Turtles are some of the fascinating animals in the world.
They’ve been around for millions of years and are known for their slow but steady pace. Turtles come in a variety of sizes and colours, and there are over 300 species found on every continent except Antarctica.
Turtles can be a great addition to any home, and the good news is that they are generally quite affordable. The vast majority of turtles will cost you somewhere in the range of $10-$50. Prices vary depending on the species and size of the turtle, along with other factors such as availability in your area.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the cost of turtles, along with factors that could affect their price. We’ll also cover some tips to help you save money when looking for turtles as pets.
Overview of Turtle Types
Sea turtles are some of the most majestic creatures in the ocean! There are seven different types of sea turtles, each with its own unique features and habitats.
Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) are one of the most widespread species of sea turtle. They inhabit tropical and subtropical oceans around the world and can usually be seen in coastal areas. They have a large, domed head and strong front flippers, which help them to move gracefully through the water.
Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta) are easily identifiable by their large heads and reddish-brown shells. These sea turtles inhabit temperate and tropical oceans across the globe and can often be found in coral reefs and other shallow waters. They feed mainly on molluscs, crustaceans, sponges, and jellyfish.
Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are easily recognizable by their unique curved “beak”, which is used to access hard-to-reach nooks and crannies in coral reefs. They have a beautiful pattern of overlapping scales on their shells and inhabit tropical oceans across the world.
Leatherback Sea Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) are the largest species of sea turtle. These giants can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh up to 2,000 pounds! They are found mostly in tropical and temperate oceans and feed mainly on jellyfish.
Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) are the most endangered species of sea turtle in the world. These small turtles inhabit shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico and can be identified by their olive-grey shells.
Olive Ridley Sea Turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) are closely related to Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle and have a similar olive-grey shell. They inhabit tropical waters around the world and can usually be found in shallow coastal areas.
Finally, Flatback Sea Turtles (Natator depressus) inhabit the coastal waters of Australia and Papua New Guinea. They are easily identifiable by their smooth, flat carapace, which is pale grey in colour. These sea turtles feed primarily on jellyfish, crustaceans, molluscs, and other small marine animals.
Factors That Affect Turtle Prices
As mentioned, the cost of turtles can vary quite a bit. The most important factors that affect price are species, size, age and availability in your area.
Species: Different species of the turtle will have different prices depending on their rarity and popularity as pets. Sea turtles tend to be more expensive than land-based turtles due to their rarity.
Size: Turtles come in a variety of sizes, from small hatchlings to large adults. Generally speaking, the larger the turtle, the higher its price will be.
Age: The age of a turtle can also affect its price. Younger turtles tend to be less expensive than older ones because they require more care and attention.
Availability: The availability of turtles in your area can have a big impact on the price. If a particular species is not often seen in pet stores or wildlife centres, it will be more expensive because it is harder to find.
Where to Buy Turtles With Best Deals?
If you are looking for a pet turtle, aquatic shops and rescue centres are great places to begin your search. Aquatic shops typically specialize in fish and other water-dwelling animals like turtles, so they have a wide variety of turtle breeds to choose from.
The prices at these stores may vary depending on the species and size of the turtle, as well as the store itself. Aquatic shops also have experts on staff who can provide knowledgeable advice about turtle care and purchasing the right type of turtle for you.
Rescue centres are another great option for finding turtles. Many of these rescues will take in unwanted turtles or those that need a new home due to illness or injury. They can provide information on the species, size, and age of the turtle they have available, as well as any medical conditions they may have. Adopting a turtle from a rescue centre is an excellent way to give a loving home to an animal in need.
No matter where you decide to buy your pet turtle, it is important to take the time to research the type of turtle you are considering.
Tips on Choosing the Right Turtle for You
When it comes to choosing the right turtle for you, there are a few things to consider. First of all, what kind of environment do you plan on keeping your turtle in? Will you keep them indoors or outdoors? Different species require different habitats, so be sure to research the particular species you’re interested in before making a purchase.
Next, consider your own level of experience with turtles. Do you have any prior experience in caring for them? If not, you may want to start out with a beginner’s turtle that is relatively easy to care for, such as a red-eared slider or painted turtle. As you gain more experience, you can move on to more advanced species.
You will also want to consider the size of your turtle when making a purchase. Different species can grow to different sizes, so be sure to research the type of turtle you’re interested in and make sure it will fit comfortably in its new home. Researching diet is especially important for larger turtles, as they will require more food and can become expensive to feed.
Finally, think about the kind of personality you want in your pet turtle. Some turtles are shyer, while others enjoy attention and handling. Make sure to research the particular species, so you know what to expect before making a purchase.
Benefits of Owning a Pet Turtle
Owning a pet turtle has several advantages. For one, turtles are low maintenance and don’t require as much care as other pets. They do not need to be taken for walks or groomed like dogs, and they can live in small tanks that take up little space in your home. Turtles also offer companionship without the hassle of having to take them out for playtime. And they are relatively inexpensive compared to other pets.
Turtles also make interesting and enjoyable pets because of their unique personalities. They can be curious, active, and even playful when in the right environment. Turtles are also easy to bond with once you get to know them better. As a bonus, they can be quite low noise compared to some other pet animals.
Finally, turtles are a great way to teach children responsibility and how to take care of other living creatures. Caring for a turtle teaches kids how to feed their pets, clean up after them, and ensure that the turtle stays healthy. This is also an excellent opportunity for kids to learn about the environment and nature.
Overall, owning a pet turtle can be an incredibly rewarding experience that offers many benefits. They require less care than other pets, they provide companionship, they make enjoyable and interesting pets, and they teach children responsibility. Whether you are looking for a fun pet or want to teach your children important life lessons, turtles are great options.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to The Cost of Turtles
1. Is a turtle a cheap pet?
Turtles can definitely be a cheap pet! Depending on the type of turtle you choose, they can actually be quite affordable in comparison to cats and dogs.
For instance, an adult red-eared slider turtle will typically range from $10-$50. Even after you buy the initial set-up for an enclosure or tank, as well as food and accessories, it costs much less than outfitting a cat or dog would.
2. How long do pet turtles live?
If you want a pet that will stick around for a long time, then a turtle is a perfect choice! Turtles are known to be some of the longest-living animals on earth – in fact, certain species of turtles can live for up to 25-35 years with proper care.
3. How big of a tank do you need for one turtle?
When you’re looking for a tank for your turtle, size matters, the absolute minimum size is 30 gallons, and the larger the tank, the better! This might seem like a lot of space for just one little turtle, but it’s important to provide enough room for them to move around and explore their environment.