Where To Buy Pet Turtles For Teachers

Pet turtles are available for purchase at various pet stores, including Petco and PetSmart, as well as online retailers like The Turtle Source and Backwater Reptiles. These stores offer a range of turtle species, from hatchlings to adults, with prices varying depending on the breed. Some popular options include the Red-Eared Slider, African Sideneck Turtle, and Yellow-Bellied Slider. When adopting a turtle, it's important to consider the specific care requirements, such as tank size, water needs, and dietary needs, to ensure they can live a happy and healthy life.

Petco and PetSmart sell turtles in-store

Similarly, PetSmart offers a large selection of pet turtles, including the red-eared slider, painted turtles, and African sideneck turtles. The prices of turtles at PetSmart range from $25 to $40, depending on the location and type of turtle. PetSmart also provides a convenient shopping experience with options for curbside or in-store pickup and same-day delivery in most areas.

Both Petco and PetSmart provide easy access to purchasing pet turtles, ensuring that you have everything you need to create a suitable environment for your new shell-backed sidekick.

Turtles require specific habitats and accessories

Turtles that are commonly kept as pets, such as the red-eared slider, require a semi-aquatic environment with a large tank of at least 40 gallons, partially filled with water for swimming, and a dry area for resting and warming up. Some accessories you may need for this setup include a basking platform, a water filter, a heat lamp, and a turtle brush for tank cleaning.

If you prefer a fully aquatic turtle, such as the African dwarf mud turtle, you can opt for a smaller tank with a water pump, a rain shower head, and a higher fence to prevent escape. Additionally, you may want to include some coloured rocks, a brush, and small plants to create a natural habitat for your pet.

For those who are interested in keeping tortoises, which are primarily land-dwelling, a tortoise table or a tortoise house with a removable tray for easy cleaning can be used as their habitat. Tortoises require a shallow water source for soaking and drinking, as well as a suitable substrate for burrowing. Accessories such as a tortoise treat ball and a training skateboard can provide enrichment and exercise for your pet.

Regardless of the species, all turtles and tortoises need access to heating elements or basking areas to maintain a healthy body temperature. It is important to research the specific requirements of the turtle species you plan to keep as a pet to ensure you can provide the appropriate habitat and accessories to meet their needs.

Turtles can be purchased online and shipped

If you're looking to buy a turtle, you can do so online, and many retailers will ship your new pet directly to you. Websites such as Petco, MyTurtleStore, Backwater Reptiles, and The Turtle Source offer a wide variety of turtles for sale, from hatchlings to adults, with some retailers offering as many as 600+ varieties.

When buying a turtle, it's important to consider the species that will best suit your lifestyle and experience level. For example, some turtles, like the red-eared slider, require a more aquatic environment with a large tank, while others, like tortoises, require less water and more land. It's also worth noting that most turtles do not enjoy being handled, so if you're looking for a more interactive pet, you may want to consider a different animal.

In addition to the turtle itself, you will also need to purchase the necessary supplies to create a healthy and happy habitat for your new pet. This includes items such as a tank, lighting, basking platforms, and food. Many of the websites that sell turtles also offer these supplies, making it convenient to find everything you need in one place.

When purchasing a turtle online, be sure to read the reviews and do your research to ensure that you are buying from a reputable source. It's also important to consider the shipping times and costs, as well as any special instructions for caring for your new pet during transit.

Overall, buying a turtle online and having it shipped directly to you can be a convenient and efficient way to welcome a new pet into your home. With a wide variety of species available and the necessary supplies just a click away, you can create a comfortable and healthy environment for your turtle to thrive.

Turtles have specific dietary requirements

Pet turtles are fascinating creatures to observe and interact with, but they have very specific dietary requirements that owners must understand to ensure their shelled companions stay healthy and happy. Turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat both meat and plants. However, the specifics of their diet depend on factors such as their size, species, age, and habitat.

For example, younger turtles between 7 and 10 years old typically require more animal-based foods in their diet, while adult turtles can have a more balanced mix of animal and plant-based sources. Some species may also have specific dietary preferences or requirements, so it's important to research the nutritional needs of your particular turtle.

When it comes to animal-based food sources, turtle owners have a variety of options. Processed pet foods like drained sardines, turtle pellets, and trout chow are convenient choices. Cooked meats such as chicken, beef, and turkey are also suitable. If you want to offer your turtle some live prey, you can provide insects like moths, crickets, and worms, or small aquatic creatures like shrimp, krill, and feeder fish. Just make sure that any insects you collect from fields or pet stores are safe and free from harmful substances.

Plant-based foods are also an essential part of a turtle's diet, and leafy greens should make up a significant portion of their vegetable intake. Collards, dandelions, and mustard greens are all excellent choices. However, it's important to avoid vegetables like chives, parsley, and spinach, as they contain high levels of oxalates, which can be harmful. Fruits can be offered in moderation, with options such as apples, cantaloupe, bananas, berries, and mangoes. Aquatic turtles may also enjoy munching on non-toxic aquatic plants like water hyacinth, water lettuce, and duckweed.

Feeding schedules and portion sizes will vary depending on the age and species of your turtle. Adult turtles can be fed once every day or two, while juveniles may require one to two feedings per day. As a general rule, it's best to let your turtle eat as much as it wants within a 20-minute period and then remove any leftover food. This helps prevent overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and health issues.

In addition to diet, it's crucial to provide your turtle with the appropriate habitat and accessories, such as a suitably sized tank, access to water (for aquatic turtles), UVB light, and a basking area to regulate their body temperature.

Turtles are available in a range of breeds and ages

Turtles are available in a wide range of breeds and ages, with over 350 species living on land, in freshwater, and in the ocean. While some species are more commonly kept as pets, such as the red-eared slider, there are many other options to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and requirements.

One of the most popular aquatic turtle species is the red-eared slider, known for its friendly and sociable nature. These turtles are widely available and typically cost around $20. They require a large tank with a partial water area for swimming and a dry area for resting. With the right care, red-eared sliders can live for several decades.

Another option is the African sideneck turtle, which has a unique appearance with a long neck that cannot be fully retracted into its shell. These turtles require a large tank, preferably at least 75 gallons, with weekly water changes or a good filtration system. Their diet also needs to be carefully monitored to prevent Vitamin A and D3 deficiencies. African sideneck turtles typically cost between $50 and $100.

For those looking for a smaller turtle, the Reeve's turtle is a great choice. These turtles are one of the most sociable species and can even enjoy being stroked with the right handling. Their care requirements are similar to the red-eared slider, but they are smaller and require a less spacious enclosure. Reeve's turtles typically cost $50 or more.

If you're interested in a land-dwelling tortoise, the Russian tortoise is a good option. They can be kept indoors or outdoors but require time outside to burrow. Their enclosure should have sand or soil substrate, UVA/UVB light, and a basking spot. Russian tortoises typically cost around $200.

These are just a few examples of the many breeds and ages of turtles available as pets. Each species has its own specific care requirements, so it's important to do your research before bringing one into your home.

Frequently asked questions