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Okay, so I've seen this site before but I've never said anything. I know they sale baby res that are about the size of a quarter...which I think is illegal.
But I was looking at the site again tonight (http://www.turtlesale [not reputable].com/rare-turtles1.html) and ran across this picture:
[name removed]

I am not sure, but can you breed turtles to look like this?
They are selling this turtle for 1495.95...

admin - link removed

Because we can't post links to those type websites, we aren't able to view your pictures. Maybe you can find a pic and just post the pic, and not the link? Other than that, I don't know. It's hard to understand what you are talking about.

its the two headed turtle, if i click the link it takes me to that picture. Ive been to that site before where it has 2 headed turtles and no-eyed turtles. Its so sad and obviously not natural.

Those turtles are overbred to acheive hatching rare turts like that. I don't think I want to know what happens to the ones that are normal. It is sad to see that. They require extra care, they are way too expensive and the life expectancy isn't as long as a healthy normal res. Just think, at that price, how much you would be supporting that industry by making that purchase...kinda scary huh?!

There was a similar topic before: http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=31648

They usually don't live very long and it's unfortunate that sites like those try to capitalize on abnormalities.

That isn't right!
Why haven't they been reported?
Or is it not illegal?

Unless the turts are under four inches it isn't illegal. I would say animal cruelty, but how much of that is based on opinion. I would guess that an. cr. is a fine line, and the punishments are probably a slap on the wrist. I don't know that for a fact, but if they get shut down, they'll just start again under a new name. It's sad that it seems like a never ending battle.

Yeah, I agree with you guys, underground businesses like that are truly animal cruelty. It does seem like a never ending battle and it actually is, but some people will do anything for their money, to the expense of thousands of turtles.

Its not an underground business but it is one that has very little morals. It's unfortunate that laws made to protect people and animals are so easily and readily manipulated and thoroughly ignored. Best thing to do is complain and never support them.

also, a lot of the places that sell turtles, especially baby turtles in bulk are not in the U.S so they aren't held to the same standards and laws... I know there are companies in China where you can order baby RES to sell for barely a dollar a turtle, so to them it doesn't matter how many die in transit when just selling one at ten or fifteen dollars will really make up for the losses

surprisingly, a lot of people don't realize turtles are as alive as a dog or cat. when i talk to my friends about how my turtle is "shy" they laugh and think that turtles can't have personalities...

Actually, most RES are breed in the U.S. though they are breed elsewhere. Here's an article about a Louisiana turtle farm:

http://www.houmatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll ... /605070324

There isn't much profit per individual turtle, it's all about quantity.

That article brings up so many emotions. It's really kind of overwhelming.

Is that article with or against the turtle farms? It kind of overwhelms me.

Neither, but it gives you an idea of what we're up against. I hope he goes out of business. Yet he is hoping the FDA ban is lifted... that would be such a disaster.

I don't necessarily agree with the ban, because if people are properly caring for their turtles, and supervising their children, then it shouldn't be an issue...However, if lifting the ban means that more turtle farms do business, then I would have to agree with the ban. It's almost a no win situation. I couldn't get over how many eggs are picked up daily. And to me, that is messing with mother nature too much. If the eggs can't survive and hatch on their own, then it's a fact of life. Eggs aren't cleaned in nature and I don't get how cleaning an egg really changes anything. It doesn't make much sense.