How to Find a Turtle
Adopt a turtle., Find a pet store., Make sure that the turtle is healthy.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Adopt a turtle.
Contact an animal rescue organization.
Run a web search for turtle rescue societies in your area.
These organizations recover pet turtles that have been lost, abandoned, injured, or otherwise scattered from their homes.
This can be a great way to give a turtle a new home.You will need to visit a turtle adoption center and prove that you will be a responsible turtle owner.
Make sure that you understand what it means to adopt a turtle.
These animals require specialized and thoughtful care, feeding, housing, and cleaning. -
Step 2: Find a pet store.
If there is a pet store near you, stop in and ask about their turtle selection.
If you find a pet store that is relatively far away, then call ahead to ask before you make the trek.
Be aware that pet stores do not always take adequate care of turtles.If possible, visit a pet store that is well-reviewed, or that a friend has recommended. , This is especially important if you are buying from a pet store.
In general, a turtle is healthy if it is active, social, and responsive to human interaction.
It should be mobile and well-fitted to its shell.
If you aren't sure, ask a pet store employee – but do not take their words without a grain of salt!Look for a turtle with bright, clear eyes.
Dull, crusty, or pus-filled eyes are a sign that a turtle is infected with disease.
Find a happy and active animal.
Watch the turtle in its tank: it should move around, swim, and splash.
If it is in a tank with other turtles, it should be friendly and sociable around the other animals.
Check that the turtle is not overweight or underweight.
If its skin sags from its body, then it might be underweight.
If it cannot get fully inside of its shell, then it might be overweight. -
Step 3: Make sure that the turtle is healthy.
Detailed Guide
Contact an animal rescue organization.
Run a web search for turtle rescue societies in your area.
These organizations recover pet turtles that have been lost, abandoned, injured, or otherwise scattered from their homes.
This can be a great way to give a turtle a new home.You will need to visit a turtle adoption center and prove that you will be a responsible turtle owner.
Make sure that you understand what it means to adopt a turtle.
These animals require specialized and thoughtful care, feeding, housing, and cleaning.
If there is a pet store near you, stop in and ask about their turtle selection.
If you find a pet store that is relatively far away, then call ahead to ask before you make the trek.
Be aware that pet stores do not always take adequate care of turtles.If possible, visit a pet store that is well-reviewed, or that a friend has recommended. , This is especially important if you are buying from a pet store.
In general, a turtle is healthy if it is active, social, and responsive to human interaction.
It should be mobile and well-fitted to its shell.
If you aren't sure, ask a pet store employee – but do not take their words without a grain of salt!Look for a turtle with bright, clear eyes.
Dull, crusty, or pus-filled eyes are a sign that a turtle is infected with disease.
Find a happy and active animal.
Watch the turtle in its tank: it should move around, swim, and splash.
If it is in a tank with other turtles, it should be friendly and sociable around the other animals.
Check that the turtle is not overweight or underweight.
If its skin sags from its body, then it might be underweight.
If it cannot get fully inside of its shell, then it might be overweight.
About the Author
Christina Gordon
Specializes in breaking down complex home improvement topics into simple steps.
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