Other Turtle Discussion :: Breeding Mutant turtles???

[steve]

If and when the ban is lifted, Hebert’s plan to prevent people from catching Salmonella from baby turtles is simple: educate, educate, educate.

"The FDA tried to educate the public but admittedly the public awareness is very low when it comes to owning a pet reptile," he said. "I feel if they lift the ban and let turtle farmers sell in the U.S., then we can educate the public much easier. You can buy a tablet put out by Tetra and put it in the bowl or aquarium, and it will kill the Salmonella inside the water. ... Another is washing your hands."

First, why not educate people about 4" + turtles? What, baby turtles don't grow? It's as if he also believes you can only catch it from baby turtles.

Second, what is he doing to educate his current customers who buy baby turtles?

Third... "bowl"? No comment.

For RES, its bad already with that ban. If that ban is ever lifted...

[missibsu]

Steve, let me clarify something that I said. In terms of not being in agreement with the ban...

It is my understanding that the ban was created to prevent selling turts under 4 inches because of Salmonella. That with the risk of putting the turtle in the mouth an then getting sick. (Is is possible that the FDA believes that turtles only carry salmonella when they are under 4 inches...cause they need to do some research.)

Anyway, back to my point, if that was simply the only reason they are giving for the ban, then I don't agree. Because I feel that it would be more important to properly educate people about the pet they are buying. Why not just make it a law that everyone has be given a care sheet and sign a statement of understanding about their turtle...that's just about as stupid...

BUT when you factor in all of politics played all the way back to the breeder, it really just isn't worth it. As a turtle owner who has in some ways turned into a small time activist, I can't help but hope that the ban is never lifted.

In response to the baby turtles growing...just yesterday on this site someone mentioned the size of tank and size of turtle and I recommended a larger tank. The persons response was, should I just get a smaller turtle. Good grief?!?!

So, Steve, I am not against what you are saying, I'm just looking at the different between the original reasons for the law and why it's changed currently. The hidden effects.

[steve]

I didn't mean to imply that I was against what you said or what your opinion is. There was more in your previous post that I agree with than disagree. I am against what that turtle farmer is doing and what he is trying to do. (I quoted some of his points.) It seems in his opinion and in many others, that turtles are disposable pets.

The ban was put is place because of salmonella but it has made it harder for them to sell hatchlings - and I am extremely grateful for that. The salmonella issue is not a factor for me and I am not against people buying hatchlings... Like you, I am against ignorant breeders, owners and keepers. They could toss the ban for all I care as long as they replace it with a law calling for responsible owners. I doubt they'll do that... so I'll take the ban.

[missibsu]

I didn't think you were against me Steve, but after reading your response I felt as though I hadn't made myself clear. I didn't want to confuse anyone. I think we pretty much agree!