How do you convince your parents to get a pet turtle?

Unfortunately some parents just won't have reptiles in their home. I know my parents wouldn't, no matter what I did or said, the answer was just plain "no", "Because I said so" or "It's my house & my rules, and when you get your own house, then you can do whatever you want to it".

You might just have to wait until you are moved out of their home before you can get one.

If that is the case, you should take this time to really research what type of pet turtle you want. There are lots of different types of turtles and tortoises that can be kept as pets, and some have different requirements then others. You can take this opportunity to really find out what kind is going to fit your lifestyle better and locate breeders for them instead of buying just anything they have at the pet shop.

Maybe ask if your parents will take you to a reptile expo. You will be able to meet lots of different breeders there, and maybe you will be able to fine one that you want to buy from. Be sure to get their card or contact information/website etc...

You can also take this time to save up to buy your own enclosure. Either set up a savings account so you can buy one one day, or start buying the bits and pieces that you will need to set up a tank.

One thing you might try is bargaining. Agree to do some chore you wouldn't otherwise do, try to get permission in exchange for doing well in class, that sort of thing. Whatever buttons work on your parents.

Also, research. Know exactly what kind of turtle you want, exactly what care it requires, how big it will get, what it eats, and so forth. Demonstrate to your parents that you fully understand the care that your new pet will require.

And it wouldn't hurt to save up for it. Getting permission to use your own money to buy a turtle (and its setup) will probably go over better than begging your parents to buy *you* a turtle. Save up your allowance, babysit, mow/rake/shovel (depending on season) your neighbors' yards, get a paper route, save up any Christmas and birthday money, et cetera, until you have enough for the turtle *and* all of its setup (lighting, heating, tank, food, and so on).

Also, if you can find a turtle at the Humane society or the like, or some other turtle that "needs a new home", you might be able to get the 'rents on a sympathy angle that's not there with buying a new turtle from the pet store.

Do not bug your parents about the dog, or any other pet that you are dying for. Do not become obssesed, if you do, do not let your parents notice, show your parents that your maturity level is hitting the roof. Start taking better care of your previous pets, or if you don't have any take care of you friends pets. Whether it is a turtle or a dog When you go to the library, get books. At home, read or research on the computer. Even go ask friends who own or have previously owned the pet about how to care for it (if the opportunity comes along, take care of it for them while they're on vacation.). Research the pet in question in great detail before you even approach your parents, so you know all of the facts. If you find out something about the pet that you don't like, e.g. eats live food, lives for 30 years, needs lots of outdoor space, then don't hesitate to check out other similar animals to find the perfect pet for you. Typical costs: * Common aquatic pets include the Eastern Painted turtle which has red and yellow stripes and olive or black shells. Priced around 5, they reach 5-10 inches in length and live between 15-25 years. Red-eared sliders live 30-70 years and cost -8. * Dry-land species include the small box turtle which grows 5-6 inches long and runs 0 -5. They regularly live 30-40 years, while some have been known to reach 100. Russian Tortoises cost 5 -5. Young Sulcata tortoises cost 0 -5, and mature to around 2.5 feet in length and up to 110 pounds. On the higher end, the spur thigh tortoise costs about 50 and the Leopard tortoise costs around 50. Also go to this Website if your looking 4 supplies: http://www.petdiscounters.com/Turtle-Supplies-c19....

1. Small

Turtles are small and suitable in a confined house. Unlike monkeys and dogs, they don outgrow their size.

2. Cute

Turtles have a personality. They are shy creatures and do not like to be disturbed or manhandled. They hid inside their shell when they are frightened just like kids hid beneath their blanket. They can recognise their owner. They know when it is feeding time. They are better than a robot.

3. Cheap

Compared to other pets, they are affordable even for a kid. They are easy to find. You can buy them in most pet shops.

4. Harmless

Turtles are harmless. They don't bite unless you feed your fingers. They are pretty happy being alone as a single pet.

5. Easy to maintain

They are easy to maintain and simple to care. Just feed them, give them space to move around and leave them alone. They don't like to be disturbed. You don't need to dress them out the way most people dress their poodles. They live long life - as long as 25 years to 100 years. They can even outlive their owners.

You don't have to bring them for their daily evening walk or clean their poop in public. They have less health problems than cats and dogs.

6. Mobile

Turtles are light. Children can bring it with them to school, to show off to their friends.

7. Life Lesson

Turtles are ideal for childre. Children learn at early age how to care for others and love God's creatures. They learn about responsibility - changing the water, cleaning the tank and feeding the turtle. They learn about science, the eco-system and care for the environment.

A striped mud turtle is small and will not grow much over 4 inches. I will include a link to a safe to purchase from website where you can get one for 60 dollars. Do some research.

http://www.theturtlesource.com/i.asp?id=100200399&...