Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello, I have been into, and keeping, herps for some time, but not many turtles, just rehab some local ones found out on the street.

I am going to be getting my mother a turtle for Christmas and I need to know of a reliable place to buy them (online) and also supplies. I need a UVA/UVB bulb, but I don't want to spend a fortune on it, and possibly a little island lagoon to start her off with. I also need some suggestions on food and things like that for them.

Any info you feel like adding, please do. Thanks!
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"Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are." - Kurt Cobain

"You laugh at me because I am different; I laugh at you because you are all the same."

~~ Krystal ~~

Not sure if this is all within the forum rules, but...

Just this past Tuesday, I completed a purchase of a ultra pastel RES and a hieroglyphic river cooter from Sunset Turtle Ranch (http://www.sunsetturtleranch.com/) The service was great. The owner, Joe, answered a slew of questions for me in a very timely manner. His packaging was terrific and my two new "children" are absolutely GORGEOUS! I plan to look to Sunset when I go to purchase my next turtle, and I would recommend others do the same.

As far as supplies...While I've never personally purchased anything from them, I hear The Bean Farm (http://www.beanfarm.com/) has a fine reputation.

Good luck!

--Matt

Thanks, I will check them out. I have ordered from TBF before, I would definitly buy from them again, I was hoping I could get the supplies from the same place so that they could be shipped together, but if I can't I will just have to make sure I get the supplies first. Thanks again.
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"Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are." - Kurt Cobain

"You laugh at me because I am different; I laugh at you because you are all the same."

~~ Krystal ~~

Just make sure that your mother knows what to expect from keeping a turtle. If you get a slider, is she ready for a turtle that could grow to 10-12 inches?

Also, I don't recomend anyone ship this time of year. Besides the fact that it's COLD, this is the busiest time of year for shipping, and packages do get lost this time of year, and some companies put pachages outside in big vats for temporary storage.

It would be hard to adopt one this close to Christmas, but do remember that there are many out there for adoption. Visit www.anapsid.org or www.petfinder.com

Katrina

Yeah, thanks, The reason I thought of it is because she LOVES turtles and always has, she got us turtles when we were little, but I think they were more for her than us LOL. She knows how big they get, and I have enclosures up to 85 gallon tanks and she is planning on building a pond.

I do go to petfinder, etc... alot, but I never find turtles. I also would like to know that the turtle would be healthy and properly cared for, and it would be hard to find a hatchling for adoption.

Thanks for the imput!
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"Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are." - Kurt Cobain

"You laugh at me because I am different; I laugh at you because you are all the same."

~~ Krystal ~~

Have you tried asking the groups that have reptiles for adoption? They don't post everything that they have for adoption. In fact, in Indiana, I don't think rescues can advertise native adoptions any longer, but they can adopt out native turtles. In which state are you located?

Katrina

I am in Michigan, know of any possible places I could look? Thanks for the info.
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"Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are." - Kurt Cobain

"You laugh at me because I am different; I laugh at you because you are all the same."

~~ Krystal ~~

Um, I mean this in the best way possible, but you you may want to check out the care sheets on this site so you know what kind of set up the turtle will need. RES need 10 gallons of water per inch of turtle, and will grow to be up to 12 inches.A 50 gallon tank is a good starter tank, and you can get a floating dock for the side so you can fillit up with water all the way.

I should let you know that those turtle lagoons you are refering to are otherwise known as "death bowls." Definately not the humane way to go.

Good luck with your mom's turtle, and again, check out those helpful care sheets!
...Anne
1 ankle biter 2years old

1 RES JFK

Yeah, I have read the caresheets. I have never seen the island lagoons in person, but I saw them on here and thought they would be OK untill I could get a real enclosure set up since there is limited time before Christmas, expecially if I have supplies shipped. If they aren't optimal I don't want them, but that is why I posted. I have another post now where I am asking for suggestions on what exactly to make sure I have to start with, maybe you can give me some suggestions there. Thanks
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"Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are." - Kurt Cobain

"You laugh at me because I am different; I laugh at you because you are all the same."

~~ Krystal ~~