Dogs, cats, fish, hamsters... these are all great pets, and of course any pet can be great if proper care and love is given. But you can find information and opinions on these pets everywhere. This article is here to present a more exotic example of great pets: turtles!
Great Pets: Turtles are Unique!
Skill testing question: Are turtles reptiles or amphibians? You may already know that they are reptiles, but probably because someone already told you. It would be hard to figure out that turtles are reptiles, because they really don't look very much snakes, lizards, or other reptiles. They have that big old shell on their back, and many species of turtle spend a lot of time in the water. Simply put, there are no other animals on earth like turtles. As such, they make great showcases in your home, and refreshing conversation pieces. Pet turtles instantly grab the attention of guests, and the curiosity of children.
Great Pets: Turtles live Long!
Turtles typically live for 20-50 years. There is something especially touching about having a pet that has grown with you for more than 20 years. A becomes part of the family, sometimes even being passed on to the next generation. There is something peaceful and refreshing about animals with a long life-span. As silly as it sounds, a 20 year old turtle can offer us inspiration for our own lives.
Great Pets: Turtles have Personality!
Turtles are mysterious creatures. They are also among the most ancient creatures on the planet. They carry within their genes the mystique and experience of eons of survival. Turtles aren't in a hurry, and they're typically viewed as peaceful and reflective pets. Certainly this is true, and perhaps the most appealing thing about turtles as great pets is that they remind us to take some time to relax and retreat from our stressful lives from time to time. But turtle owners know that each turtle has his/her own personality. We see it in their behaviour, from digging and swimming to just lying or poking around. We see it in their face and body. And we see it in how they interact with us.
Keeping Turtles
As great pets, turtles require and deserve good care. The purpose of this article is to inspire some passion into the idea of owning a turtle, but being a multiple pet owner (cats, spider, many aquariums, hamster) I have learned the value of good guide books. It's difficult and time consuming to constantly dig up scraps of information from the internet alone. Do your shelled friend a favor and pick up a good guide book on turtle care.
Unfortunately many pet turtles die in captivity because owners have not learned the simple fundamentals of turtle care. Keeping turtles is not difficult if owners know the basic requirements of turtle health and happiness.
As an experienced aquarium enthusiast, Kevin Bauer strongly recommends the Turtle Guide Book as the complete resource for choosing, housing, feeding, breeding, and training pet turtles.
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