The Red-Eared Slider is the most common turtle species that people keep as pets, and you'll find one easily at any good pet store. These aquatic types are also called terrapins. The top of the shell of this turtle is smooth and gently curved, and varies in colour from olive green to black, with smudgy yellow stripes and bars. It gets its name from the red patch right behind its eye.
Some interesting names for boy turtles:
Some interesting names for girl turtles:
One of the smartest things to do (let's keep it our little secret) is to buy a book on taking care of terrapins, and you'll find this at most bookstores. Ask your dad, mum or older brother or sister to explain words and terms you do not understand - and become the family's turtle expert in the bargain! Read up on the important stuff before you head for the store, and ask the storekeeper to explain whatever you'd like to know about your soon-to-be pet.
You can usually tell the difference between a male and a female turtle by the length of their tails and the size of the back of their shells. Males have a longer tail while females are generally bigger in size.
Some people think it's the right thing to do to buy a sick turtle and nurse it back to good health, but unless you know exactly what you are doing, the little animal would probably be better off staying at the pet store, where the personnel have been trained to look after sick animals.
The great news is you can probably buy your pet with the allowance you've saved up. That way, you won't take your new friend for granted, and will give it all the attention it deserves. You can get a red-eared slider for as little as 8 dollars (just ask dad to convert this amount into your local currency).
The book you buy will tell you what to feed you pet, and you can, from time to time, treat him or her to small fish, leafy green vegetation, and fruit. If possible, move your pet to a small feeding tank to prevent the food from polluting the main aquarium. A gentle rinse in warm water before returning it to its aquarium is a good habit.
If your turtle gets sick, and stays ill even after you have tried all of the book's suggestions, take it to a veterinarian who specialises in reptiles and amphibians.
What you must never forget! Cute as they are, turtles carry Salmonella bacteria. These nasty germs can make you quite ill, so be sure to wash your hands properly every time you handle your turtle. |