Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone! I would like some ideas and opinions please. I have 2 girls, ages 2 1/2 and 8. The oldest girl wants to be a vet and has said that for the last 5 years. We currently have a dog and 2 guinea pigs. Both the girls and I are thinking about getting some kind of turtle/tortoise. I was wondering if anyone had some good suggestions? Obviously I know that I will be doing most if not all of the care and that turtles are not "little cuddle toys." I would like to give my oldest daughter some experience with animals that are not mammals. The youngest one would not have anything to do with the animals until older and then only closely supervised. Right now we are leaning more toward a box turtle or a tortoise. I only want captive bred if possible.

A boxy or tortoise is a good idea, but there are a few things you want to remember. They need a TON of room, even though boxies are somewhat small. A very large area is needed for them. Also, make sure this is not going to be something that the girls grow out of, as turtles are a VERY long term commitment. They can be expensive as well, but as long as all their requirements are met, they should make interesting captives. On a side not, if you decide you would like an animal that may be a little older and that might be a little cheaper, you can check with reptile rescues or an animal shelter. There are many unwanted turtles and tortoises that show up at these places quite often.
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Andy Maddox
AIM: SurfAndSkimTx04
MSN: Poloboy32486@hotmail.com
Yahoo:surfandskimtx04
Houston Herp Key
The Reptizone

If you steal in hunger, I will kick you when you try. These stand for me. Name your god and bleed the freak. I'd like to see. How you all would bleed for me.-Alice In Chains

Thanks Andy,

I have been trying to research the different types of turtles and tortoises. I am currently leaning towards a Wood turtle. I have read that they aren't as hard in the upkeep department as many of the box turtles. Also they do not get as big as many of the tortoises. I have found a Honduran Wood Turtle for sale. Any info on them?

Your source that claims wood turtles are easier to mainatain than box turtles is incorrect. Care for either species is very similar. In fact, many Central and South American wood turtles tend to be semi-aquatic(wading, not swimming) which would make them slightly higher maintenance than a box turtle.
A North American box turtle may well be your best choice. Another good pick might be a Russian tortoise. Either species will typically max out at 8"usually less). Box turtles are omnivores while the Russian tortoise is a herbivore. Either species will do best if kept outdoors in a secure pen. If you have to keep the animal indoors, be prepared,'cos initial setup (done right) can be costly. If you chose to keep them outdoors be aware they can be diggers(especially Russian tortoises).You will want to design your pen accordingly.
You may have difficulty finding captive born Russians, but captive born box turtles are slowly becoming more common.
Good luck!
All the best,
Perry

any tortoise or box turtle would do. I would suggest a box turtle because of its size. but if you cant get a box turtle then get a small tortoise like a russian tortoise. just remember that they can bite and may very well do so if they are being stressed or provoked.
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sincerely,
jonathan
JDDK Reptiles www.jddkreptiles.com

First thing:

Turtles and Kids: Yes
Box Turtles and Kids: No

I would lean more towards a greek tortoise or a russian tortoise if you want a terrestrial turtle. Because box turtles stress easily and are not the greatest pets for kids. Painted and Sliders for aquatic turtles.
Jeremiah's Reptile Garden

Thanks everyone for all of your advice. I took your advice and I am now the proud parent of not 1 but 2 Russians. They are absolutely adorable and their names are Rocky and Sunny (male and female). We will be building them an outside pen ASAP but in the meantime they are in a 90 gallon aquarium. Not the best for them, I know, but it shouldn't be for more than a month. They are very friendly and the male has shown that he loves to eat. The female seems to be more of a nibbler. I am taking them and half of the kids in the neighborhood to the vet's office tomorrow so that the torts can have a checkup. Thanks again for steering me away from a box turtle.