Why Your Children Should Not Have Pet Turtles

Sifting through Internet classified ads, you will see thousands and thousands of of advertisements in the pet section. Out of so many, a few seem to stand out. Typically, it's the posts that have a heartbreaking story, offering horrible reasons why someone is abandoning their long time companion.

Many times, I come across posts by parents asking for specific animals for their children. Out of all of them, the ones that bother me the most are the ones where parents are asking for turtles for their children. The specific needs of turtles are greatly underestimated, leading to short, unhealthy, and unhappy lives. Before doing research about what it takes to care for a turtle, parents jump into the role without even knowing the additional dangers, and quite possibly, putting their children in great danger.

Take it from me, it is a lot of work taking care of a turtle and providing a home for them. Their needs are extremely high, but in the long run, for the responsible turtle owner, it is well worth it.

Being a mother of two, one being a 3 year old girl, it's important for me to teach her about turtles. I do that, but in a safe manner. She is able to observe our turtle through her aquarium, and even talk with her in her own little way. In a way, our turtle seems to thoroughly enjoy her company.

To some parents, having a small pet may seem like a lesson in responsibility, or even a new friend, but the truth is that turtles and young children are a dangerous mix. In the 1970's, turtles were extremely popular, creating a turtle craze, similar to the craze we're experiencing now with toy mixes in dogs. In the same time frame, there were over a quarter million cases of reptile-associated salmonellosis, mostly occurring in children.

Now, The sale and distribution of turtles with a shell under 4 inches in length is a violation of a 1976 federal law created to protect consumers, in particular children, from salmonellosis. Regardless of this law, shops are still selling them, and they are still floating around classified ads.

This leads to dangerous mixes between children and turtles, and people getting ahold of turtles when they otherwise know nothing of how to properly care for them. When purchased, turtles are typically very small, and many retailers do not explain how big they will actually get. Before you know it, the turtle needs an extremely large tank. It requires a large amount of work, and it takes a lot to get their dietary and environmental needs just right.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is likely that more than 90% of reptiles are asymptomatic carriers of Salmonella bacteria, responsible for six percent of all Salmonella infections reported annually in the United States.

For children, Salmonellosis is especially dangerous. It can lead to other serious conditions, such as blood infections, meningitis, osteomyelitis, and even death.

It is always important to report any illegal turtle sales. This may mean the difference between life or death for a child that may otherwise not understand. If you already own a turtle, and are just learning this, there are many wildlife and humane rescues out there that will accept the turtle, and provide a safe home for it.