All Turtles Message Board

krissytool · Level 1 Joined: 27 Aug 2006 Posts: 6

Hey everyone, im from Australia and more of a long term reader, first time poster. Anyway the point of this post is because i am DISCUSTED at the mentallaty of some turtle owners on this forum.

Sure we all start knowing nothing and learn and progress as we keep turtles but there is obviously a lack of understanding out there, dont new turtle owners re-search their new pet BEFORE they buy them? Or do they just play it ignorant until something goes wrong and then its too late to help the little guys. Do new turtle owners not read these forum posts before they put up their own post asking a question that has been answered 50 times already? Why is it that they complain about the price of buying a larger setup when the turtle grows, did they not think of that before hand? Must owners ask stupid questions such as do pet turtles get sick? Of course they do!

PLEASE new turtle owners read as much as you can about your awesome new bet BEFORE you rush out and get one, they are great companions, entertaining creatures and so full of personality but the mortality rate of users on this forum is horrible. Turtles dont just drop dead, its usually because of old age, uncontrollable illness and just plain lazy husbandry skills.

In Western Australia, we need to go through a tedious process to obtain a reptiles licence, we then need to keep a log book of our turtles and are subject to nemerous audits on enclosures and a turtle doesnt cost us $5, it costs a minimum of $300 to obtain one. We dont take having a turtle for granted because its such a privelige to have such an amazing pet.

DO regular water changes and gravel cleans
DO Test your water for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate
DO buy a good filter
DO Use approprite lighting, tubes and basking bulbs
DO monitior your turtles health

DO NOT play it ignorant and say "it looks sick, maybe it will heal on its own"
DO NOT lack in the housekeeping of you turtle and
DO NOT ruin the privelige of having a turtle!

Thanks, sorry for the long post but it had to be said

ryanandsuzyro · Level 3 Joined: 19 Nov 2006 Posts: 207

Hear hear!

Where I live (vancouver bc) there is talk of banning sales of turtles in pet stores. As much as I appreciate being able to get a turtle from said pet store... I've seen how little information or care the pet store takes in selling turtles, they don't at all determine that buyers have the right equipment or have a real idea of what it takes to raise a turtle. I would rather turtles are only purchaseable through a private breeder for more money, if that means only serious turtle owners have them. I take great care of Tucker... frustrated that other people do not. Especially considering how much information is easily accessible via this forum, Austin's Turtle Page and other online resources.

krissytool · Level 1 Joined: 27 Aug 2006 Posts: 6

I would rather pay that 10 times more aswell and appreciate the priviledge of owning a turtle!

Pet shops are not allowed to sell turtles here until they get a reptile dealers licence and owners must present their licence upon purchasing the turtle.

I hope some people read this post and take something from it so we can all learn how to keep our turtles in the best possible care before its too late. As i said we all make mistakes and start out knowing nothing so listen to some of the more expirienced. members on this forum Very Happy