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[Pedromman]

HI im new to this Forum, but im thinking of saving up my Money to buy a Red Eared Slider, They look really interesting to me and im willing to make a comitment...so i have a Question...How much money should i save up...im thinking 200-300 but im not sure, also should i get a Male or Female...Thanks in Advance

[zero_tails]

200-300 is probably good enough, but with a stand..id say yu should save up 100-200 dollars more. but there are deals out there so that may be enough for both

[SpotsMama]

I agree on the money part. On the male/female issue, unless you get a full grown one you're not going to be able to tell which is which. Hopefully, though, you'll get a nice big turtle that's mature enough to tell them apart.

Everybody's going to have a different opinion on whether to choose a male or a female, if you get to choose. So here's my disclaimer: The opinion expressed here is purely the opinion of myself, and does not reflect the opinion of the forum:

Some people think that females are smarter and friendlier. There are some wonderful females on here that are like members of the family. On the other hand, they get bigger - which means a bigger (ie, more expensive) setup. Also, they lay eggs. Even if there's not a male present they lay eggs, which means you have to provide it with a nest etc.

I have a male and do not think that he is in any way lacking in smarts or friendliness. He's feisty and outgoing, he know me and seems to like me. He has really neat extremely long front toenails that he likes to shake at rocks in his tank. He won't get much bigger than he is now (around 6 1/2 inches SSL). Best of all, he will never ever lay eggs.

Now let's hear from people with female turtles.

[steve]

Hello! Do you have the space to house an adult-sized RES? They grow up fast and a single male requires a tank that is about 90 gallons, a female 120 gallons (and a future nesting area). There are also time commitments... cleaning a tank/filters is a big, unavoidable chore. They also live a long time... some on here have had theirs for almost 20 years! Do you have qualified herp/reptile vets nearby in case you need their services?

The actual turtle is inexpensive... free in many cases. Vet bills can be random and unexpected. Those are some of the things most of us didn't expect... but you can see how wonderful pets they are!

[Starchick]

I just got a new turtle, and ended up spending over 300 dollars between the tank/stand, filter, basking dock, lamps and bulbs, water conditioner, heater, decorations, cleaning supplies and vet bills.

Absolutely call around and find a good turtle vet ahead of time, because there's nothing more scary than having a sick turtle and struggling to find someone to see him.

I've never met a female turtle, so I don't really know if they're friendlier, but my two males are great. Napoleon especially has a great personality, he loves people, he loves exploring and climbing, and he's never bitten except for when I've had to give him shots. In fact, if I hold my finger in front of his nose, he'll reach out and touch me. From what I've heard, many turtles would take that opportunity to chomp. Hercules is a little more shy, he doesn't much like being held, but he just tries to get away, not bite. I think overall though, personality will vary a lot between any two turtles, regardless of gender, but the special considerations for nesting females make me a little wary of taking one on. Given the choice I'd take a male, only for that reason.

Where do you plan on getting your turtle? If you have a choice of many turtles, and you're okay with either gender, just pick one that looks healthy and happy, and hopefully you'll bond with one right away

[Pedromman]

Yeah, i was just at the local Petstore getting some dog food when the little Turtles interested me, my birthday is coming up but i would rather save up the money myself.

$88.40 in my RES Fund!

[SpotsMama]

Pedromman, I really must compliment you on planning so carefully for your RES and making sure the money is sufficient. So many people (like me) don't realize how helpful it is to prepare and only find out after they've got their new pet. Then it's harder on the person and the RES.

Good for you!

[Pedromman]

I am actually quite proud of myself, I am known in the Family to do stupid things without thinking. I realized I was dealing with a Life so im Planning it all out.

[SpotsMama]

You are an inspiration!

[spin1078]

I am sitting at about 200-250 spent to get started. This is due in part, to my really good friend who gave me a great deal on a stand. After owning a slider prior to the female I have now, they are a responsibility. If you are willing to do whats needed, the rewards are great.