Turtle as a gift

[nitrofish1]

Hi everyone, i frequent many other sub-forums around here but not this one.... My girlfriend pointed out to me that she wants a turtle as a birthday/graduation gift. But, I know nothing of the sort, could someone direct me somewhere where I can learn what I need to, or enlighten me on what I need/have to do to have a turtle. Probably a red-eared slider or a painted turtle, but my options are very open at this time.

Thanks

 

[Vicious_Fish]

Turtles can be a lot of work but they are rewarding. I would definitely recommend you do plenty of research first. Here's a great site with a bunch of care sheets on different species. If I were you I'd go with a painted turtle over a red-eared slider because they stay smaller but are just has hardy. Some of the smaller map turtle species would work well too. Another idea, but not as pretty would be the smaller musk and mud turtle species.

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheets.htm

 

[nitrofish1]

Turtles can be a lot of work but they are rewarding. I would definitely recommend you do plenty of research first. Here's a great site with a bunch of care sheets on different species. If I were you I'd go with a painted turtle over a red-eared slider because they stay smaller but are just has hardy. Some of the smaller map turtle species would work well too. Another idea, but not as pretty would be the smaller musk and mud turtle species.

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheets.htm

Exactly what im doing right now I always do my homework.

Referring you back to this caresheet site you sent me to, there are four different types of painted turtles, which one would I most likely be able to find and/or order.

 

[Z Trip]

Animals don't make gifts. If she wants one, let her get it, this way it can't be used against you in the future.

 

[nitrofish1]

Animals don't make gifts. If she wants one, let her get it, this way it can't be used against you in the future.

you make a good point. but elaborate on what you mean by used against me in the future? do you mean that in terms of maintenance?

 

[Vicious_Fish]

Referring you back to this caresheet site you sent me to, there are four different types of painted turtles, which one would I most likely be able to find and/or order.

Well actually all Painted Turtles are the same species of turtle. But they are broken down into 4 subspecies. If you state is like mine then pet stores can not sell native reptile species. So if that's the case they cannot sell Western and Midland Painted Turtles because they are native there. I guess that means you'll be able to find Eastern or Southern Painted Turtles in the shops around you. All the subspecies have basically the same care requirements.

 

[zerojquan85]

maybe try keeping russian tortoise, not as demanding as water species turtle..

and they are available in petco/petsmart.. but some what pricy guys.. $50 bucks in petco..

 

[paul112]

Check out Mud and Musk turtles, they stay much smaller than RES and Painteds, and will require less demanding setups.

I'm assuming that the turtle you'll be buying is going to be 4"+ in length, since I think that is the law over in the US. For basics, you'll need:
-50 gallon tank
-200W submersible heater
-a decent filter (try to get one rated for twice the size of the tank since turtles are hugely messy compared to fish)
-a light fixture for hanging above the basking area (most people also recommend the use of UVB lighting, aswell as a regular spotlight for heat)

Turtles are very costly, and the setup above is only really suitable for a juvenile, an adult will need an even bigger and more expensive setup.

They really are great animals if you can devote the time and money to it, while I agree that animals shouldn't really be gifts, you could always buy the setup for her and let her choose the turtle.

Well done for doing your research
Paul

 

[Louie]

maybe try keeping russian tortoise, not as demanding as water species turtle..

and they are available in petco/petsmart.. but some what pricy guys.. $50 bucks in petco..

There is a reptile pet store like 30 minutes fromm me that has half dollar size tortoises for like $40 .
I know nothing about tortoises but dont they live for like a 100 yrs?

I wouldnt buy any living thing from a chain pet store but than again maybe the one by you is good by me they are deplorable .

 

[Louie]

Check out Mud and Musk turtles, they stay much smaller than RES and Painteds, and will require less demanding setups.

I'm assuming that the turtle you'll be buying is going to be 4"+ in length, since I think that is the law over in the US. For basics, you'll need:
-50 gallon tank
-200W submersible heater
-a decent filter (try to get one rated for twice the size of the tank since turtles are hugely messy compared to fish)
-a light fixture for hanging above the basking area (most people also recommend the use of UVB lighting, aswell as a regular spotlight for heat)

Turtles are very costly, and the setup above is only really suitable for a juvenile, an adult will need an even bigger and more expensive setup.

They really are great animals if you can devote the time and money to it, while I agree that animals shouldn't really be gifts, you could always buy the setup for her and let her choose the turtle.

Well done for doing your research
Paul

------------
"I'm assuming that the turtle you'll be buying is going to be 4"+ in length, since I think that is the law over in the US"

Not in Miami . Than again maybe it is but not enforced . It is the law in my old state of NY.

The baby musks are real cute I find them around July/Aug and tiny like pennies .

I dont keep them just take pics .