TURTLES "Slow and steady gets the information."

If you want to get a turtle you should consider these things:

• How you are going to get your turtle
• Where you are going to put your turtle
• How to take care of your turtle

• You could buy it at a pet store.  If you do this you will probably get a healthy turtle but it could cost you up to $100.
• If you don't want to spend the money, you could try to find the turtle.  This could be more difficult because you must be careful to find a healthy turtle.

• To keep a turtle indoors, you need a medium size aquarium with water and bedding.  You will also need a UV hibernation light.  The aquarium should be kept away from windows.  If you keep your turtle inside, don't let it crawl around on the floor.  It could spread disease.
• To keep a turtle outside, you need a 15 x15 foot area that is fenced off.  The area should have a shade tree, hiding spot, warm place and a water supply.  The area should not have critters such as ticks, fleas or mites.  After the turtle eats, you probably want to put it outside.

• You should spend some time with it.
• Feed the turtle lettuce, tomato, hamburger, grapes and water.
• Be sure to put the food on a plate and supervise from a distance.  Watch your fingers!
• It is important to keep your turtle clean especially if you found it outside.
• Always use cool water to wash your turtle.  Warm or hot water will cook it!
• WASH YOUR HANDS AFTER YOU HANDLE A TURTLE!
• Mites and ticks can be picked off your turtle.  All other problems that turtles could have should be addressed by a vet.