Turtles and Tortoises for Dummies

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 312 pages
• Published by: For Dummies
• Edition: 1st Edition March 15, 2001
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0764553135
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0764553134
• Book Dimensions: 9 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Weighs: 1.1 pounds

Product Description
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 As for personality, you’d be amazed at how very different they can be, ranging from shy and withdrawn, to outgoing and friendly, to outright aggressive.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 requirements 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 requirements

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.

Back Cover Copy
Find out about your turtle or tortoise's special needs

The information you need to raise a thriving chelonian This fun guide will help you choose the perfect turtle or tortoise for your lifestyle and give it the care it requirements to thrive. Turtle and tortoise expert Liz Palika provides clear, step-by-step instructions on how to set up a tank, maintain proper water conditions, and feed and care for your chelonian.

Discover how to: Select the appropriate turtle or tortoise Provide a suitable environment Care for a variety of species Supply a satisfying and healthy diet Create an indoor or outdoor home

The Dummies Way(TM) Explanations in plain English "Get in, get out" information Icons and other navigational aids Tear-out cheat sheet Top ten lists A dash of humor and fun

Get smart! www.dummies.com Attention pet owners! Get free Dummies Daily(TM) e-mail newsletters Sign up for tips on a variety of pets Keep your pet healthy and content - the Dummies Way(TM)

Reader Reviews
Given that this book is obviously aimed at the beginner it would make sense for the book to offer decent info for commonly available species; mud and musk turtles, painted turtles, cooters, sliders, maybe Russian and Greek tortises, salcuttas, and some others. However, it doesn't. The book focuses an insane amount on the large, expensive (often over 1,000US), rare-in-captivity tortises like the Galapagos and aldabra tortise, which are exactly what the novice keeper wont' likely be buying. The common, affordable, and easier to keep turtles and tortises are given short shrift in this book. They may get a line or two, but that's about it. Furthermore, what information is given seems suspect; reccomended cage sizes tend to be on the small side, temps can be off, as can humidity. It's really not worth having--I threw my copy away.