Turtles are amazing animals. We have 3 here at The Drawing Zoo, two Red Ear Sliders and one baby Eastern Box Turtle (not counting our popular Russian Tortoise). Turtles have a way of inspiring awe. Frequently when seeing a turtle in class, a student calls out "Wow! I want a pet turtle." And what's not to love? The way they open their mouths to eat, the way they scoot across the ground, their individual quirks, the ornate shells- turtles are awesome. But the lesson cannot end there. It is our responsibility to teaching students about the needs of these high maintenance animals. Sadly, they have a history of being victims of impulse buys and misinformation.
Pocket sized Red Ear Sliders were the "it" pet for kids in the 1960's and 1970's.
"Boxes with cellophane windows, measuring 4 inches long, 3 inches wide, and 1 inch tall were manufactured specifically to highlight and sell baby turtles, and allow for easy transport. These boxes were also used to sell 'chameleons', which were in fact American green anoles (Anolis carolinensis). The box stated, 'make ideal pets, live baby turtles; loads of fun for children, and hand-painted baby turtles.' " -Reptiles Magazine
Calcium and a varied diet is important for turtles. Pond turtles like the Red Eared Slider enjoy plants, small fish, red wigglers, meal worms, and pellets.
Every sun basking reptile should have access to the sun. The UVB rays are essential for these animals to absorb nutrients from their food, particularly calcium. It is a sad sight, when a turtle doesn't have proper UVB exposure. Special bulbs are available for owners to supplement the sun, but in my opinion, the real thing is best!
Heat! Every reptile in captivity needs to be able to regulate their temperature by migrating to a different climate within their enclosure.
Of course, water and space to swim and soak are musts for pond turtles.
This just skims the surface of how much time, effort, love, money and research go into a pet turtle.
Because veterinarians fear that most buyers aren't prepared to provide all of a turtles' needs for the 50-70 years it will live, pet stores and the general public are slowly learning more about the complex responsibility of a pet turtle.
Whenever a child or parent considers a pet turtle on a whim, I always encourage and suggest that they volunteer at their local nature center or rescue before making a purchase. Volunteer work is very rewarding. You and your child can feel the joy of the responsibility, getting to know the animal individually, and paying it forward. All without the financial or 70 year commitment!
If you have the desire to volunteer with wonderful animals like turtles, check these local organizations:
Carrie Murray Nature Center
Irvine Nature Center
Oregon Ridge Nature Center
Soldier's Delight
Phoenix Wildlife Rescue
Frisky's Wildlife Rescue
Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram as we build our own turtle ponds and habitats!
Whenever a child or parent considers a pet turtle on a whim, I always encourage and suggest that they volunteer at their local nature center or rescue before making a purchase. Volunteer work is very rewarding. You and your child can feel the joy of the responsibility, getting to know the animal individually, and paying it forward. All without the financial or 70 year commitment!
If you have the desire to volunteer with wonderful animals like turtles, check these local organizations:
Carrie Murray Nature Center
Irvine Nature Center
Oregon Ridge Nature Center
Soldier's Delight
Phoenix Wildlife Rescue
Frisky's Wildlife Rescue
Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram as we build our own turtle ponds and habitats!
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