Those red-eared sliders were many of us' first turtle, in our child years. I recall killing a few of them babies, out of complete ignorance... They were often sold in plastic "lagoons" with a palm tree in the middle.



Not a bad choice, but it all goes back to how much care you are willing to give an animal. A 5 yr old child will not be able to care for a turtle. And in the case of a RES, now you have to upkeep a tank as well.



Listen,

1. Contact a turtle/tortoise adoption site, get advise

2. FIND your nearest reptilian specialist, if you do decide to get a turtle for your child.

3. Find the species you like, and scrutinize what is needed to best care for it.



Turtles are animals that fascinate and dazzle many of us. But that is not enough reason to take one as a pet for a child, and watch it suffer a long death because of our inadequacy to provide what it needs.



..From a turtle lover, to another.



Wanda

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