Other Turtle Discussion :: Oppinion on Online Breeders...

[Brianthedog18]

I really want to try to get a smaller turtle...that is, smaller than 4 inches. In order to do this, I either have to hope that the pet store has one when I go (and they're willing to sell it), or I have to use the online breeders. Are there any that you know are reliable and treat the turtles well? I want a small one, but if it means sacrificing health, it's not worth it.

[marisa]

I'm confused--you're getting Leo on July 26 but you're looking for another smaller turt so you'll have two?

[Brianthedog18]

no, Leo is the turt I'm getting (I named him in advance . I just want him to be smaller and I don't know if the online breeders are trustworty. lol

[marisa]

LOL I am sorry. Try these:

http://www.empireoftheturtle.com

http://turtlepimp.com

http://turtleman.com [not reputable]/home.html

They're supposed to be reputable, but there are others. (I'd stay away from artsofnature, though.)

[Brianthedog18]

Thats funny, because I was under the impression that artsofnature was a good one. I guess not lol. But other than that, it seems that the most reliable is turtlepimp. I'm not sure, I might just pick the smallest I can get at the pet store

Just curious...what have you heard about artsofnature?

[marisa]

Some people have had luck with them, but I've read so many posts (on other sites) about people who were promised a turtle, then it didn't come and they couldn't contact the company (no one responded), the quality of the shipping (how the turtle was packed), etc. Again, some people have had no problem and will defend them as a good place to get a turtle from.

Personally, though, I'm leery about a place that says the turtles are free when you buy the little "death bowls," etc. that come with them. I'd just get them from a breeder that has a proven track record if I were going to go that route.

[Brianthedog18]

Yeah, that makes sense, thanks! Of the three you gave me, I like turtleman and turtlepimp. Turtleman's site says the res are $5 plus shipping (which i believe is $22...WOW). And then turtlepimp, I can't find a price, or if they even have res in stock, but I sent both of them an email to ask about final prices and availability for an res, hopefully they'll respond soon, so I can have my turt as soon as I get back from vacation, can't wait!

[marisa]

You could do a search to find more--there's also a place called Abbot's Turtle Farm, but I don't have the url with me.

[TexasJagsFan]

I see a lot of pet stores around here that sell small ones.

[punkiemichelle]

I have heard great things about Turtle Pimp!

[Brianthedog18]

Yeah, I've thought about it, and I think I'll feel more comfortable being able to go the the pet store and pick it myself. hehe. I'll just look for the smallest one. Is it legal for stores like that to sell small ones (i.e. Petco, Petsmart, All Pets, etc) if I tell them it's for "scientific purposes"

[marisa]

The Petsmart near me doesn't sell turts (they said they can't take good enough care of them and I commend them for knowing it). I've never see a slider smaller than 4 inches in a Petco.

[bradhart]

personally I wouldn't use a breeder if the turt had to be shipped to me... somthing about shipping a live turt in a box just turns me off

[Brianthedog18]

Yeah, thats exactly what I was thinking lol. Actually, I'm in FL on vacation right now and I see flea markets and "Live Turtle" stands all over the place, but I can't get him here because I can't take him on the plane home!

[Brianthedog18]

I don't get it! Everyone is always saying how they got their turts under 4 inches, but everyone also says they don't like online breeders. Where does everyone get the small turtles? Are you all just lucky enough to have a breeder near where you live or did you have to travel a long distance to get it?