(06-08-2012, 06:36 AM)Fishbone Wrote: I'm not sure where you live, but many states in the US, and some other countries too, have banned the sale of turtles under 4". All reptiles are prone to carry small amounts of salmonella in their digestive systems, and normally out really isn't that big of an issue. But as aquatic turtles generally defecate in their water, the salmonella can grow to a high level fairly quickly in the water. Meaning that the turtle can basically end up covered in it. And allot of those turtles were bought for young children, and children and toddlers can have a tendency to put things in their mouths, and are also at a higher risk of salmonella infections.
I'm never one for talking someone out of a reptile as a pet, but just wanted to add that as something to think about. As long as you filter and clean the water regally, and supervise young children, and make sure they don't put them in their mouths and wash their hands, all of the risk is eliminated.
This is great information, thank you for sharing. I saw on Entertainment Tonight a story about a boy around 8 or 9 who actually died soon after his parents bought a lizard for him. He used to carry it around on his shoulder a lot, and for some reason his parents figured out that his death was caused by the bacteria from the lizard. Strangely, he had had many lizards in the past, but they were certain that it was the latest lizard that got the boy sick. They said on the show that it was the type of lizard that got him sick. I don't know. It wasn't a fake show. The parents seemed genuinely upset. Because of that story, I am waiting until my preschooler is older to get a lizard. I like lizards; I think they are interesting to watch.
I would like to get a pot-bellied pig, but I don't know if they get along with dogs. I haven't done the research because I know that I am over the pet limit right now and I don't want to get in trouble with the city. That being said, I still can get a fish, and so I will be going to the pet store soon to get a gold one. There is a show for preschoolers that features a goldfish called "Hush," and so that is what my son and I are going to name him. I also would like a cat, but I know that wouldn't be a good idea either with my five dogs. What can I say, I like all pets!
