Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was thinking about breeding three-toed box turtles, but have a few questions. Does anyone know if there is a high demand for them, because i don't want to end up with a bunch of the turtles left over. Thanks for the help.

3-toeds and easterns are the more common boxies in the pet trade, they seem to disappear rather fast on the classifieds, just remember technically it's illegal to sell turtles under 4 inches unless they're for educational purposes.
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1.2.1 Terrapene Carolina Triunguis
0.1 Nymphicus hollandicus
1.1 Melopsittacus undulatus
1.0 American Cocker Spaniels
1.0 American Short Hair? Cat
1.1 Rouen Ducks

the laws in each state may vary in regards to that. however if you're referring to the so called "federal law"...that is a misconception that it applies to private citizens, or anyone for that matter outside the direct >administrative< control of the federal government.

even some respected turtle/tortoise websites have erroneously cited this as being "federal law". this is not a law, but an admin. regulation. if it were law it would also have a corresponding section in the United States Code. under Title 21 USC, there is no such reference to any legislation, or under any other title that might be applicable. therefore the regulations of 21CFR apply only to federal agencies and employees dealing with federally licensed or regulated interstate/intrastate commerce.

if you're just a private citizen breeding and selling a few turtles, this would not apply to you. the relevant excerpts
from the >regulation< appear below.

[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 21, Volume 8]
[Revised as of April 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 21CFR1240.62]

[Page 673-675]

TITLE 21--FOOD AND DRUGS

CHAPTER I--FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED)

PART 1240--CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES--Table of Contents

Subpart D--Specific Administrative Decisions Regarding Interstate Shipments

Sec. 1240.62 Turtles intrastate and interstate requirements.

(a) Definition. As used in this section the term "turtles" includes all animals commonly known as turtles, tortoises, terrapins, and all other animals of the order Testudinata, class Reptilia, except marine species (families Dermochelyidae and Chelonidae).

(b) Sales; general prohibition. Except as otherwise provided in this section, viable turtle eggs and live turtles with a carapace length of less than 4 inches shall not be sold, held for sale, or offered for any other type of commercial or public distribution.

(d) Exceptions. The provisions of this section are not applicable to:

(1) The sale, holding for sale, and distribution of live turtles and viable turtle eggs for bona fide scientific, educational, or exhibitional purposes, other than use as pets.
(2) The sale, holding for sale, and distribution of live turtles and viable turtle eggs not in connection with a business.
(3) The sale, holding for sale, and distribution of live turtles and turtle eggs intended for export only, provided that the outside of the shipping package is conspicuously labeled "for export only."
(4) Marine turtles excluded from this regulation under the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section and eggs of such turtles.

Be aware that each state may (or may not) have laws governing the sale and/or exportation of native fauna.
You might want to do a little further research into the legality of selling turtles, in-state or not, and also just do some waiting and watching the 'market'.
Its great that you're asking questions before you get started.

Stephanie