stevehelium
New Member
Greetings. First post. Turtle Related.
TLDR: How can I find a reputable source for a new pet turtle for my family?
In the past, I have kept freshwater fish so, while not a professional with keeping aquatic critters, I do have some experience (filters, heaters, cleaning, water chemistry, etc.). My daughter (10) about two months ago decided she wants to get a turtle. We've done quite a bit of research - as much as a working father and grad student can do anyway! We've purchased a new 75-gallon tank after talking extensively with a local pet store gentleman (who has 15 years of turtle care under his belt and works at a shop that specializes in reptiles), a new Fluval filter, heater, etc. Hopefully, we haven't made any missteps yet. Bottom line, we're doing our best not to go into this blind. We know that these critters live long lives when properly cared for and we're excited to make that leap.
What I'm having a really hard time doing is finding an animal. One website will have a list of reputable shops or breeders, but then - as the internet is the internet - one searches for reviews of said store, and most are filled with horror stories. MyTurtleStore.com, for example, was on one of these lists and the reviews according to netizens seem to be that about 70% (I'm just guessing, but seemed pretty grim) of the animals arrive dead.
We're specifically looking for a Black Knobbed Map Turtle. These seem incredibly difficult to source and, even if I did find a shop that had them in stock, I don't appear to have a way to confirm that the shop is any good, i.e., takes care of their animals and cares about their customers. If we can't find this specific species, we're fine with a Mississippi Map Turtle or other species that doesn't get too large.
What I'm hoping I can get some information on is just where to really start looking to find a good source for live turtles. Once I work that out, I'm happy to work with a shop or breeder to find an animal that will suit our family.
Can anyone point me in a good direction?
Much appreciated!
- Stephen
TLDR: How can I find a reputable source for a new pet turtle for my family?
In the past, I have kept freshwater fish so, while not a professional with keeping aquatic critters, I do have some experience (filters, heaters, cleaning, water chemistry, etc.). My daughter (10) about two months ago decided she wants to get a turtle. We've done quite a bit of research - as much as a working father and grad student can do anyway! We've purchased a new 75-gallon tank after talking extensively with a local pet store gentleman (who has 15 years of turtle care under his belt and works at a shop that specializes in reptiles), a new Fluval filter, heater, etc. Hopefully, we haven't made any missteps yet. Bottom line, we're doing our best not to go into this blind. We know that these critters live long lives when properly cared for and we're excited to make that leap.
What I'm having a really hard time doing is finding an animal. One website will have a list of reputable shops or breeders, but then - as the internet is the internet - one searches for reviews of said store, and most are filled with horror stories. MyTurtleStore.com, for example, was on one of these lists and the reviews according to netizens seem to be that about 70% (I'm just guessing, but seemed pretty grim) of the animals arrive dead.
We're specifically looking for a Black Knobbed Map Turtle. These seem incredibly difficult to source and, even if I did find a shop that had them in stock, I don't appear to have a way to confirm that the shop is any good, i.e., takes care of their animals and cares about their customers. If we can't find this specific species, we're fine with a Mississippi Map Turtle or other species that doesn't get too large.
What I'm hoping I can get some information on is just where to really start looking to find a good source for live turtles. Once I work that out, I'm happy to work with a shop or breeder to find an animal that will suit our family.
Can anyone point me in a good direction?
Much appreciated!
- Stephen