Help! My son asked Santa for a turtle!!

[NikiM20]

My girlfriend got one for her son 16 years ago or so. That thing is still kicken. Of coarse she got to take care of it when he moved out, in his twenties. He's now 30 settled with wife and he took it back.
I feel bad for it, in that tiny tank @ 4 ft. That's what I always tell my kids when they asked about turtles, rabbits, and other little fur balls, "wouldn't you rather it be free? It's not natural to be trapped in a tank". They still ask for things sometimes but we settled for fish and cats.

Bolding mine...
If they are in a petstore, they are being improperly housed there most of the time, and once you have had a pet in captivity, you are dooming it to death if you let it go. The animal is much better off living with someone who has done his/her research and properly cares for it.

 

[SandrA9810]

I'd let Santa bring the tank, food, and accessories, along with a stuffed turtle. Then place a note with it say he thinks it's best for your son to pick out the best turtle ever. That way you can hold off on finding a turtle before the holidays, and possible take him to a reptile show to learn even more about proper care.

 

[vegas_mickey]

We let Santa bring the tank, food, and accessories, for my daughter when she asked for fish. Santa also left a book about how to choose and care for the best fish for her. That way she was able to make a better decision about her new fish friends and gain a proper understanding of what she was getting into before getting the actual fish.

 

[Mickeypooh99]

reptileforums.com has a lot of good information.

My boys have had lizards since they were 6 and 7 years old. I used to do most of the caring for them, but the boys who are now turning 9 and 10 this month are much better at it.

I think a tortoise is a cool idea. My oldest is looking for another reptile. I may bring that up to him.

 

[ShannonMB]

I'd let Santa bring the tank, food, and accessories, along with a stuffed turtle. Then place a note with it say he thinks it's best for your son to pick out the best turtle ever. That way you can hold off on finding a turtle before the holidays, and possible take him to a reptile show to learn even more about proper care.

We let Santa bring the tank, food, and accessories, for my daughter when she asked for fish. Santa also left a book about how to choose and care for the best fish for her. That way she was able to make a better decision about her new fish friends and gain a proper understanding of what she was getting into before getting the actual fish.

Now THAT is genius!!!! Then Santa has done his part, but it still leaves an opening for mom and the turtle lover to discuss what kind of turtle, etc, is best for their family. Nicely done!

 

[paysensmom]

I'd let Santa bring the tank, food, and accessories, along with a stuffed turtle. Then place a note with it say he thinks it's best for your son to pick out the best turtle ever. That way you can hold off on finding a turtle before the holidays, and possible take him to a reptile show to learn even more about proper care.

reptileforums.com has a lot of good information.

My boys have had lizards since they were 6 and 7 years old. I used to do most of the caring for them, but the boys who are now turning 9 and 10 this month are much better at it.

I think a tortoise is a cool idea. My oldest is looking for another reptile. I may bring that up to him.

Now THAT is genius!!!! Then Santa has done his part, but it still leaves an opening for mom and the turtle lover to discuss what kind of turtle, etc, is best for their family. Nicely done!

I think that is exactly what I am going to do! I will get him a book on turtles/tortioses and all the stuff and let him read about them a little. Although, I am pretty sure he is set on a red footed tortiose. Someone said they are on the endangered list. Maybe the pet store we frequent doesn't even have them any more. I will let you all know what exactly we do!
Thanks everyone

 

[libinatorsmom]

Lets keep in mind that just because your child asked Santa for something doesnt mean you have to get them that! I remember as a child I wanted a Giraffe for Christmas from Santa... well Santa brought me a Giraffe ornement that I treasure and still have today! Why not have Santa bring him a book on Turtles or an educational DVD! Or a stuffed Turtle... there are many optitions... My DD has asked for many things from Santa that she has not gotten and she has never been disapointed etc... and to be honest if a child is diapointed because they didnt get something that is not a good situation.

 

[2disneyboys]

ugh...the dreaded my child asked santa for...mom guilt then kicks in.. how can I NOT get that!?!?

We have a family rule and it applies to birthdays and christmas... pets can not be a present. (this came to play after my SisterIL tried to give my oldest son hamsters for his 1st bday.) Pets are part of the family, so they are not given as a gift tosomeone.. as a family, we research it and pick it out. With that said, if your willing to commit to a pet for your child I do like the ideal of santa giving a book and the supplies and then as a family picking out the turtle... that makes the pet not a "gift" the stuff for the pet is the gift.

I also like the rule a pp said about santa can only bring things created in his workshop or the one about santa knowing the families needs and respecting them... both of those are very good suggestions.

 

[torinsmom]

This is a good article to read about why not to buy a pet turtle or tortoise, but even if you are going to buy one, it gives good tips on what NOT to do.

http://hubpages.com/hub/10-Reason-Not-To-Buy-A-Pet-Turtle-Or-Tortoise

 

[Squirrel!!!]

An additional issue with getting a tortoise now, is this is the normal time of year for them to be hibernating!!

Okay, not ones in pets stores, but the hobbyist has all their tortoises snug in their beds.

I have a Russian tortoise that I have had for 12 years now who was a "stray", wandered from his origional home. He mostly lives outside, but the few times I have had to house him inside it has been a bit of an ordeal with the lights and keeping the other pets away.

Do a lot of research. The tortoise trust based in the UK is a website with some awesome info and care sheets and you can find some good plans for enclosures and tables to house a tortoise if anyone in your household is handy.

Locally my city has a Tortoise and Turtle Society that does rescues, I googled and there is a Gulf Coast Rescue organization in Texas. Lots of info and available adoptions...mostly box turtles.


Good luck.