This part has been created to explain to the general public the responsibilities it takes when you want to have a turtle in captivity at home.

UVB is needed :
A turtle is primarily a wild animal unlike dogs and cats that you may have, it needs an outside area so that it can live happily; in this area it will draw the necessary UVB rays for its survival and proper formation in its shell. A turtle has no place on a balcony as in the interior of a home and may die there.

A spacious enclosure :
For a turtle to be happy, it needs 1 hectare of land. This means a lot of different habitats on its territory would be good. (In nature, its territory is 1 hectare).

Risks :
You should know that a dog is generally not desirable with a turtle, it would use the turtle as a toy, inflicting fatal injuries. Consider also that turtles can live more than 100 years, it will therefore still be there after you. So you must anticipate his life after your death.

An installation cost :
Having a turtle means having responsibility, requiring an almost constant surveillance of the animal; his health and development, feeding every day, winter care in major facilities if the species requires ...

Diseases and deficiencies difficult to diagnose :
Having a turtle gives you the added expense of veterinarian care( since turtles are susceptible to disease) maintenance facilities (which are usually very expensive), and time (time is money). But when you love, cost doesn’t matter.

Think before you act :
Wanting a turtle on a whim shouldn’t lead to a stupid, simple purchase since you have to think about the animal before yourself. There is a risk that the animal may not be happy with you.

Laws :
Some species are protected and it is therefore impossible to breed in captivity. Get more information from your veterinarian in order to respect the laws of your country.