subject: Picking A Pet Turtle: Signs To Look For To Ensure You Choose A Healthy Turtle [print this page] For the first time turtle buyer choosing a pet turtle may not be such an easy task. once you've decided what species you want and make your way to the pet store you will want to make sure that the turtle you buy is healthy and not in anyway hampered in health.
Here are three important signs you should be on the look out for when your deciding on which turtle to choose.
1) Check for signs of bad nutrition.
If the eyes of the turtle is not clear and bright or the turtles eyes are pasted shut this is a sign of poor nutrition and is a problem you as a turtle owner won't want to have, so avoid these kind of turtles when trying to select your ideal pet turtle.
2) Make sure that the turtle is breathing properly and does not have any respiratory problems.
A good way to determine this is to look at the turtles mouth and nose. If there are fluid bubbles or dripping coming from the nose or if there is any wheezing while the turtle breathes then it is very likely that they have a respiratory infection and you should not take on caring for such a turtle as a pet. Without the right kind of care the chances of a turtle with these symptoms living a long life is very slim.
3)Take a close look at the turtles shell.
Carefully examine the turtles shell and skin, look for any patches and parts where the scutes or scales are missing or possibly wrinkled. If there is any evidence of this it is an indicator of the turtle having a burn or even a scar injury. An injury to the scutes of a turtle can easily become infected and sometimes will progress into something life threatening for the turtle. The shell of the turtle should be hard and firm, if it feels thin or gives way easily to pressure from your fingertips then this is a sign that the turtles shell is not properly developed and is likely that it has had a poor diet that has been lacking in some essential nutrients.In order to help the turtle develope a stronger shell a professional or experienced turtle owner may be needed.
