Hi! Introduce yourselves here. :: Hi folks!

[MeMamboDog]

Well, I am new here (obviously). I do not yet own a turtle, but have been doing extensive research. My soon to be 10 year old daughter is desperately in love with turtles and has wanted one for years. She too has been doing a lot of online research and has pointed me to RES's. For about nine months she has been working very hard to "earn" her RES, and has done a great job. She is extremely responsible for her age and I feel she is up to the task of taking care of such a wonderful animal.

I guess I will start posting some questions on other threads, but if anyone has any general info of where I should start, it would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

- m

[Reel Girl]

I am a new RES owner - got my first one in March this year (although I have wanted one for YEARS!) and I am 40(ish) adult. It should also be noted that there are 3 dogs and 1 cat in my household and I have owned various types of small pets all my life (rats, snakes, rabbits etc).

I think turtles are amazing, educational and just a whole lot of fun to own, but they can be VERY labor intensive.

If you decide to go with a RES, at 10 years old, your daughter is most likely too young to keep the tank clean by herself (my current 10 gal tank for my hatchling is too heavy for me to lift when it has water in it!). Turtles are messy. REALLY messy. Be prepared to help her out - - a lot!

Dogs and cats stay very healthy on store bought food.

A RES needs more than just pellets - is your daughter ok with feeding live worms as a treat? or even live fish? Will she take the time to cut up veggies and see which are the Turtle's most fave??

Just remember, a RES is an "exotic" pet - there is a lot of details involved in keeping their habitat "just right"

If you are willing to partner up with your daughter on caring for this type of pet, I think it would be a wonderful opportunity for the both of you - -

Ack! I hope I didn't scare you off! But some of the "senior" members here can weigh in with their own experience and opinions!

[Nettle]

RES are one of those look-and-don't-touch kind of pets. If you decide to get one, you will end up doing almost all of the work.

Cleaning is a serious chore. I usually set aside an entire day to do it. RES also carry salmonella and a 10 year old might not be careful enough to steer clear of her eyes and mouth. My little brother is eleven and completely appalled from all of the labor it needs.

If you still want to go ahead with it, may I suggest adopting an adult from a local reptile "pound". Adults often get abandoned once they grow too large and have no home to go to. They'll also cost less as you won't have to make constant upgrades.

Here are some pages from the main site if you haven't already read them:
http://redearslider.com/general_tips.html
http://redearslider.com/adoptions.html
http://redearslider.com/startup.html

[MeMamboDog]

I am a new RES owner - got my first one in March this year (although I have wanted one for YEARS!) and I am 40(ish) adult. It should also be noted that there are 3 dogs and 1 cat in my household and I have owned various types of small pets all my life (rats, snakes, rabbits etc).

I think turtles are amazing, educational and just a whole lot of fun to own, but they can be VERY labor intensive.

If you decide to go with a RES, at 10 years old, your daughter is most likely too young to keep the tank clean by herself (my current 10 gal tank for my hatchling is too heavy for me to lift when it has water in it!). Turtles are messy. REALLY messy. Be prepared to help her out - - a lot!

Dogs and cats stay very healthy on store bought food.

A RES needs more than just pellets - is your daughter ok with feeding live worms as a treat? or even live fish? Will she take the time to cut up veggies and see which are the Turtle's most fave??

Just remember, a RES is an "exotic" pet - there is a lot of details involved in keeping their habitat "just right"

If you are willing to partner up with your daughter on caring for this type of pet, I think it would be a wonderful opportunity for the both of you - -

Ack! I hope I didn't scare you off! But some of the "senior" members here can weigh in with their own experience and opinions!

Thanks for the heads up! She is very aware of the needed care, and yes i will certainly help her along the way. Are there recommended places to buy turtles?

[MeMamboDog]

RES are one of those look-and-don't-touch kind of pets. If you decide to get one, you will end up doing almost all of the work.

Cleaning is a serious chore. I usually set aside an entire day to do it. RES also carry salmonella and a 10 year old might not be careful enough to steer clear of her eyes and mouth. My little brother is eleven and completely appalled from all of the labor it needs.

If you still want to go ahead with it, may I suggest adopting an adult from a local reptile "pound". Adults often get abandoned once they grow too large and have no home to go to. They'll also cost less as you won't have to make constant upgrades.

Here are some pages from the main site if you haven't already read them:
http://redearslider.com/general_tips.html
http://redearslider.com/adoptions.html
http://redearslider.com/startup.html

Any specific adoptions sites you recommend?

[Reel Girl]

OK, MeMamboDog

You sound serious, and ready to participate!

I am from San Diego, and we a have a wonderful Turtle/Tortoise Rescue/Society that is always looking for good homes!

Where are you??

And I 2nd Nettle's post about the time spent cleaning - - today was cleaning day for Sheldon's tank - - over an hour for a full scrub down of his little 10 gal habitat! I also think getting an adult would be fab!

[MeMamboDog]

We are in the chicago area.