anymore 'til Fall - at that time you can usually find babies for around $70 a peice, so it gives you time to save.
If you're looking for soft shell turtles go to your area's chinese market (out here in Los Angeles we have a huge one) and find the right person to sell you one still alive. They eat em' - and it's illegal to sell anything under 4" unless it's dead, but if you can talk some one into it they're very affordable. Somthing like $10 a lbs.
Like everyone already said though, it can probably nearly take your son's finger off at an adult age. They aren't nice by a long shot.
If you're looking for soft shell turtles go to your area's chinese market (out here in Los Angeles we have a huge one) and find the right person to sell you one still alive. They eat em' - and it's illegal to sell anything under 4" unless it's dead, but if you can talk some one into it they're very affordable. Somthing like $10 a lbs.
Like everyone already said though, it can probably nearly take your son's finger off at an adult age. They aren't nice by a long shot.