Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I also posted this on the general turtle forum. I'm looking for a good species of turtle or tortoise for my 7 year old nephew. I wanted to get some ideas on what species would be easy to take care of, friendly, doesn't mind human contact, and less than 12inches at full size. Also, it HAS to be captive bred. Any ideas? I would appreciate if you could include a scientific name with the common names if you can, that way there wont be any mistake when I look for care information.

Thanks

This is going to sound harsh, but a 7 year old should not be acquiring a turtle or tortoise as a pet. At that age children don't have the attention span, the knowledge, or the time and money to take proper care of a turtle or tortoise. Reptiles are not easy or loveable pets and turtles, and particulary tortoises, are THE most difficult and demanding.

If a reptile is what he really wants look to a corn snake or bearded dragon as an alternative to a chelonian. Both are very hardy, don't cost to much to maintain and are fairly straight forward for a pre-teen to manage.

Too many turtles and tortoises bought for pre-teens end up either dead or up for adoption within a year.

n/p

8-( ;-o

Sorry, I agree, too. I have an 8 and 12 year old, and I wouldn't even get my older son a turtle or tortoise, and he's very responsible (and has a kingsnake and gecko). A 7 year old just doesn't have the maturity to understand proper care and the need to keep handling to a minimum. In any case, what's the point in getting a pet that could live 50 years for a child who will probably be bored with it within a few weeks?

I would suggest a rat or a guinea pig. Rats especially make great pets, aren't too hard to care for, and don't mind handling.
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Sohni

0.1 Baja de L.A. Rosy Boa
0.1 Okeetee Corn Snake
1.1 Rubber Boas
1.0 Leopard Gecko
0.0.1 Hermann's Tortoise
0.0.1 Marginated Tortoise
1.0 3 Toed Box Turtle (rescued)
plus my kids' herps:
0.1 California King Snake
1.0 Mexican Rosy Boa
0.1 Leopard Gecko

wouldn't want to get into this but I think the idea of having kids involves in pet keeping are so that they would have some sorts of responsibility stages early in their lives to form the fundamental buiding blocks for whatever their future endevours...sure, kids has short tension spans across a whole broad spectrum so it's up to the parents to be creative and I'm sure many parents out there has different method of raising their kid in different ways... ours when we first introduce them to tortoise are " cow on shell" (these are NOT our own words by the way!) ... along with many other twist and turns over the years, our kids hasn't totally bored but also not forgeting their priorities, infact they had learned to manage their schedules quite well.
When come to tortoise needless to say, there are plus and minus just like any other pets ( ie; cats or dogs; their foods and vet bills) ...but the ONE thing that you mentions about a tortoise can live 50 years or more which couldn't be so bad compare to... (sorry ALL !!!) ... I've seen many people (not just KIDos) who couldn't come in term to get a grip with their emotions for the fact that they beloved pets passed away when they had reached the end of their road... a mere three or ten years...now, that to me is HARSH!

With a screen name like GeckoGirl it looks like you're a herper.
Tortoises are the elite of herp keeping. Only Amphibs are more difficult.
If you are looking to get a tortoise to introduce to the youngun as a portal to herpkeeping thats great but I don't need to add to what's been said.
I have a 9 year old and a 14 year old. The 14 year old does not have the responsibility but the 9 year old has been helping me take care of my herps since she was 6. I'm talking watering the snakes and lizards, putting the tortoises out during the day, taking them in at night, cleaning waterbowls... you get the picture. Tortoises are tougher than other herps but certain kids can handle this. This has costs me up to $20 a week. She started out at 5$ a week.
Redfoots, Russians, Greeks and of course, Sulcatas are tough animals. Sulcatas do get big though.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

I am considering getting a greek tortoise....it is going to be not only my pet....but a family pet....But ofcourse I will be the main care giver....After researching and reading many books I agree a tortoise what not be a good chose for a young childs pet.....I recommend a leopard gecko or a cornsnake for a first herp....leos are hardy and easy to care for and very clean.....cornsnakes in my opinion are the easiest of all herps to care for....they are very clean, eat once a week, and normally tolrate handling very well.
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KRISTI Mommy 2 Autumn Rose (daughter) 2 1/2 yrs
Reign Michael(son) 6 months
Duncan (Budgie) Passed away 5/11/2004...Love you duncan
Asia (Juvie Leopard Gecko)
Russia ( Baby Albino Cornsnake)
OH, And Ron the geckos #1 FAN!!! (owned by BlizzardGecko)

Ask his mom and pop if they will help with it. They are very easy to care for. Buy a bottle of aquatic turtle food a glass bowl. Explain to him about washing his hands after playing with it etc.. I got my first red ear when I was 5, back before the nanny state made K-mart stop selling them. Millions were sold, the salmonella hysteria ended it all. I'll bet the reality was more people got sick from their dogs and cats. What joy my little RES brought me. You will be his hero. I gave my 5 and 7 year old a belize slider, they loved it!!!

you can adopt one (or more) with a whole lotta supports from your local turtle clubs...it's better than a 100000000000000 miles warranty on your car, this one ; the assurance came FREE!