General Care Discussion :: going to the vet is really expensive right?

[iamcharlesyim]

[missibsu]

It depends on why you are going to the vet. The cost of the actual exam isn't usually the expensive part. The cost gets racked up when there are tests that have to be run, medications given, etc.

Owning a turtle isn't a cheap hobby, and the vet bills are only part of the expenses paid.

[industrial_girl_2000]

It doesn't have to be, if you work to *prevent* sickness. Some people don't like the idea of having to spend money on a bigger tank, clean water, basking area, special lamp, heater, extra calcium, and special foods. For example, a $30 tank submersible heater can save a turtle owner *hundreds* of dollars in vet bills.

I guess it is just all in how you look at it!

[Muirner]

You know, i have come to relize today that a turtle is far from a "beginner pet" as they label it. that's all i feel like writing, i'm gonna be sick

[Boston_Zhao]

I read an article that said only 5 percent of the turtle hatchlings can survive to adulthood. A lot hatchlings have genetic defects so they can never live to long. A vet can only treat some low level deseases like bacterial infection, but cannot do anything about genetic problems. I think it's just a part of the natural selection. It may sound cruel, but just a reality that you have to let a percentage of your turtles die. They simply are not fit to live. I had 3, one died a month ago, one is growing fast and heathy, but the other one is not eating much, has never grown since I got her. She can't coordinate her vision and her pecking movement, so she keeps missing food. I believe she will eventually die. But I still have a 33% percentage survivability, better than the mother nature, I should feel happy about it.....

[flutterby]

I hate to say this Muirner, there is no such thing as a beginners pet, they all take time, patience, and understanding of their needs. Sometimes things just happen due to situations that are beyond our control.

[Hoooneylynn]

right flutterby, and muriner, its wrong that people label them like you said. Its just to get people to buy them for their kids, thinking they can handle them