Turtles and Tortoises for Dummies

By Liz Palika

Book Overview

Coexisting with a turtle or tortoise may not be a warm and fuzzy experience, but it definitely has its rewards. And with more than 250 species to choose from, you're bound to find one that's right for you. Looks-wise, they can range from very plain and unadorned to a brightly colored and embellished with every manner of crest, crown, spike, and dewlap. As for personality, you'd be amazed at how very different they can be, ranging from shy and withdrawn, to outgoing and friendly, to outright aggressive. And when it comes to longevity, well, let's just say that when you commit to a turtle or tortoise, you're in it for the long haul. For example, the standard American box turtle can live more than 125 years, a leopard tortoise has a life span of up to 100 years, and an aldabran tortoise can live to be more than 200 years old This fun guide will help you choose the perfect turtle or tortoise for your lifestyle and give it the care it needs to thrive. Turtle and tortoise expert Liz Palika provides cl ear, step-by-step instructions on how to: Select the appropriate turtle or tortoise Provide a suitable environment for your new pal Care for a variety of chelonian (turtle and tortoise) species Supply you pet with a satisfying and healthy diet Create an indoor or outdoor home Understand your turtle's or tortoise's special needs Generously illustrated with line drawings and high-quality photographs, Turtles & Tortoises For Dummies covers all the bases. Topics covered include: Deciding whether a turtle or tortoise is right for you Choosing between a turtle and tortoise Who's Who of turtles and tortoises--a complete guide to dozens of species, where they're from, what they're like, and how they are as pets Creating a safe and healthy environment for your pet Recognizing and treating common health problems and finding a good veterinarian to help you care for your chelonian Turtles & Tortoises For Dummies is your fun guide to selecting, caring for, and sharing your life with a chelonian.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764553135
• ISBN13: 9780764553134
• Release Date: March 2001
• Publisher: For Dummies
• Length: 328 Pages
• Weight: 1.18 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Great beginners book.

Clear, easy-to-read, easy-to-follow information about turtles and tortises. I purchased this book after becoming a guardian to an Arizona desert tortise. These creatures are protected and found in small areas of Nevada, California and Arizona, and there is not much information about them to be found. This book had more useful information than I received from any other source.

Great for the Turtle Beginner

I bought this book as a starting point for my research of turtles before actually buying one. It gave a great overview on what to expect in terms of the equipment and space needed to humanely keep turtles, and enabled me to be more well informed before going to the reptile shops. I also found the list of recommended turtles for first time buyers helpful. For more information regarding in depth care of certain turtles, I had to go elsewhere, but I thought it was an excellent resource to start from.

Great Book for the Turtle and Tortoise Owner

Wonderfully written. She gave us so much information on the care and breeding of turtles and tortoises. It is great to be able to have one book that covers so much. A must have for anyone new to turtles or tortoises as well as those looking for more information.

Most useful and helpful information.

I found this book to be great! It was full of useful and practical information for the beginning turtle or tortoise lover. It gives great descriptions of all types of turtles and tortoises, what size they are, how to care for them, what to feed them, housing and breeding tips. It's easy to follow and written so anyone can understand how to care for these wonderful creatures! I highly recommend it!