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Life
Pets
Turtles
A
little homework is in order to successfully keep a turtle, and
not all turtle
species make good pets for children.
Aquatic turtles, in particular, usually require a full-scale
turtle
tank aquarium, specialized food (other than the occasional
piece of lettuce!) while other species need special lights
(for basking) to keep their shells strong and healthy.
Land
tortoises, which are long-lived, require extra space to roam
and exercise, and are a major commitment that can last for
years...
In addition
to special care, another concern is Salmonella
bacteria which is carried by some species that can sicken
young children who don't wash their hands after playing with their
beloved pet. The danger works both ways, as turtles are equally
suspectible to viruses passed on by their human handlers.
If a pet turtle
is still on your child's most-wanted list as a pet, choose among
the smaller, hardier species such as the popular red-eared
slider, the cooter,
or the mud
or musk turtle, and be prepared to accept most of the responsiblity
for its care.
More about
pet turtle care &
feeding around the Web:
On the
Web, join up with other turtle enthusiasts in chats and forums,
learn more about turtle care and feeding with advice on choosing
the right one, view picture galleries of user-submitted favorites,
and get more facts and information on success with pet turtles...
Robyn's
Turtle Page - A good place to start with pages of pictures
and facts on turtle care, tank setup, turtle ponds, background
info on a variety of turtle species, and an extensive list of
related resources.
All
Turtles - Great guide with facts and info on home setups
for a variety of turtles, care and feeding factsheets, picture
gallery, turtle webcam, active message board, with related links
to turtle adoption shelters, equipment & supplies.
Felice's
World of Turtles
- Monthly newsletter viewable online, with additional specific
care sheets for aquatic turtles, desert tortoises and box
turtles including common ailments, egg incubation and hatchling
care.
Turtle
Times - Turtle central, with a directory of resources
including turtle and tortoise photo galleries, pet equipment and
suppllies, turtle blogs, care sheets, online shopping and a very
active forum.
Shell
Shock - Emphasis on the red-eared slider with photos,
facts, and tips and advice on their care, tank setup, related
links.
Melissa
Kaplan's Herp Care Collection - Turtles & Tortoises
- A good collection of collected articles and factsheets on
health issues, diet and living quarters for box turtles, red-eared
slliders and soft-shell turtles.
The
EMBL Reptile Database - Turtles, snakes and lizards are
just some of the reptiles featured on this colorful herpetological
index. If you love reptiles, you'll be a happy surfer here
learning their Latin names and details on hundreds of species.
also
see in Pets -> Pet
Fish & Aquarium Care
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