Jeff Williams
If you’re thinking about buying a turtle, you should also consider the price of a turtle. Fortunately, turtles are relatively inexpensive compared to cats and dogs, but they do require a suitable habitat, as well as consistent, dedicated care throughout their lives. Below we’ll go into more detail about the potential costs of keeping a turtle.
How much do turtles cost? Overview
Different species of turtles have different prices. One of the most common pet turtles, the red-eared slider, can be purchased from a pet store for around $20, but some species can be purchased from breeders for significantly more.
“Collectors will pay thousands of dollars for unique, rare specimens that were probably caught illegally,” says veterinarian Jose Biascoechea, owner of Exotic Vet Care in Mount Pleasant, S.C. “Most turtles sold in the pet trade are fairly inexpensive, especially if purchased young.”
Red-eared sliders are less common than red-eared sliders, but are often kept as pets and can cost almost twice as much. No matter what type of turtle you decide to keep, it’s important to do your research and buy a habitat that’s right for your pet and its size, Biascoechea said. The Russian and Greek tortoises, which live primarily on land, grow to about 12 inches in length, while other species, such as the African Spurred Tortoise, can grow up to 33 inches in length and weigh up to 220 pounds, Biascoechea said.
Where can I buy turtles?
Besides pet stores and breeders, turtles and tortoises can also be purchased from non-profit adoption and rescue groups. Turtles end up in rescue groups because people looking to have a pet buy them without understanding the time and commitment of care they require. Some rescue groups may require an adoption fee, which is often the same as buying a turtle from a store. You may also get rescued turtles for free, says certified wildlife rehabilitator Natasha Nowick.
Avoid purchasing turtles online or from pet stores that sell baby turtles under 4 inches long. Turtles can carry Salmonella bacteria, and the sale of baby turtles under 4 inches long has been banned in the United States since 1975 because of these health risks. As with all reptiles, you should wash your hands after handling them to prevent spreading disease to humans.
Turtle supplies and medical costs
So then Turtle SuppliesIt’s important to make sure your pet turtle is the right size Reptile habitat You’ll need a suitable aquarium with a 4-foot or larger tank. Expect to spend $100 to $200 for a terrarium or tank (used ones may be cheaper), lighting, a thermometer, a basking platform, a ramp for getting in and out of the water (if you’re keeping aquatic turtles), and Turtle Tank Filter Norwick says these systems can cost up to $350. He also recommends getting twice the filter for your aquarium: if you have a 40-gallon tank, look for a filter suitable for an 80- or 100-gallon tank. As for the water, it will need to be treated to remove chemicals (like chlorine), but you can find water treatments at your local pet store.
Fortunately, aquatic Turtle Food Pellets are relatively inexpensive and generally last longer than other types of pet food because turtles don’t need to be fed as frequently: “The average aquatic turtle needs to be fed exclusively on pellets, and only needs to be fed once every two days, so 15 pellets per month,” Nowick says.
If you take good care of your turtle, it shouldn’t require much veterinary care, but Biascoechea recommends taking it to an exotic animal vet soon after purchasing it to ensure it’s in good health. Any changes in your turtle’s behavior or eating habits are indications that a visit to the vet is needed.
“Unfortunately, most turtle owners don’t take their turtles to the vet until they get sick, at which point cost can become an issue,” says Biascoechea. Reptiles tend to hide illness until it gets really bad, so if you notice any signs that your turtle is acting differently than usual, make a note of it.
As with any pet, you will likely have various expenses to incur, so consult with your veterinarian. Most importantly, treat your pet turtle like any other household animal and plan to provide it with the care it needs throughout its life.
“[Turtles] “Tortoises should be viewed as expensive pets, just like purebred puppies, and you should be just as devoted to your turtle or tortoise as you would to a new family member,” says Nowick. Vaccinations, heartworm and flea medications are not required, but annual exams and fecal tests are recommended to ensure your turtle’s health throughout its life.
image: Jack / Shutterstock
