Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a small painted turtle and have read a child died from salmonella she got from painted turtle pet. I have a 5 year old and a 4 month old. This turtle was rescued after an injury and we have had him for 2 years. The CDC recommends not reptiles for people with children under 5.

Sad because my 5 year old has really take interest lately and been feeding and doing light changes at bed time.

I am careful during cleanings and don't let him help. Anyone else have this problem?

dallas

The problem came into play back when the original Ninja
turtle started. Thousands of baby turtles were sold under
4" to children because they were "cute". The problem was that
they were kept in filthy conditions and parents didn't make
sure that children washed their hands after "playing" with
them. Turtles are not meant to be played with! Sad to say
that most of those turtles died. The other problem was that
these kids would actually put the turtles in their mouth because
they were so small. That is why the new law states that turtles
under 4" cannot be sold to the public.

Your kids are completely safe as long as you help them to
keep the turtles clean and make sure they wash their hands
after taking care of them. It sounds like you make great
turtle parents

I have 5 and have never had a problem with any kind of illness
in either myself or them. Here is a pic of my almost 3 lb
turtle. She is 8 years old and I have had her since she was
the size of a quarter.

Hope this helps and enjoy your turtle.
Linda

Thx for the reply. We might let my mom take him for a while.

dallas