Re: tortoise for my 5 and 8 year old

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Posted by Kelly on May 13, 2000 at 10:19:55:

In Reply to: tortoise for my 5 and 8 year old posted by Sarah on May 13, 2000 at 01:55:19:

I agree with Nikki, this must be a pet YOU are willing to commit to, not your children. While children can learn responsibility and compasion from pets, most do lose interest after a while. Many of the tortoises and turtles I rescue came to me because of this(one after it had been with the family for 12 years!!) Also, I beleive the daily care involved with tortoises is a little much for kids (and some adults!!)
I consider tortoises and turtles "hands off" pets, as they can be stressed or injured through a lot of handeling.
yes, i would say larger torts could easily climb over a 4" wall, but smaller ones may flip themselves trying. I would reccommend a taller barrier, fencing of some sort would be ideal to keep out other predators (dogs, raccoons, ect)and to make sure the tortoise can't get to your pool..a definate accident waiting to happen.
Do some research to make sure you want to commit to a living creature that needs daily care for, in some cases, 50 plus years. You may want to consider a shorter lived pet or something your kids can handle. Do you have your heart set on a reptile, or do you think you and your kids would enjoy a guinea pig or rabbit more? I'm not trying to discourage you. what is your motivation in getting a pet of this nature for your children?
:) kelly

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: I agree with Nikki, this must be a pet YOU are willing to commit to, not your children. While children can learn responsibility and compasion from pets, most do lose interest after a while. Many of the tortoises and turtles I rescue came to me because of this(one after it had been with the family for 12 years!!) Also, I beleive the daily care involved with tortoises is a little much for kids (and some adults!!) : I consider tortoises and turtles "hands off" pets, as they can be stressed or injured through a lot of handeling. : yes, i would say larger torts could easily climb over a 4" wall, but smaller ones may flip themselves trying. I would reccommend a taller barrier, fencing of some sort would be ideal to keep out other predators (dogs, raccoons, ect)and to make sure the tortoise can't get to your pool..a definate accident waiting to happen. : Do some research to make sure you want to commit to a living creature that needs daily care for, in some cases, 50 plus years. You may want to consider a shorter lived pet or something your kids can handle. Do you have your heart set on a reptile, or do you think you and your kids would enjoy a guinea pig or rabbit more? I'm not trying to discourage you. what is your motivation in getting a pet of this nature for your children? : :) kelly

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