Help! (12yr old wants tortoise temporarily)

[phebe121]

If you get any animal you have to commit to taking care of it when my cat was a baby her poop stuck to her but fur so i had to wipe her but then give her a bath. Or you get a tort and i dont thonk it will effect your going to collage russains arnt a bigger breed yes they live long my kids get my tort on the event i die but torts need more care then a cat they need proper enclosure,food,soaks,beak trim if needed,lights, heat,love. If you want simple then get a cat and cats can live past 20 yrs just make sure you get something you can give the best care to

 

[mizzox]

What are you going to do if a vet wants $1200.00 to fix a problem be it tort or a cat ?

I hope this will never happen because I will choose him carefully.... I'm actually not sure about that one :/

 

[phebe121]

I hope this will never happen because I will choose him carefully.... I'm actually not sure about that one :/

Doesnt matter about choosing him/her carfully accidents happen no one ever wants there tort sick or hurt but its life

 

[Earth Mama]

In reality, most if not all of us on this forum will have to re-home our torts at some point. At 52 years old, I will certainly have to. I'll either become incapable of caring for them or I'll just flat out die! Either way, I'll have to make arrangements for or find another caretaker. I don't see much difference between this or deciding that I don't want them anymore. Btw, the latter isn't going to happen but anyway... The real question is, IMO, are you willing and able to properly care for and maintain this animal for whatever period of time you have it? Also are you willing to take the time to find a GOOD home for it when the time comes? Just make sure this isn't a passing fancy that you tire of so quickly that you neglect the tort.

They are great pets so just think about all the angles first. Good luck!

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

I didn't choose a tort that needed a vet . I had him for more then 5 years and during a real bad storm my male leopard found and ate a pease of a plastic bag that blow in his enclosure and it plugged up his food track the vet said it would cost $1200.00 to surgically remove it and he would have to stay over night . And when I came to pick him up in the morning he had passed during the night before the surgery so I ask the vet what I had to pay him and he said $1200.00 . These things happen . But good luck !

 

[leigti]

I didn't choose a tort that needed a vet . I had him for more then 5 years and during a real bad storm my male leopard found and ate a pease of a plastic bag that blow in his enclosure and it plugged up his food track the vet said it would cost $1200.00 to surgically remove it and he would have to stay over night . And when I came to pick him up in the morning he had passed during the night before the surgery so I ask the vet what I had to pay him and he said $1200.00 . These things happen . But good luck !

I would not have paid that, that vet ripped you off. But you are right, things happen that are out of our control. pets cost money. And I find that the set up costs for a tortoise are relatively high compared to other animals.

 

[russian/sulcata/tortoise]

with all pets there is going to be things you don't want to happen. my dog once get thorns stuck up her nose and her nose just wouldn't stop bleeding
(we didn't know what was wrong with her at the time). we took her to the vet and it took $200 to get it out.

 

[wellington]

I didn't realize you were that young. My statement now though, really doesn't matter what age. The more I think about your thread, the more I think a tortoise isn't right for you. Why, because you are already thinking about getting rid of it. I have never wanted an animal that the first thing I thought of was getting bored with it and getting rid of it. I'm just not sure you have the passion and willingness to devote the time to it. You are still young, have a lot I of young stuff to do. Someone with the passion for a tortoise, wouldn't hesitate because they think they would get bored with it. It's great that your asking and all, but I think because you are as,ing, you have answered your own question.
Enjoy being a kid. Do the stuff a kid is suppose to do, which is to get bored with something and go on to the next thing. When you are old enough to make your own decision, pay your own bills and have finished your schooling, then if you still feel the need for a tortoise, you will have a better understanding and an adult outlook on the meaning of a life long pet responsibility and if you want to attempt it.
I still don't think there is anything wrong with rehoming one if need be, but going into getting one with the mind set of already thinking on rehoming It, I don't think its a smart idea.

 

[Gillian M]

I believe you must make your mind up: you can't have the cake and eat it! Sorry, I don't mean to hurt you but if you want a pet (whatevever it maybe), it is going to cost you both time and money, let alone the commitment. Are you ready to take such a "risk" if so I may call it?

Any tort, animal, and even human being could fall ill without prior notice. You have to take this point into consideration.

Once again, good luck.

 

[johnsonnboswell]

It's not that easy to rehome animals to a new home that will provide proper care.

The only way it makes sense to me to get a tortoise you don't intend to keep is if you were to find a tortoise that needs to be rescued, and no one else could take it. If you are willing to do what it takes to take care of it, I'd say go ahead, adopt it, and then pass it on to someone else later. You'll spend a lot of money on care, and you'll need to learn fast. Maybe too fast.

Your best bet for now is to offer tortoise care to local tortoise owners when they go away on vacation.

Really, I think it's a bad idea to get a tortoise knowing that you don't intend to keep it. I think it's too hard to take care of a tortoise when you're a kid unless you have real committed back up from your family. It's great that you're thinking it through.

Meanwhile, learn all you can about their care and realize that the pet store information is almost entirely wrong.

 

[immayo]

I'd say it's better to just wait. I remember when I was your age I wanted a ferret so bad because I thought they were awesome but I never got one as much as I begged my parents. I had all kinds of creatures growing up don't get me wrong but mostly lizards and things I found outside. Being as young as you are unfortunately the pet will be more your parents responsibility and their choice. I don't resent not getting my way one bit now that I am older and realize the responsibility. Tortoises are even more work than a ferret, unless you have a job there's unfortunately no way that you could be the sole provider of a tortoise. It's an expensive hobby to keep their little ecosystem just right. Enclosures are expensive, a bulb itself costs about $45. That's not including daily food and the time to refresh everything daily. Even as an adult it is sometimes overwhelming and I love my tortoises to death. I say if your parents are on board with the idea as a family pet that's one thing, but if not I personally know I couldn't care for a tortoise at your age.

 

[Alaskamike]

Great answers all
My opinion is it comes down to passion and commitment - not age. Here is a young person who actually got on the internet, researched and asked questions with thought. I would guess this is rare. Already shows more maturity than many adults who bring animals home from pet stores on a whim - with NO understanding of needs or care.

For this alone I commend you young man ( and your mom for being frank about their life span

Only you and your mom can have a real idea if this is good for you.

I started with pets young - very young - and it taught me responsibility, appreciation for animals, and nature. My mother made sure I did not avoid my responsibility.

Many people talk about " forever homes" as if this is realistic in life. Very few things ( or situations) are forever. All my torts will have to be re homed at some point as no doubt they will greatly outlive me. None of us know what tomorrow may bring , it is a fact of life.

If you get a tortoise now you may decide in a year he's not for you and re home him , you might also develop a passion and love for him and someday in your 80's he could be the one constant companion you've had share your whole life. No way you or anyone else can predict.
Good fortune to you

 

[Lyn W]

Hi Mizzox,
My 14 year niece wanted a tortoise and almost ended up with mine when she was first found - probably after being abandoned by someone who couldn't afford her any more. She thought they were easy to look after and was quite shocked to find out all the cost and effort involved - so has she changed her mind.

Tortoises are definitely not easy to look after and are not cheap - not just vets - but all the equipment - correct lights/bulbs, heaters, thermostats, temperature guns, enclosures etc etc etc! I spent over £100 in one week on mine recently! I have had a very steep learning curve concerning tortoise keeping and I still worry if I'm doing the right things for her.

I suggest you research absolutely everything about the tortoise you want and only have one if you really can afford the time and money involved, and if your family are prepared to help when you go to college etc. You will also need friends who can help if you go on family holidays etc. - I don't think I will ever be able to go away again as I don't have good friends close by.

Sorry if this sounds negative, but you have to be realistic when taking on a specialist pet and weigh up all the pros and cons.

Good luck with your decision
Lyn W

 

[mizzox]

I didn't realize you were that young. My statement now though, really doesn't matter what age. The more I think about your thread, the more I think a tortoise isn't right for you. Why, because you are already thinking about getting rid of it. I have never wanted an animal that the first thing I thought of was getting bored with it and getting rid of it. I'm just not sure you have the passion and willingness to devote the time to it. You are still young, have a lot I of young stuff to do. Someone with the passion for a tortoise, wouldn't hesitate because they think they would get bored with it. It's great that your asking and all, but I think because you are as,ing, you have answered your own question.
Enjoy being a kid. Do the stuff a kid is suppose to do, which is to get bored with something and go on to the next thing. When you are old enough to make your own decision, pay your own bills and have finished your schooling, then if you still feel the need for a tortoise, you will have a better understanding and an adult outlook on the meaning of a life long pet responsibility and if you want to attempt it.
I still don't think there is anything wrong with rehoming one if need be, but going into getting one with the mind set of already thinking on rehoming It, I don't think its a smart idea.

Oh not at all. I would never get rid of it if I didn't have too! I would love to have it my entire life. It's my mom that made me think that way. She wants me thinking in advance and told me about how long it lives. But you have great points, and that is making me think more deeply in it. Thank you.

 

[mizzox]

It's not that easy to rehome animals to a new home that will provide proper care.

The only way it makes sense to me to get a tortoise you don't intend to keep is if you were to find a tortoise that needs to be rescued, and no one else could take it. If you are willing to do what it takes to take care of it, I'd say go ahead, adopt it, and then pass it on to someone else later. You'll spend a lot of money on care, and you'll need to learn fast. Maybe too fast.

Your best bet for now is to offer tortoise care to local tortoise owners when they go away on vacation.

Really, I think it's a bad idea to get a tortoise knowing that you don't intend to keep it. I think it's too hard to take care of a tortoise when you're a kid unless you have real committed back up from your family. It's great that you're thinking it through.

Meanwhile, learn all you can about their care and realize that the pet store information is almost entirely wrong.

Yeah i've been doing much research on tortoises and I don't rely on petstores. That is helpful information, i appreciate it! Thanks!

 

[mizzox]

I'd say it's better to just wait. I remember when I was your age I wanted a ferret so bad because I thought they were awesome but I never got one as much as I begged my parents. I had all kinds of creatures growing up don't get me wrong but mostly lizards and things I found outside. Being as young as you are unfortunately the pet will be more your parents responsibility and their choice. I don't resent not getting my way one bit now that I am older and realize the responsibility. Tortoises are even more work than a ferret, unless you have a job there's unfortunately no way that you could be the sole provider of a tortoise. It's an expensive hobby to keep their little ecosystem just right. Enclosures are expensive, a bulb itself costs about $45. That's not including daily food and the time to refresh everything daily. Even as an adult it is sometimes overwhelming and I love my tortoises to death. I say if your parents are on board with the idea as a family pet that's one thing, but if not I personally know I couldn't care for a tortoise at your age.

Well i've had that discussion with my parents about that. I've had guinea pigs and that was mostly my parents responsibility. But with this my parents had an agreement with me that I am going to hold this responsibility. Yes you are probably right I might not be able to balance school and tortoise. School is hard enough right? Thanks, i'll think about it.

 

[mizzox]

Great answers all
My opinion is it comes down to passion and commitment - not age. Here is a young person who actually got on the internet, researched and asked questions with thought. I would guess this is rare. Already shows more maturity than many adults who bring animals home from pet stores on a whim - with NO understanding of needs or care.

For this alone I commend you young man ( and your mom for being frank about their life span

Only you and your mom can have a real idea if this is good for you.

I started with pets young - very young - and it taught me responsibility, appreciation for animals, and nature. My mother made sure I did not avoid my responsibility.

Many people talk about " forever homes" as if this is realistic in life. Very few things ( or situations) are forever. All my torts will have to be re homed at some point as no doubt they will greatly outlive me. None of us know what tomorrow may bring , it is a fact of life.

If you get a tortoise now you may decide in a year he's not for you and re home him , you might also develop a passion and love for him and someday in your 80's he could be the one constant companion you've had share your whole life. No way you or anyone else can predict.
Good fortune to you

Best response yet! I will think about this very much! Thanks!

 

[Jacqui]

I think most of us go into having a pet or an animal to care for thinking it's going to be a forever thing, but life changes on us in a split second and for whatever reason, we can't maintain the animal any more. Because of that (plus knowing that caring for a tortoise is not always what one starts out thinking it would be), I don't have a problem with somebody rehoming an animal. Some of my most favorite animals came to me because of having to be rehomed. It is so much better to be realistic and rehome, then keeping something that will no longer get the care it needs and deserves. You may end up being surprised and this animal may become important enough to you and your life that you will want to keep him forever.

At your age, what are your parents feelings on this? Will they back you up money, time, and support? Tortoise can end up being expensive and time consuming. Do you have the room inside and outside for enclosures for this possible tortoise?

 

[justino4444]

I was 13 when I got my tort. However, me being in high school, I haven't even thought about having to give him up because I am 14 and don't really worry about those things. Anyway, if you can properly take care of a tort and are willing to make the commitment whether it be for 10 years or for life, you always have to remember that the most important thing is that the tort is healthy and content. If you can not meet those needs, don't do it. If you can, do some research then get your tort and take good care of it for as long as you can and if you get into a situation where you have to give it up, give it to someone here on the forum that will take good care of it.

 

[gustaf]

hey! tortoises live way longer than 50 years, around 100 years! if you can not provide proper care for a tortoises entire life, you should not own one. sorry if that sounds a little rude, but its the truth.

I understand and agree that someone should make a commitment to their animals but if we go off of what u said here then none of us should keep tortoises. Most of us either arent going to live a hundred years or even if we do we dont have a hundred years left. So by your logic no one should have tortoises because chances are they could easily outlive us.