All Turtles Message Board

lmrh · Level 2 Joined: 17 Nov 2006 Posts: 39 Location: Ireland

hi,
I am considering getting turtles but I'm worried. i have read that turtles bite and they carry a lot of diseases! I'm not too sure if i should get them if this is true as they cost around €175!!! and to be honest i don't know much about them!!! I'm looking for someone who knows what they are talking about to help me!!!! Question

i need all the information i can get!!!!!!!

turtle_grl77 · Level 4 Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Posts: 985 Location: Florida

Turtles do have a habit of biting. But that is generally because they link fingers to food. The only disease I know of that they have is salmenella, which is something I think they need, just wash hands throughly after handling the turtles. Getting turtle setup can be expensive, tank lighting, basking dock, filters. You can omit a bunch of tank upgrades by buying a rubbermaid storage container and use that for a while. You will also need a filter (better to double the water capacity to tank size) 2 lights (uva/uvb, and basking light) basking dock. You can use a cynder block for now, just be sure to cover the corners to protect the turtle. I use a heater to help maintian temps between 78-80. And of course food. I want to say you can do all of this for around $100 or less if you shop around. Not sure what that converts to your money. ALso do lots of research before you buy turtles. Make sure it is something you can and want to do.

therea · Level 3 Joined: 14 Sep 2006 Posts: 131 Location: England

Hi, I live in Northern Ireland at the mo, and in September got my babies.
Here's a list of my equipment, and how much it all cost me, so you'll have a rough idea:
Tank and reptile lid (second hand) - about 3 feet in lenth - £45
Submersible aquarium heater - £17
Heat bulb and Holder - £20
UVB reptile lamp (the strip version) and Holder - £20
Basking Rock - £10
Filter (Second Hand) - £70
Turtles - £20 each
Food - About £5 per month.
Yes it is costly, but so worth it once it's all set up!
Make sure you buy from a reputable seller too, and look on ebay for bargains too. Hope this helps!
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