I'm new to these animals and i have a question:

[Soul_Reaper]

Ok, i'm pretty sure that you people must have answered this question to 500 different people already and i'm sorry for wasting your time with this. So if anyone here's gonna flame me, spare me and yourself the extra work.

The thing is that i wanna give my girlfriend a cool christmas present, and she absolutely ADORES turtles and she really wants one, so i might get her one.

Could someone give me just a brief summary on beginner turtles? What would be the best turtle to start off with? As far as maintenance, cost and temper go?

Right now i'm only dealing with snakes and lizards and i have no knowledge with turtles whatsoever, you guys don't have to write anything big, just a brief quick summary or even a website link with more info please.

Any replies will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[C.m.pyrrhus]

My advise would to keep away from the aquatic species. There is a lot of upkeep with the water and all the filters, blah blah blah...
I really doubt you will find a mean turtle(for the most part). lol.

There are tons of awesome turts and torts that do not need to have all that much water and makes it far easier to like a new herp when it is easy to care for. Of hand I have no idea what to mention, as to me they are all cool. To many choices out there. Price, availablity and all that play a role as well in selection, so I leave it to you (and others) what may be fitting for your woman. Good luck and hope you find somethin' special.

[johnnym1972]

Hello, Box Turtles and Tortoises are the species of Chelonians that do not need an aquatic habitat. They still need a good sized water dish that they can climb in and out of. It's just for soaking and drinking, not swimming in all the time, so there's no need for filters. Just be sure to wash the dish and put in clean water every day. Box Turtles are generally cheaper, but they are equally as beautiful, fascinating and friendly as any other Chelonian. If you are interested in Box Turtles, make sure that you buy captive bred offspring and DO NOT buy from a pet store!!! Buy from a dedicated and knowledgeable breeder. That way, you are guaranteed to get a warranty, and after sale service with your critter. If you need any more info, you can contact me via PM or email.
Take care, Johnny.

[gfisher2002]

A turtle is not a "cool" Christmas present, for the turtle. If it gets uncool in lets say, oh, the next 40 to 60 years, then what? Does she want a turtle when she's 28, or 45? These are the questions you should ask yourself and her. Animals aren't a "cool" surprise. They area a comintment of time, money and love. Not saying you don't know this, but PLEASE be aware of what you get and ALL its need until the day it dies. Turtles are NOT a hamster (1 1/2 to 2 year life expectancy) or a CD player or a new computer game.
I don't want to discourage you or sound like an ***, because turtles are amazing creatures, I'm just sick of trying to help enough abused and neglected turtles to keep up with the rate they are sold to incompitent people(again, not saying your incompetant). PLEASE be sure she is willing to commit to it's care. Otherwise buy a goldfish,hamster,stuffed animal or something.

[reverendsterlin]

torts can out live you, still housing mostly is easy, providing a burrow harder. Up keep is not that hard, longevity is. Think well before buying an animal that needs to be put in your/her Will.

[Soul_Reaper]

I see where you guys are comming from and i understand your point of view, it is indeed a very good point. I'll talk to her tonight and i'll explain these facts to her and make sure that she understands it, but from what i've heard, she's willing to commit. She's been talking about it for a while and i know for a fact that she absolutely adores them, she wouldn't have a turtle tattooed on her right ankle if she didn't like these animals.

By the way Gfisher2002 you do sound like an a$$. I never said it was a "surprise" and telling me to buy a "stuffed animal" instead does make me sound very INCOMPETENT. She knows about it and we are gonna get it together. Just don't get so defensive please...

I'll have a good talk to her and i'll let you guys know.

Thanks for taking your time.

[reverendsterlin]

your welcome, I have a tort tatoo'd on my chest. Being 42yo I know that any tort I could buy would out live me and I can not guarantee good care after my death, so I own no torts.

[gfisher2002]

Look "soul reaper" no offence, I was in a very bad mood. If you read my post Here lies Omar, you'll see why. My turtle I rescued just died. He was neglected by his owner after she got it as a Christmas present she wanted soo bad. After 3 years of neglect I took her and nursed her back to health for 6 months, then she died. I didn't mean to attack you like that and I'm sorry. Really I am. I'm not an a**hole. But I acted like one. Hope you can understand. It sounds like you ARE thinking this through compitently. I hope your decision leads you to a wonderful pet. What ever you choose, just let us know and we will direct you to loads of info on it and any advice you might need. Good luck mate.

[Soul_Reaper]

I have just read your post about your other turtle, i am very sorry to hear that. The loss of a pet is always bad to the heart if you know what i mean, If one of my herps were to die today i certainly would be in the most pissed off mood ever so i don't blame you for being defensive. I can see where you are comming from, your love for these animals is very visible and you don't want them to get hurt and i am with you on that.

So apologies accepted, maybe i took it too personally as well so i'm sorry if i did.

As for my g/f, i spoke to her yesterday, we might not even get it for christmas. We are still doing some research and everything so we might not get it until next year. But if we do, i promess you that I WILL take care of it and i won't let anything happen to it. If my girlfriend gives up on it (which is unlikely, known her for 5 years) i'll take it to my own hands and i'll give it a house. So take my word for it, if we get one at some point, it'll be in good hands. I promess.

Once again i'm sorry about your turtle, i'm sure you did your best.

*cheers*

Marco

[reverendsterlin]

good job, I think you'll be a smart keeper and will be a credit to the hobby if you continue to keep thinking this hard

[gfisher2002]

Thanks for accepting my apoligy. It's sound like you and your girlfriend will be excellent turtle keepers. Sorry for judging so fast. Best of luck to you both. Let us know what you decide.

Cheer mate,

Garrett