Does anybody own a pet turtle?

[Penwoir]

My 11 year old son wants a turtle for a pet. He has done much research on the internet and has heard mixed reports on how easy they are to keep. He has learned some of the pitfalls of owning a turtle, but as I have never owned one myself, and neither has my husband, I would be interested to hear any good or bad stories from anyone who currently owns, or has previously owned, a turtle. If we do this, I want to be well informed!

[BMaston12]

My 11 year old son wants a turtle for a pet. He has done much research on the internet and has heard mixed reports on how easy they are to keep. He has learned some of the pitfalls of owning a turtle, but as I have never owned one myself, and neither has my husband, I would be interested to hear any good or bad stories from anyone who currently owns, or has previously owned, a turtle. If we do this, I want to be well informed!

I had a pet turtle once. His name was Rosco. My husband painted the #13 on his shell. He also drilled a small hole in his shell. I laced a string through the string and tied him up outside. We had a 5gal. washtub for his pool. He would crawl up the ramp and take a swim. He set him free when we moved from that place. BMaston12

[BlackSheepNY]

Info on "Box Turtles:"  http://boxturtlesite.info/

Info on "Red Eared Sliders" (Semi-aquatic turtles):  http://exoticpets.about.com/od/aquaticturtles/tp/resguide.htm

[svetka05]

My days just bought a pet turtle to his grandsons they are so thrilled, let see how long the turtle lasts.

[mrrangerrick]

I've never had a turtle, but have wanted one. A buddy of mine had one, and said that they stink. They're fairly easy to maintain (just toss in a piece of lettuce or a carrot or something and they'll be busy for a while). Also, they won't run away!

[tantricia44]

My, brother had a turtle since he was in high school. I don't remember how he got it I think he picked it up on one of our vacations while living in Minnesota.He kept it in an aquarium with two big rocks for land, He feed it turtle food from the pet store.That turtle lived for a very long time & had recently died.  To me, it would be hard to raise a pet turtle but if your kid is like my brother responsible & has respect & interest in the animal then I'd give him that chance to raise one.

[kingozzy]

I would take one, I would name him Leonardo after my favorite Ninja Turtle, not the artist or actor!  lol

[mjdoug03]

I've never owned one but I think they're pretty low maintenance.

[nguzman1]

I use to own turtles and think they are really easy to manage. They could get really stinky if they aren't cleaned.

[nmbrown863]

My sister and I had one when we were little. We were so young though that I don't remember much about him

[aharr1]

Cant say I own a pet turtle but i did have baby ducks before and loved them. I also had a pet raccoon when I was a kid really cool animal super smart!

[LaTashaS28]

No I don't own a pet turtle but they are cute though

[beatsdrop]

I loved having a turtle, but they're too much upkeep. I hated cleaning the tank.

[ljrjess69]

i dont know any body who does,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[bleyd]

My friend has 6 small turtles (about thumb size) in a fish bowl. She says they are pretty easy to take care of...just gotta clean the tank.