Getting a pet is always a very important decision and one that should be made only when you are aware of what having this pet will entail. What type of turtle, sources of turtles, and estimates of the time and money it will take to properly care for the turtle are all important considerations. But before you go out and buy a turtle, you need to ask yourself some very important questions.
What Is the Cost and Time Commitment?
As a veterinarian, I deal every day with animals of all species that lead an unhappy and miserable life because people get them for all of the wrong reasons, and fail to inform themselves of the needs of that particular animal. Even more unfortunate, are the small pocket pets, reptiles, and fish that are often purchased on a whim, bought for a child, or received as a gift. These species are often inexpensive and unique, but what people do not realize is that they can often require a much higher level of husbandry and care than a dog or cat. Every year, thousands of these animals end up on the examining table of the veterinarian, dying a very premature and miserable death because their simplest basic nutritional and housing needs were not met. And even more pocket pets never make it to the veterinary clinic, and end up buried in the yard or in the trash. These animals deserve better than that.
Turtles and tortoises are very complex organisms and they have a very specialized set of needs. If a turtle owner does not provide these specialized needs, then these animals will lead a very poor quality of life and die a premature death. It always amazes me when I read an expert's description of a captive species that says it is normal that it does not breed in captivity, or only lives to a fraction of the normal expected life span it would in the wild. Reproduction and a normal life span are some of the most basic requirements of life, and if these are not being achieved, then we are not even close to providing a suitable and realistic natural environment for that captive species.
While there are many turtle owners out there that provide an excellent environment for their captive turtles, there are many that do not. One of the first questions that you have to ask yourself is, why do you want a turtle or tortoise? While there are many reasons why we take animals as pets, some of them are not very good ones, and completely fail to take the welfare of the animal into account. Obtaining a turtle or tortoise is a very important decision, and much thought and planning should go into the decision. Some things to consider before you obtain a tortoise are:
- The initial expense of purchasing a turtle or tortoise is by far the cheapest part of owning a turtle. To properly care for a turtle, you will need to provide appropriate housing, food, vitamins, bedding, temperature, humidity, and veterinary care, which can total hundreds of dollars a year. Are you willing to invest that kind of money?
- Turtles can live for a very long time, often 25 years or longer. Are you prepared to care for this animal for its entire life?
- Turtles require clean, fresh water and bedding. Are you prepared to spend time each and every day cleaning and caring for your turtle? I tell owners they should expect to spend at least half an hour each day caring for the turtle.
- When you travel, your turtle will still require daily care, and can not just be left to fend for itself. Will you be able to arrange for its care in such situations?
- Most turtles and tortoises hibernate from 10 to 20 weeks. Are you prepared to provide the correct hibernating environment and care for your turtle?
- To properly care for a turtle or tortoise, you need to provide fresh fruits and vegetables or insects or mice. Are you ready to deal with the extra work this entails?
