Here at the Tree House our “living exhibits” (animals) consist of land turtles, water turtles, and a giant goldfish that was supposed to be turtle food. This winter we are also caring for Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center’s animals, which are… you guessed it- turtles. Four to be exact.
Turtles have always been one of my favorite animals. As a child, my friends and I would spend hours in Pennypack Park trying to catch snapping turtles. We would bring them home and my mom would immediately tell us, “Take it back!”
I have learned a lot since then. The most important lesson is never take any living thing out of its habitat. This is a message that environmental educators often teach. Other concerns we have are: wild-caught animals sold in stores, buying tiny animals that grow big, and animals that become abandoned. This is a tragedy that often begins during the holiday season.
Buying pets as a gift begins great, but shortly after, interest decreases, expenses add up, and they poop. A lot. Everywhere. And in the end, in the case of turtles especially, they are dumped, or we are called to see if we want to adopt these animals. In short, no.
So let’s go back. Before we come to that uncomfortable scenario, or an animal is hurt, we need to think, plan, budget, and have everyone in the household ready - before buying a living gift.
Because the animal we receive the most requests to take are red-eared sliders, we would like to break down what it takes to properly care for a red-eared slider for its life span of 20-30 years!
One Turtle= Free-$20+
It’s illegal to sell a turtle with a shell smaller than four inches because there is a higher risk of humans contracting salmonella from them. However, all turtles carry salmonella in their gut. When they poop, the salmonella can come out and possibly spread to their humans. Be aware. Wash your hands.
Tank: $500+
10 gallons per inch of shell. A slider with a six inch shell needs a 60 gallon tank to start. They can grow to be about 12 inches.
Food=$10+ weekly
Turtles cannot live on prepackaged food alone. Floating food sticks are about $12 for 10oz. They also need live worms and insects, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables.
Basking Area= $50-$200+
Light Fixture= $10-$30+
Light Bulbs (All-in-One UVA, UVB, & Heat)= $50+ every 6-12 months
Turtles must “bask” or lay out of the water under a lamp that mimics the sun’s heat (95-98 degrees F) and UV rays. They need the heat and UV rays for digestion, shell formation, and internal health.
Canister Filter= $100+
The filter must clean more than 60 gallons of water, and the waste without taking up swimming space. It will need to be cleaned weekly, and the inside materials replaced every 3 months.
300 Watt Heater=$30+
Water temperatures need to be around 78 degrees F. A 300 watt heater will warm up to 75 gallons of water.
Vet Care=$$$$
They will need vet care at one or more points in their lives. Our turtle actually needed surgery and antibiotics a few years, and a few hundred dollars ago.
These are estimates based on average prices of the very basic supplies needed. With anything less, the health of your turtle, and cleanliness of your home will be at stake. There are many Websites with a lot of information. Some great, many horribly wrong. Choose those with science writers from reputable organizations. Of course, this process needs to happen before making a decision on any pet.
Toys are the perfect alternative gifts for kids. Less money, less up-keep, and a lot less poop. If you are still considering buying a pet, take a moment to remember what happens to the toys, especially when it's time to clean up.
If or when you are ready for a turtle or another pet, consider adopting from a rescue. This will have the most positive outcome for you and the animal.
Until then, let our turtles be your turtles. Come visit, feed them, love them, and we will take care of the cleaning and bills.
Tree House turtle, Phred (large female with short nails), with his winter guests, Krush & Nemo (same size males with long nails), from Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center. Three hundred gallon tank, and three turtles too many.
