All Turtles Message Board

Tai · Guest Joined: 06 Apr 2007 Posts: 2

My 3 year old desperately wants a turtle for her birthday. I'm willing, but I know nothing about turtles. I hope that if I tell you what I'm willing to do, you could inform me as to what kind of turtle will fit into my requirements. Although, I understand if none will fit.

I told my daughter that I would buy one for her only if we could properly take care of it.

I'm a thinking a 5 gallon tank that will fit on her bookcase so she can look at it, but it's not too heavy for me to lift and clean.

I'm willing to give 15 minutes a day for feeding and cleaning once a week or every other week.

The turtle should be able to be handled without biting or dying.

I can't feed it live food, we keep fish and I think this might freak out my daughters.

If anything might fit this description please let me know. I would really love to be able to buy her, her own pet.

fishandcandy · Level 3 Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 200 Location: Indio, CA

A five gallon tank is to small to house any turtle. Although hatchlings are very small, they grow quickly and are very sensitive to their environment.
Any turtle is going to need a large tank. An adult RES needs at least a 55 gallon tank and a hatchling should start in at least a 10 gallon.
For a child's pet, I would suggest a juvenile turtle, since hatchlings are hard to take care of and are often unhealthy when purchased due to the conditions they're kept in.

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

Tai · Guest Joined: 06 Apr 2007 Posts: 2

Thanks so much for your input. Maybe I'll buy her a hermit crab instead. I certainly don't want to own an animal I can't properly take care of.