30 Best Pet Turtles Experts Always Recommend [w/ Pictures & Prices!]

So, you’ve decided you want to be a turtle owner and you don’t know what turtle is right for you. Do not fret, we’ve got you covered!

Whether you’re embarking on the journey of owning your first turtle or you’re a seasoned turtle owner, this list of 30 potential pet turtles will help you find the right one for you.

With ample options of big or small, aquatic or terrestrial, companion-seeking or solitary turtles, you’re sure to find your next life companion in this list.

To read more on this story, click here: 30 Best Pet Turtles Experts Always Recommend [w/ Pictures & Prices!]

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Turtles Can Make Great Pets, But Do Your Homework First

While turtles might seem like the perfect pet—less work than dogs and cats, more interactive than fish—there are a few things to keep in mind before buying one.

"They are definitely becoming more popular as pets. Some of them are very beautiful and they can be easily purchased over the internet. But there's no such thing as an easy pet," says Katrina Smith, adoptions coordinator for the Maryland-based Mid-Atlantic Turtle and Tortoise Society.

To read more on this story, click here: Turtles Can Make Great Pets, But Do Your Homework First

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Black Galapagos Tortoise Hatching at the Three Jays Tortoise Sanctuary in Florida

 

When the breeding started, only 14 turtles from the island of Española remained. Now, the population has exceeded 1,000. A total of 15 species of Galapagos tortoises have been identified in the Galapagos Islands, two of which have become extinct and 12 are endangered.

How much does a Galapagos Turtle cost?

One or more: $6,995.00/each

Do Galapagos turtles bite?

They lack teeth, but their jaws are lined with horny sharp ridges, which come together like a pair of pinking shears. Some types of turtles and tortoises will bite defensively, but these gentle creatures almost never will. However, if a person should misjudge while offering them food, a large tortoise could easily remove a finger.

Megan says the green paint on his carapace (top shell) is to indicate what clutch this baby came from.

According to her, this species is an endangered Galapagos tortoise, one of many the sanctuary has bred for conservation purposes.

More information on the Galapagos Tortoise

                                               Click on picture

                                                       

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Rare Yellow Turtle Spotted For Only Second Time Looks Like Melted Cheese

 

The unusual bright yellow creature, an albino Indian flapshell turtle, got rescued in West Bengal, India. And the internet thinks it looks like cheese, or an egg yolk.

Turtles don't just come in shades of green. They come in yellow too. A rare yellow version of the albino Indian flapshell turtle was just spotted and rescued from a village pond in West Bengal, India.

Indian Forest Service officer Debashish Sharma posted photos of the rare yellow turtle (Lissemys punctatais) on Twitter last week. 

To read more on this story, click here: Rare Yellow Turtle Spotted For Only Second Time Looks Like Melted Cheese

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Couple Wears Matching Outfits With Their Turtle 20 Pound Tortoise

There is something fun about coordinating outfits. But besides dressing up your spouse to match with you in a hashtagable way, wearing matching outfits with your pet makes you feel closer to them.

One couple is doing just that by twinning with their tortoise. 4-year-old Ethel is one stylish, 20-lb Sulcata tortoise thanks to her two owners, 33-year-old Kasey Kuchinski and 33-year-old Daniel Rodriguez. The trio lives in Sonoma, California.

To read more on this story, click here: Couple Wears Matching Outfits With Their Turtle 20 Pound Tortoise

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When Experts Ran Tests On This Bizarre Creature, They Uncovered A Curious Secret In Its DNA

A strange species is lurking beneath muddy waters in one of South America’s meandering rivers. This bizarre-looking creature is known for its trademark grin and it remains hidden as fish swim past. Then, one strays too close, and the vast mouth of this fearsome creature swiftly consumes its prey.

This curious beast has been a source of entertainment and speculation ever since it was first encountered by Europeans in the 18th century. Its thick shell and broad, flat face twisted in a permanent smile makes it look like a creature from another world. But instead of an alien planet, this reptile inhabits the waterways of countries such as Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru.

To read more on this story, click here: When Experts Ran Tests On This Bizarre Creature, They Uncovered A Curious Secret In Its DNA

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Turtle Passes 100 Pieces of Plastic While Recovering From Surgery

Bottle caps, pieces of cutlery, garbage, Zip-lock bags and large plastic shards were found.

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Editor's Note: The photo above is a file image. Scroll down for photos of the plastic.

A South Florida nature center made a sad discovery while a turtle in its care was recovering from surgery.

The turtle came into the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center for hook removal surgery and began passing large pieces of plastic debris. 

To read more on this story, click here: Turtle Passes 100 Pieces of Plastic While Recovering From Surgery

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Researchers Discover Biggest Turtle That Ever Lived Had 10 Foot Shell, Horns

The study claims the turtles themselves were estimated to weigh 2,500 pounds, which is almost 100 times the weight of its closing living relative.

About five to ten million years ago, giant turtles lived in freshwater swamps in South America. Researchers recently found shells of the extinct turtles called Stupendemys.

The massive shells reach nearly 10 feet in length. The study claims the turtles themselves were estimated to weigh 2,500 pounds, which is almost 100 times the weight of its closing living relative, the big-headed Amazon river turtle.

To read more on this story, click here: Researchers Discover Biggest Turtle That Ever Lived Had 10 Foot Shell, Horns

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A Pet Tortoise Missing Since 1982 Was Found By Its Owners 30 Years Later

A pet tortoise missing since 1982 was found by its owners 30 years later in a cluttered back room.

You may have heard that tortoises live a very long time. What you may not know is how resilient, tenacious, and, well, sneaky they are!

One such terrapin named Manuela may have just set the world record for a game of "Hide and Seek" The Almeida family of Realengo, Brazil found out just how long a red-footed tortoise can stay 'lost' when it really wants to.

In early 2013 the family's father, Leonel, passed away and the family decided that it was time to clean out his cluttered back room. Since the father was known as something of a hoarder the room was filled with things like broken TV's, furniture, and many boxes.

One such box was full of old records which one family member, son Leandro, was taking out to a dumpster. As he was about to leave it, one curious neighbor who was watching him asked if he was going to throw away the tortoise that was inside of it.

Leandro said, "I put the trash bag on the floor and the neighbor just told me, 'Will (you) throw the turtle as well?' At that moment, I was white and did not believe."

It was then that the Almeida family learned, amazingly, that their pet was still alive and kicking.

Since termites are quite common in the region and so much furniture was left in the room, the family considered the possibility that the enterprising tortoise was using them as breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Tortoises are known as very long-lived, albeit slow moving creatures and this one had a plan: live in the back room until the nice family that called him Manuela found him again.

Now some 30 years into the future one tortoise can walk through the same house with a new generation of the family he once loved. Mission accomplished Manuela and welcome home!

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Galapagos Giant Tortoise Has So Much Sex He Retires After Saving His Species

Galapagos giant tortoise has so much sex he retires after saving his species originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

A Galapagos giant tortoise estimated to be about 130 years old is returning home after having so much sex that he saved his species.

Diego, part of the Chelonoidis hoodensis species that lives on the Galapagos island of Espanola, was one of the tortoises brought to the U.S. between 1928 and 1933 and was later placed into the Charles Darwin Research Station for protection after the species was declared critically endangered in the 1960s, according to the San Diego Zoo.

To read more on this story, click here: Galapagos Giant Tortoise Has So Much Sex He Retires After Saving His Species

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59 Dogs, 3 Cats And 2 Turtles Rescued After ‘Poor Conditions’ Reported At Maryland Home

DICKERSON, Md. (WJZ) — More than 60 animals were removed from a Montgomery County home deemed to be unfit for the animals’ care Tuesday.

Animal Services officers from the Montgomery County Police-Animal Services Division performed and inspection and welfare check on a home in the 20400 block of Beallsville Road in Dickerson after a dog had to be humanely euthanized because of its condition.

Due to the “poor conditions,” the officers executed a search and seizure warrant and removed 59 dogs, three cats and two turtles from the home.

“These dogs, cats, and turtles are being treated for various medical issues and will be under the care and custody of the ASD for an undetermined period of time, “animal services said in a post.

To read more on this story, click here: 59 Dogs, 3 Cats And 2 Turtles Rescued After ‘Poor Conditions’ Reported At Maryland Home

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Albino Animals Are a Stunning Oddity of Nature

Albino animals are an odd freak of nature, appearing ghost-like in their all-white form contrary to the color of most of their fellow species. Yet, they can be quite beautiful in their plainness.

Some 300 species of animals in North America have these rare albino individuals that appear white because of a congenital absence of any pigmentation or coloration, resulting in white hair and pink or blue eyes in mammals.

In some cases, unusually white creatures are actually leucistic animals—those that feature a partial loss of pigmentation that doesn’t affect the eye color.

To read more on this story, click here: Albino Animals Are a Stunning Oddity of Nature


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Injured Turtle Gets Lego Wheelchair at Maryland Zoo

An injured turtle is riding in style thanks to zoo keepers at The Maryland Zoo. 

The wild eastern box turtle has been outfitted with a wheelchair made of Lego bricks. 

A zoo employee found the injured turtle in Druid Hill Park in Baltimore, Maryland, in July. 

"He had multiple fractures on his plastron, the bottom part of his shell," said Dr. Ellen Bronson, senior director of animal health, conservation, and research at the zoo.

The turtle underwent surgery to fix its fractured shell. The zoo's veterinary team used metal bone plates, sewing clasps and surgical wire to hold pieces of the turtle's fractured shell together. 

The shell had to stay off the ground in order to heal, posing a challenge to staffers who had a hard time helping the turtle get around in the meantime.

That's when someone came up with the idea of the Lego wheelchair.

To read more on this story, click here: Injured Turtle Gets Lego Wheelchair at Maryland Zoo

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Thinking of Getting a Pet Turtle?

Consider the risks to your health, the earth and the animals

Turtles may seem like low-maintenance pets, but those about to rush out and bring one home should consider that they require years (sometimes decades) of specialized care. Turtles can also transmit disease. Like all wildlife, these reptiles belong in their natural habitats.

To read more on this story, click here: Thinking of Getting a Pet Turtle?



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Did You Know That Red-Eared SliderTurtles Are Considered Exotic, And Can Live Over 40 Years?

The scientific name for the Red-eared Slider is Chrysemys scripta elegans (formerly Trachemys scripta elegans), and it belongs to the Emydidae family. It is an aquatic turtle, a strong swimmer, and in the wild, will commonly be seen basking on rocks, logs, or other surfaces above the water. Turtles are reptiles, and cold-blooded, so they must rely on external heat sources for warmth. They will bask in sunlight, and in the wild, burrow down into the earth to hibernate in winter. The three main concerns in keeping a Red-eared Slider healthy are warmth, clean water, and proper diet.

Caring for Red-eared sliders requires more than just a shallow bowl with a little water and a rock. Aquatic turtles need more in the way of housing and lighting than is often thought. Take a look at the requirements before acquiring a turtle and you and your new reptile will both be happier.

Turtles can make lovely pets -- but you have to know what you are getting into. Those cute little hatchlings you see for sale will grow into large, long-lived and somewhat messy turtles. Here are 6 things you should know about red eared sliders before deciding on getting one as a pet.

1. Red Eared Sliders Get Big
Don't be fooled by those delicate-looking, cute hatchlings -- red eared sliders grow to an adult size of up to 12 inches. It will take them a few years to get to their full adult size. The significance of this relates to the size of tank your turtle will need: count on 10 gallons per inch of turtle. Your adult turtle will need a very large tank (or other suitable housing such as a pond).

2. Red Eared Sliders Should Live a Long Time
A well cared for, captive red eared slider can be expected to live up to 40 years or so. If you decide to get a turtle, you are making a commitment to care for that turtle over its whole life span (and remember, you should never release your turtle into the wild when it gets older).

3. Red Eared Sliders Cannot Be Kept in Little Plastic Bowls
Fortunately, fewer stores seem to be selling red eared sliders with little plastic bowls, but the practice is not dead. No matter what a seller tells you, your hatchling turtle will not thrive in a small plastic bowl. Get an aquarium, even for the smallest hatchlings; start with a 10 gallon if you must (I recommend a minimum of 20 gallons, though), but be aware your turtle will grow, and need a larger tank, quickly. In addition, you will need to provide UV lighting, a basking light, water heater, and a swimming area and a basking area. Housing a red eared slider is not cheap!

4. Red Eared Sliders can Carry Salmonella
It has been known for years that turtles (and other reptiles, and other animals) can carry salmonella and other bacteria. This shouldn't necessarily stop you from getting a turtle (unless perhaps you have very small children or immunocompromised members of your household), but you should be aware of the risks and take hygiene measures to prevent infections. Incidentally, the sale of turtles less than 4 inches long is prohibited in the US due to the risk of Salmonella infections.

5. Red Eared Sliders are Messy
Like all turtles, red eared sliders can be be pretty messy. Let's just say that they make a lot of waste. Plan on having a filter that is rater for 2-3 times the amount of water you have in your tank -- this will go a long way to helping keep the tank clean. Feeding red eared sliders in a container of water outside the tank can help keep the tank clean, too. Even then tank cleaning is something you will need to stay on top of, or the tank can get smelly or grow lots of algae.

6. Red Eared Sliders Will Beg for Food
Once your turtle figures out you bring the food, he or she may be quite excited to see you. And if you don't have food, they sometimes swim back and forth frantically, and manage to look like are starving and need food -- now! Don't let them fool you, though, because obesity can be a big problem in turtles.

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A Tortoise Named Jonathan is Believed to be the World’s Oldest Known Living Land Creature

A tortoise named Jonathan is believed to be the world’s oldest known living land creature and resides at an old plantation house in St. Helena. This village is located on one of the British Isle Territories out in the South Atlantic and has been home to the old tortoise since around 1882. Jonathan is just one part of the amazing world of animals which surround everyone on planet Earth.

There are so many striking, beautiful and wonderful creatures that cover the entire world. Several of them are able to flabbergast both scientists and the regular lay-person as well, especially when they happen to be this one such tortoise which probably started its life during the first part of the 19th century. The large home where Jonathan lives at St. Helena is the official residence of the British Territories Governor Mark Capes.

On this island, the tour guide and Jonathan’s chief caregiver, who is also a veterinarian, strikes against a huge bowl made out of metal. This causes Jonathan, Fredrika and Myrtle to approach closer. There are two other huge tortoises which decide to stay hidden in the shadows. It is explained that Jonathan, being the oldest of the five, is almost sightless from cataracts and does not have any sense of sense, yet he is able to hear very well. With him being the age of 182, that is an accomplishment in itself.

Jonathan comes from the rare tortoise breed known as Seychelles Giants . His fellow tortoises come from the Aldabra Island, which is located in the Indian Ocean. Aldabra Giants are believed to be numbered around the 100,000 mark, but there only just one tiny breeding population left of the Seychelles tortoises.

St Helena came into existence as a ferocious volcano, along with both Tristan du Cunha and Ascension in the Southern Atlantic. It is known for its seclusion and very closed off society. Back in the 17th century there was numerous slave trade victims who ended up dying on the sandy shores of St Helena. Napoleon also was put into exile there. Its residents, which are called Saints, all share this multifaceted past, and have the varied ethnic traits of Europeans, Africans, Chinese and Americans. It is really not known for sure just how Jonathan arrived in St. Helena in the first place.

During the 19th century, there were numerous ships traveling around that held over hundreds of easily stackable tortoises. In the Galapagos Islands only, there were believed to have been over 200,000 tortoises which had been trapped, killed and consumed during this time period. Jonathan was extremely lucky to have escaped such a grim fate.

He has lived through the passing of 33 different British Territory governors and no one wants to lose Jonathan while they are in the government seat. Mr. Capes definitely desires to see that Jonathan is treated well, given much respect, and all the care and attention he deserves he receives. One thing he enjoys tremendously is having his long neck rubbed. He is able to extend his head from out of his shell a decent length.

The tortoise makes a loud snapping sound in response for his food. He dines mostly on carrots, cabbage and his favorite which are bananas. He makes the loud noises because he has trouble in finding his food with his eye and nose troubles. He also enjoys scrapes at blades of grass with his horny beak. It is made out of keratin, just like human nails are.

The Seychelles species can reach up to weights of over 650 lbs. and may grow to be over four feet in length. Jonathan’s life has not over covered the 30+ British governors, but has also extended through the passing of eight British monarchs who reach from George IV down to Elizabeth II and also over 50 British prime ministers. If his age is truly correct and he is actually age 182, than that would mean he was around 10 years too young to have been able to meet Napoleon, who passed away in the year 1821

Because of his advancing age, Jonathan was starting to suffer from malnutrition. This was causing his beak to start to soften up and become blunt, which in turn, added to his feeding problems. He was also having problems with his head and neck. He was stuck in a Catch-22 of sorts.

However, now his caregivers have come up with a new feeding system.  Jonathan is delivered a full bucket of fresh vegetables and fruit each weekend as extra nutrition along with his regular meals. This added dietary boost has given Jonathan’s skin a new plump feel and it is soft.

One thing that is unfortunate about Jonathan’s mating trysts is that none of them ever produced any young tortoises. So it is fairly certain that he is the last of his line. Because of this, and even though giant tortoises from his species can survive for 250 years, the community of St. Helena has already set up a rough draft of his obituary for when he does finally pass away. The island wants everything to go smoothly when his death occurs.

There will no such thing as stuffing the old animal because everyone feels that would be very outdated and also morbid to do. Instead his shell will be well-preserved and will be put up on display in St Helena for everyone to see. The Saints also want to start a monetary fund in order to be able to create a true to life bronze statue of him. When the giant tortoise passes away, Jonathan will be deeply mourned by both friends and devotees on St. Helena and all over the entire world. The tortoise named Jonathan is believed to be the world’s oldest known living land creature.

The amazing animal is blind because of the cataracts and has no sense of smell. He has trouble finding food. Luckily, he can still hear pretty good. He is fed with fruits and vegetables, so he has no problems with malnutrition.

The tourists and inhabitants of the island of Saint Helena regard the old tortoise with respect and kindness. The authorities made plans about keeping Jonathan healthy, building a bronze statue, and even the procedures that should be undertaken after Jonathan will die.

Jonathan was brought on the island in 1882. He did not produce any offspring until now, but a giant tortoise can live up to 250 years.
Have a look at a video about the amazing tortoise Jonathan, the oldest living creature in the world:

Jonathan lives at the Plantation House with the governor of St Helena. He doesn’t reside at his awesome digs alone, he shares the property with a crew of 5 other tortoises. Without a doubt, Jonathan is the oldest of the pack.

Jonathan is still going strong, but he feels the effects of aging. His smell has started go, along with his eyesight. Surprisingly though, he hasn’t lost his libido and he is rather interested in the youngest female tortoise he lives with.

According to the the famous tortoise’s vet, Joe Hollins, this behavior is a good sign of more healthy years to come. As an active libido indicates health and a youthful spirit.

Those responsible for Jonathan don’t set these rules to be mean, instead, they only want to help Jonathan live a good long life. You can never be too careful considering he has already exceeded maximum life expectancy, especially considering Jonathan might be the last of his breed.

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How to Feed Your Turtle if It is Refusing to Eat

Concern may arise if you see that your turtle is refusing to eat. Not only does it increase the possibility of starving, but it also could have fallen ill. This article will show you how to get your turtle to eat and what to do if it still refuses to chew. Many turtle owners have trouble getting their pets to eat. Your turtle is most likely not eating due to environmental issues. However, your turtle may also be suffering from some sort of illness. By adjusting your turtle's environment, recognizing signs of illness, and being creative during feedings, you can get your turtle to eat.

Determining Why Your Turtle Won't Eat

Check the temperature.
Turtles are cold blooded reptiles and will not eat if the temperature is too cold.[1] If you have an indoor box turtle, provide a warm area and a cool area. The cool area should be between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit and the warm area should be 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. At night, the temperature can drop to between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.[2]

For aquatic turtles, the water temperature should be about 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The basking area should be between 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

If your box turtle lives outside, the turtle will become too cold if the outside temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. You may need to add a ceramic heater to your turtle's environment to get it to reach an adequate temperature.

Check the temperature of your turtle environment using a thermometer and make adjustments if necessary.

To read more on this story, click here: How to Feed Your Turtle if It is Refusing to Eat





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God's Beautiful Animals

    Rate this beautiful video:

Click here: https://www.facebook.com/BuzzPuzz2/videos/361756574250085/

Credit: www.bokujo.co.jp/

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Benefits of Having a Pet

A recent study showed that there are more pets than children in American households. Amazed? Statistics say that there has also been an increase in the number of Indian families opting for pets. Keeping pets at home has several benefits — and if you're among those who has always wanted to keep a pet, let us convince you to go ahead and get one home!

Pets can enhance your mood
Whether you believe it or not, pets are a great way to improve your mood and temperament. Research has shown that people who suffer from various diseases have lesser chances of depression if they keep pets as compared to those who are suffering from similar diseases and don't keep pets.

Help to control blood pressure
Health experts say that dog owners have less blood pressure and heart rates. This eventually reduces the need to take medicines and also helps reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

A source of exercise
Want someone who will accompany you for walks? Dogs can be great companions and will happily go out for walks, at times even urging you for a walk, when you're too tired, thereby keeping you active and fit. Other activities related to pets like feeding, bathing, playing and cleaning are also good ways to exercise.

An antidote for loneliness
No matter how low or lonely you keep, a pet will always be there for you. Whether you want to pour your heart out to them or tell them your secrets, you know it's all safe with them! Pets give you unconditional love and are always faithful.

Reduce stress
Stressed out? Pets are known to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Experts say that people can get relieve from stress and depression, if they spend time with their pets.

Long life
Several studies have revealed that people who tend to spend their time with pets are more likely to live longer than people who don't.

Better social skills
Want to improve your social skills? It is said that people who keep pets are said to be good in their social relations. Kids who grow up with pets at home are always respectful towards living things.

Safety
Having a dog at home is especially good because they also double up as caretakers. No burglar alarm can be better than a dog at home!

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Giant Tortoise, Nigrita, Gives Birth to 9 Hatchlings at the Zurich Zoo in Switzerland

At the Zurich Zoo in Switzerland resides an 80-year-old tortoise named Nigrita who had 9 little hatchlings over 8 months ago. Some would say that’s quite old to have a baby, but for tortoises, it’s just the opposite!

Giant tortoises are said to be one of the longest-living vertebrates on earth, with a life expectancy of over 100 years. The oldest tortoise was recorded to be 152-years-old. Now that’s impressive!

According to National Geographic, tortoises live a long life because they have a slow metabolism and large internal stores of water, allowing them to live up to a year without food or water. Tortoises nap for up to 16 hours a day, sunbathe at their leisure and enjoy a diet of grasses, leaves, and other leafy greens.

Unfortunately, these amazing creatures are on the list of endangered species. They were hunted as food by pirates, whalers, and merchantmen during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries where up to 100,000 tortoises were killed for their meat. Plus, feral animals are a threat to their food supply as well as their eggs.

Nigrita, her 54-year-old mate Jumbo, and the 9 babies are kept safe at the Zurich Zoo, where they are part of a breeding program that is designed to protect the species from extinction. These remarkable creatures even have a chance of living until the year 2216. That’s longer than any of us mortals can say! It’s quite a miraculous feat to live an extensive, slow, and relaxing life.

When born, tortoises weigh between 4 and 5 ounces, and when they are fully grown, both male and female tortoises can weigh up to 400 and 700 pounds.

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