About Turtles and Tortoises

Turtles have always been popular as pets, although their popularity has probably diminished from the days when baby aquatic turtles were very widely available. Many owners have discovered the hard way that turtles are not easy, low maintenance pets.

What to Expect

• Turtles and Tortoises are a long term commitment. Turtles and tortoises that are well care for can be expected to live for 50 years (some species can live to be 100!)
• All turtles and tortoises should have exposure to ultraviolet light, either through the use of UVA/UVB producing bulbs (i.e. those designed for reptile keeping) or through natural exposure to sunlight (many tortoise keepers use outdoor pens if they live in an appropriate climate).
• Most turtles grow fairly large and need correspondingly large tanks or enclosures.
• Box turtles and tortoises do best if they can be in outdoor pens for at least part of the year.
• Most turtles need a variety of foods including fresh vegetables in fruits. Even for species where formulated food is available, this should only make up a portion of the diet.
• Large turtles can produce a lot of waste, and can be pretty messy.
• Some species need to hibernate, which is sometimes quite stressful for the turtle.
• Turtles are not great for young kids due the amount of care they need and the potential risk of Salmonella infection.

More Resources from About Exotic Pets

• Introduction to Aquatic Turtles
• Introduction to Box Turtles
• Introduction to Tortoises

Species Profiles and Care

• Red Eared Sliders
• Eastern Box Turtles
• Ornate Box Turtles
• Three Toed Box Turtles
• Gulf Coast Box Turtles
• Leopard Tortoises
• Hermann's Tortoises
• Horsfield's/Russian Tortoise
• Red Footed Tortoise
• Sulcata Tortoise

General Turtle Resources

• Sale of Turtle Hatchlings in the US Banned
• Turtle Terms
• Top Turtle Care Books
• Review: "Turtles and Tortoises for Dummies"
• Top Gifts for Turtle Lovers
• Turtle Photo Gallery
• Turtle Names