While taking care of pets already prove to be a challenge, having exotic animals is another level altogether.

Slow, patient, and wise are the common traits the turtle is known for. With all these characteristics, anyone would be forgiven to think that having a turtle as a pet is easy. However, like all animals, there are pros and cons in keeping them instead of the usual dog and cat furballs.

Turtles are amusing creatures. This nature is among the primary reasons why people like keeping them for pets. Author Terrie Stadler once found one knocking at her door, asking for food. She details this episode in her life in her book “Who’s Knocking at My Door?”. Turtles may be very slow, but this adds to how amusing they are. This slow nature makes you anticipate the next move they will make. Of which you are never sure what is next. Sure, they don’t do much, but you are sure to see something gold whenever they do.

As pets, turtles are just very different creatures. They are not like dogs and cats that want all the attention. They instead want to be alone. They are not like birds that flutter almost everywhere. Turtles are content with staying in their enclosure (though some do want to escape sometimes.) There are simply no pets like turtles.

Pros and Cons of Raising Turtles

Before you dash to the pet store to find your shelled-reptile soulmate, you must be prepared for everything they can or cannot do. A good baseline is to examine the pros and cons of raising one and determine that the pros are worth whatever difficulties raising a turtle brings.

Pros

1. Turtles are unique compared to other pets. Unlike other reptiles, they have shells, and they are aquatic creatures. Having one is sure to catch the eyes of guests.
2. They are fun to watch. There is no shortage of things they do; therefore, there is no shortage of things to look out for. Watching your pet turtle means there is no shortage of entertainment.
3. Their diets are varied, so they eat a lot. They will eat anything offered to them. No questions asked.
4. There are various breeds to choose from. Hence there is no shortage of variety. Of course, you have to do proper research before finalizing which species of turtle you want to buy. Just make sure they are well matched with your or your lifestyle.

Cons

1. They are not beginner-friendly pets. There are numerous things to consider when caring for them, such as their habitat and temperature. Most people do not know what they are getting into and usually end up hurting the turtle more.
2. They eat a lot. Though their diets are varied, they go through food like it’s already running out. As such, this could pile up into an expensive receipt of lettuce and nightcrawlers.
3. They need large enclosures. Most store-bought turtles are juvenile, and they still have room to grow. This enclosure also needs to be amphibious, meaning: it has access to both land and water. Surely this will take a bigger space in your house.
4. They do not like being handled. Most turtles prefer to be left alone. You can get a turtle for almost ten years and never interact with them. EVER.
5. They carry salmonella. This is especially alarming if you have kids below ten years old or adults above 65, as they can get an infection from the turtle. If you do have a pet turtle, you should make sure to regularly replace its water as well as clean the whole living area. It is probably one of the reasons why they are not as popular as other reptiles.

Now that you have a broad idea of the pros and cons of having a turtle as a pet. It is time to decide if one is really for you. If you choose to get one, make sure you do ample research to avoid hurting the precious shelled little friend. Remember that turtles, like all pets, have their own particular needs. Sure, they are great for practicing your responsibilities but remember that pets do not play things. They are lifelong companions.

Above all, turtles are living things. They require love, care, and respect. If you cannot provide what is necessary for them to live, then better yet, do not take any of them as pets. Every life is precious, after all.