Always do your homework on turtle ownership

I agree entirely Mel. It is from a lack of research. Almost any reptile is going to require research as a pet.

I normally start with a guilt bit about what is best for the animal, it isn't well, and you obviously can't help it. I have actually told certain people that I would call the SPCA if they didn't release the animal to me, which here is the state's is a completely empty threat, as they don't much care about reptiles. And yes, I know I may sound like a jerk. But I get really irritated when someone buys an animal, can't care for it from their own unpreparedness, the animal is in bad condition, and then their primary concern is money. If they wanted to "protect their investment", they should have learned how to care for the animal properly.

O.K., back off of my soapbox, sorry...

I should just say I second Mel's thread. We need a resident turtle expert...