THE TRUTH ABOUT PET TURTLES

By Matt Ellerbeck, January 2008

Turtles have long fascinated and intrigued people. This is probably due in part to their ancient reptilian appeal and because most people do not hold the same kind of weariness towards turtles that they might have for snakes and lizards. It is little wonder then that turtles have become a popular pet. This popularity however, has had very undesirable affects on turtles. Many turtles species, including rare and endangered ones, are harvested from the wild for the pet trade at an alarming rate. This often depletes the wild population and in extreme cases, it can lead to the local extermination of certain species. Harvested turtles are often kept in grossly inhumane conditions as they are shipped around and many of them die before they can ever be sold off. Those that do survive enter the pet trade heavily infested with both internal and external parasites. These turtles usually do not live very long.

Thankfully many of the turtles that are sold in pet shops are bred in captivity. These turtles do not harm natural the populations. Unfortunately experts estimate that still too many turtles sold as pets die within one year. This is due to the inadequate care they receive from their owners. Most people who buy turtles are unaware of how to provide them with a proper captive habitat or healthy diet. Turtles are often seen as 'novelty' pets and their owners usually do not take the time to accurately research about how to provide them with proper care. Many are also under the assumption that turtles are low-maintenance pets that require little more then a fish bowl and some water. The truth is turtles are not low maintenance pets. They require elaborate setups complete with a source of UVA/UVB light to stay healthy and an efficient filtration system to keep the water clean.

Many people find that turtles are not suitable pets for them. Their expensive set-ups and large size (the most common aquatic turtles sold can grow to be over a foot in length) usually burden their owners. Many of these pet turtles are then simply given up. Sometimes these turtles are released into the wild where they usually perish. Those that do survive start competing with native turtles and upset the balance of the natural eco-system. For those who are interested in getting a turtle as a pet consider what you have read. It is also important to first decide in which kind of turtle species you would like to get and where you will get it. Remember it is important to only buy captive bred turtles as not to support the trade in wild caught reptiles. Research must be done to ensure that you know how to properly care for the turtle, since different species will have different needs.

The best thing people can do though is to adopt a turtle. This is a good idea since so many turtles are given up and are in need of a good home. Many reptile groups and organizations take in turtles temporarily until they can be adopted out to a good home. Almost all of these are Red-Eared Sliders, the most common turtles seen in the pet trade. I would urge all readers who are serious about getting turtles to adopt this species. With proper care and space, these turtles can be interesting and beautiful pets. It is also extremely rewarding to give any animal that is in need of a good home just that.

Matt Ellerbeck lives in Ontario, Canada. You can reach him thru his email turtleconservationist@hotmail.com  or visit his website


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