Other Turtle Discussion :: This Made Me Smile

[imderanged]

I don't think they are purposely breeding conjoined twin turtles. I wouldn't put it past them to try, but I don't think it is possible. The way I understand it, it's not something genetic you could breed for, it's just something that goes wrong during the development of twin embryos. Snakes and turtles are some of the most common animals to show this deformity and this company is breeding in such large numbers that occasionally a two-headed turtle is born by chance. But they take full advantage and sell off this oddity to the highest bidder. I do find it poor practice to sell such a special needs animal to anyone who is willing to pay the price without regard to what kind of care it will receive, but I don't think they are doing anything illegal.

[dethTr0ll@hotmail.com]

wow that is just wrong.why would somebody do that to an animal ?

[SINI5T3R]

I don't think they are purposely breeding conjoined twin turtles. I wouldn't put it past them to try, but I don't think it is possible. The way I understand it, it's not something genetic you could breed for, it's just something that goes wrong during the development of twin embryos. Snakes and turtles are some of the most common animals to show this deformity and this company is breeding in such large numbers that occasionally a two-headed turtle is born by chance. But they take full advantage and sell off this oddity to the highest bidder. I do find it poor practice to sell such a special needs animal to anyone who is willing to pay the price without regard to what kind of care it will receive, but I don't think they are doing anything illegal.

personally, if they have the cash to spend on a 2 headed turtle (they are pretty expencive ive seen on sites) im sure they have a VERY nice setup and are pretty much going to make sure that thing lives as long as possible. I would not spend 2,000$ on a turtle and just throw it in a 10 gallon tank. Hell, even if i spent 100$ on a turtle i would at least spend another 500$ on a GOOD setup .

[theartbook35]

A siamese RES is born with naturally occuring deformities, I really don't have a problem with what nature has intended. Mutation happens the same way in all living things. It's not genetic. A mutation occurs long after the egg is fertilized, and in the case of siamese twins, the two bodies fail to separate properly while in the womb, in the case of turtles, in the egg.

So what if a siamese RES pair doesn't live as long as a regular RES? They still can make great pets, and be happy. Happiness is happiness, it's the quality, not the quantity.

I don't think just anyone should buy a siamese turtle. This is an animal that will most likely need more attention than a non-siamese. Shallow tank, resting spots, easy access basking spot (I don't even know where to start with that one), and nothing that they can get caught in or on. I'm sure there is plenty of vet trips to consider, too.