Top 10 Myths Debunked About Pet Turtles: What You Need to Know
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Picture this: You’re at the pet store with your kid, and they spot those tiny green turtles swimming around in plastic containers with fake palm trees. “Can we get one? Please?” they beg. You think, “How hard could it be?”
Plot twist: You’re about to walk into one of the biggest misconceptions in pet ownership.
Let me save you from making the same mistakes thousands of turtle owners make every year. After diving deep into the latest research and talking to actual turtle experts, I’m here to bust the biggest myths that are keeping these incredible creatures from getting the care they deserve.
Myth #1: “Turtles Are Easy Starter Pets for Kids”
Wrong! This might be the most dangerous myth of all.
Children should not be allowed to handle or feed turtles until they are much older because they are most likely to drop and injure the turtle, overfeed it, and fail to provide for its basic needs. Think of it like giving a toddler a sports car and expecting them to handle the responsibility.
Here’s what blew my mind: The start-up costs of a pet turtle can be between $400 to $800, with average monthly costs ranging from $50 to $100. That’s way more expensive than most people expect for what they think is a “simple” pet.
The reality check: Turtles need you to control every aspect of their environment. We’re talking water temperature, filtration, UV lighting, specific diets, and vet care. It’s like being an environmental engineer for a very picky roommate who can’t tell you what’s wrong.
Myth #2: “Those Tiny Turtles Stay Small Forever”
Nope, nope, nope.
Those small green water turtles that you see in plastic containers with fake palm trees are hatchlings that will grow up to be anywhere from six to 12 inches.
I had a friend who bought what she thought was a “mini turtle” for her apartment. Two years later, she needed a 50-gallon tank and was questioning all her life choices. These little guys grow like teenagers going through a growth spurt – except they never stop until they’re dinner-plate sized.
Fun fact: It’s actually illegal to buy or sell turtles under four inches in the US. So if someone’s selling you a “forever tiny” turtle, they’re probably breaking the law.
This Hilarious Turtle Book Might Know Your Pet Better Than You Do
Let’s be real—most turtle care guides feel like reading a textbook written by a sleep-deprived zookeeper.
This one’s not that.
Told from the snarky point of view of a grumpy, judgmental turtle, 21 Turtle Truths You’ll Never Read in a Care Guide is packed with sarcasm, sass, and surprisingly useful insights.
And hey—you don’t have to commit to the whole thing just yet.
Grab 2 free truths from the ebook and get a taste of what your turtle really thinks about your setup, your food choices, and that weird plastic palm tree.
It’s funny, it’s honest, and if you’ve ever owned a turtle who glares at you like you’re the problem—you’ll feel seen.
Myth #3: “Turtles Only Live About 5 Years”
The weirdest part? This myth is so wrong it’s almost funny.
The average freshwater turtle has a maximum lifespan of 25 to 50 years when properly cared for. Some species live even longer – we’re talking about a commitment that might outlive your mortgage.
The Humane Society estimates the lifespan of many common pet turtle species to be 30-50 years when properly cared for, highlighting why turtles require long-term commitments.
This means your turtle might need to be mentioned in your will. Seriously. Your kids might inherit your turtle. It’s like adopting a family member who happens to have a shell.
Myth #4: “Turtle Shells Don’t Have Feelings”
Absolutely false!
The shell has approximately 60 different bones and is an extension of their rib that eventually grows outside their skin, so they do feel pain when you hold the shells too tightly.
Think of their shell like your fingernails, but if your fingernails were connected to your ribcage. The scutes have blood vessels that transport chemicals inside the shell and skin. This is why painting turtle shells is basically torture – the paint gets absorbed into their bloodstream.
Warning: Painting turtle shells can cause serious illness, including deformities and even respiratory issues, and in some cases even death. It’s not cute or harmless – it’s cruel.
Myth #5: “Turtles Don’t Need Veterinary Care”
False! This one makes me want to shake people.
Because of their very slow metabolism, turtles do not show signs that they are sick until the illness has progressed very far and is quite severe. By the time you notice something’s wrong, your turtle might be seriously ill.
Out of all the aquatic pets in the hobby, turtles are the most likely to require some form of veterinary care, including treatment for deadly parasites, infections, medical emergencies, and some even require surgery.
It’s like having a roommate who never complains until they’re on their deathbed. Regular vet checkups aren’t optional – they’re lifesavers.
Myth #6: “All Turtles Eat the Same Food”
Wrong again!
Map turtles are carnivores as adults, while Red-eared sliders start out as carnivores and turn into omnivores as they mature. Some are vegetarians, some are meat lovers, and some change their entire diet as they age.
It’s like assuming all humans eat the same thing because we’re all people. Turtles should not be fed hot dogs, raw hamburger and cat food – stuff that they would not normally find in the wild.
Pro tip: Research your specific turtle species. “Turtle food” isn’t one-size-fits-all, despite what pet stores might tell you.
Myth #7: “Turtles Hiss When They’re Angry”
This one actually made me laugh when I learned the truth.
When a turtle is afraid or picked up quickly, it pulls its head in really quickly and this action forces the air out – it’s a noise that occurs from the outside of its body, and it is not an actual sound they deliberately make.
So your turtle isn’t giving you attitude – they’re basically doing an involuntary whoosh sound because you startled them. It’s like when you squeeze a stress ball and it makes a noise. Your turtle is the stress ball in this scenario.
Myth #8: “Turtles Can Live with Artificial Light”
Nope! This myth can literally kill your turtle.
Turtles need real sunlight to be able to grow normally and to have strong bones – turtles deprived of sun get a condition known as metabolic bone disease where their bones disintegrate.
UVB contains wavelengths ranging from 218nm to 315 nm and is a requirement for turtles to get all the Vitamin D they need to keep their shells strong and free from parasites.
Think of UV light as turtle vitamins, except if they don’t get it, their bones literally fall apart. Regular fish tank lighting won’t cut it – you need special UV bulbs or actual sunlight.
Myth #9: “You Can Just Grab Wild Turtles”
Hold up there, nature warrior!
It’s wrong to capture a grown turtle on land because it is 99% likely to be a female trying to find a place to lay her eggs. You’re basically kidnapping a pregnant mom trying to build a nursery.
Plus, pet turtles do not survive in the wild and can spread disease to local wildlife. It’s like introducing your city cousin to rural farm life – disaster waiting to happen.
Myth #10: “Turtles Grow to Match Their Environment”
The goldfish myth strikes again!
Turtles do not grow to the size of their environment. A turtle in a tiny tank doesn’t stay tiny – it becomes a big turtle in a tiny tank, which is basically aquatic jail.
One adult turtle needs a minimum of a 50-gallon tank to have enough room to swim and get out of the water. That’s bigger than most people’s bathtubs.
Imagine living your entire life in a closet. That’s what a small tank feels like to a turtle.
The Bottom Line
Here’s the truth nobody wants to hear: turtles are basically the sports cars of the pet world. They’re beautiful, fascinating, and way more complicated than they look.
Turtles are often marketed as easy pets, but the truth is they need a lifetime of specialized care and a lot of room to grow – they are wild animals, used to large spaces and specific conditions.
Before you get a turtle, ask yourself:
- Can I commit to 30-50 years of care?
- Do I have $800+ for setup costs?
- Am I prepared for monthly expenses of $50-100?
- Can I provide proper UV lighting and temperature control?
- Do I have a reptile-experienced vet nearby?
If you answered “no” to any of these, maybe consider a houseplant instead. At least if you kill a houseplant, you’re not ending a life that could have lasted half a century.
Want a turtle anyway? Do your homework first. Research the specific species, find a reptile rescue (not a pet store), and prepare to become a turtle expert. These ancient creatures have been around since before the dinosaurs – they deserve better than becoming victims of our misconceptions.
Remember: A well-cared-for turtle is an amazing companion. A poorly cared-for turtle is a tragedy that could have been prevented with better information.
About Author
Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.
