Equipment Review and Discussion :: Am I asking too much? (Rescue Rehome / Equipment Pricing)

[SmileyTurtles]

Hi,
I'm a newbie who is trying to rehome a 2.5 inch yellow slider. It was a rescue to begin with, that I got from someone who (':roll:') got it at a beach on vacation. I suppose the novelty of the turtle wore off (':x'). (These goofs were going to release it!). Not knowing anything about turtles or housing, I went to the nearest reptile store in town and bought everything required to get the turtle into a proper house immediately.

So far my rehoming attempt has brought individuals asking about my turtle who have seemed very turned off at my rehoming fee of $120.00, and the fact that I'd prefer to see that they are

1. an experienced turtle keeper
2. have vet ref's

The turtle itself has no price on it (goodness no!)
The 120.00 is to just partially help me recoup some expenses. I have my receipts as proof that I really spent close to $230.00 for housing and an initial vet check to determine the health of the turtle.

The equipment is relatively new since I obtained in around July 17th.
The turtle is housed like this:
20 gallon long reptile tank w/ screen top
2 Flukers lamps (UVB and separate basking)
Floating Dock
In tank 20 gallon filter (Tetra)
Water heater (Tetra brand)
Decent Temp Gauges (not the stick on crap)
Corner Rock (has steps - meant for turtle - for basking)
and it's got a *large* rock substrate (so it can't eat them)


The vet visit alone cost $65.00 to verify the health of the turtle. And yes, it's healthy! (':D').


At $120.00, am I seriously asking too much?

I thought that pricing the equipment like this would help weed out those that may seek to obtain the housing and not really care about the turtle.

My point is to get the turtle a *proper* home!!!

I'd still demand the $120.00 but I have no problems seeing that money be donated to a turtle rescue.

Does anyone think I'm asking too much here?

[wiccabrat]

I personally think you'll never get it. First he's already to big for that tank so why would someone want it? If he's a she she'll need a huge tank (turns alot of people away). The filter is to small for that tank let alone the next one. Alot of experienced keepers already have the stuff they need because when the turtle gets big enough it goes out in a pond or stock tank (that's what I do so I have lots of ramps and such). Most of what you would call "experienced keepers" take in alot of unwanted turtles so we don't really buy them. Out of 20 I bought one for $10.00. From my own experience most of mine have come with all their stuff for free. Plus with the economy the way it is $120.00 is alot of money to most people right now. In my opinion you'd be better off finding the turtle a good home and selling the equipment separate. Someone out there needs a fish tank I'm sure.
Just my opinion.

[SmileyTurtles]

Thanks for your input. I just didn't know. I'm picky about getting the turtle a proper home, that's why I guessed on pricing the equipment as such. I have no problem giving a turtle to someone. I want an experienced keeper, no silly people who get turtles on whims! This was a rescue to begin with.

I've only done dog rescue before. Breed rescues price dogs in a range that weeds the irresponsible types out. I don't know how it works for turtles.

I just noticed that plenty of equipment can be obtained at much lower prices than retail online and by trading.

[BullDog]

Personally, I don't think your rehoming fee is off the mark. I agree that the equipment alone is worth $120, if it was new when you got it. Looking for an experienced owner might be a challenge though. It might be better to look for an enthusiastic newbie, who understands the turtle's future needs (you can "quiz" them to see if they know some basic care, like tank size, lighting needs, temperatures, etc.).
The problem with selling a turtle with a small tank is that most people will think that the tank will last the turtle the rest of his life. It might be better to put an "adoption fee" (just so it's not free) on the turtle, and sell the equipment separately.

[wiccabrat]

I agree if it's for the turtles sake ask questions, it doesn't have to be an experienced person to be the right person. I want to say I'm really glad you want to find him the right home that will do what he needs, but just keep in mind the right home will know they need bigger stuff.

[jozzep]

I'm sorry.....But why exactly did you take the turtle in, buy all the stuff, and now trying to re-home it soon after?
I read posts everyday on CL about people trying to "get rid of" their turtles asking absurd amounts of money "to make sure they go to someone who REALLY wants them"......lol
Hypocritical don't ya think??

[SmileyTurtles]

Ok, I really like telling people how I got the turtle in the first place because it is bizarre! I never intended to get a turtle (I swear this on the holiest of holy works there is). I was out walking my dogs (as usual) when someone called out to me from their driveway to see if I wanted a turtle. I don't even know them. Anyways, so their kid has clearly grown bored of the fun little turtle they've kept a few years and before I know it, they're handing it to me in a Styrofoam dish along with Reptomin pellets. No mention of a tank or anything else. They told me that they obtained the turtle "on vacation" down in Panama City, FL. They were actually going to release it, if I wasn't interested. I started thinking, that sounds like a REALLY bad idea (I've heard about snakes released in FL). And that was that, so I carried it home in the Styrofoam dish. Not knowing anything about turtles, I got online and did some initial research then the next day proceeded to get it vet checked (I wanted a health assessment). I then headed to a local reptile supply store and had the salesman have a field day with the newbie (me), as he proceeded to grab everything I'd need to set it up. That day, I believe was July 17th, 2009.

Since that time, I've learned PLENTY about these turtles! Quite frankly (oh, you can hate me if you like!), I think that the sale of turtles as token pets on beaches should be completely outlawed. These little guys require more than a plastic bucket and live practically as long as people! I doubt most people who buy these as pets on vacation are willing to commit to keeping an adult sized turtle. I've tried to contact turtle rescue groups who have listings online with phone numbers that don't exist and email addresses that don't reply.

Yes, it is a true rescue.

I can totally see that you may not believe this story and I understand completely. I've done rescue for dogs before, so I am very aware of how many people think pets are disposable with their dumb excuses (yard's too small, have newborn, dog too big, needs room to run, yadda yadda). Working with a dog rescue group is pretty taxing. Trying to adopt out a turtle? It's a first for me.

[wiccabrat]

Welcome to the world of turtle rescue!!! lol I gotta tell ya I believe you, you wouldn't believe some of the crap I hear from people. I don't hate ya, I actually agree to a point. I wouldn't want to see turtles not for sale but I'd love to see an end to death bowls and idiot pet shop workers telling people "it won't outgrow it's tank" "it needs nothing but a little water" or my favorite when it's an aquatic turtle and it has no water, or it isn't and it's in water. Shouldn't pet stores have to know what they're selling?

[mikee]

Smil-turt -- Good luck on getting the $120.00 for the turtle and set up. If I charged what I have in my turtles some folks would have to get a second mortgage on thier house. Hind-sight is always 20/20 but maybe you should have checked in it a little more before you jumped in. They are lot of fun but also expensive. m.

[jozzep]

(oh, you can hate me if you like!), I think that the sale of turtles as token pets on beaches should be completely outlawed. It is outlawed...People get fined everyday for selling turtles under 4" without a proper permit
These little guys require more than a plastic bucket and live practically as long as people! They live 30 to 40 years if properly cared for
I doubt most people who buy these as pets on vacation are willing to commit to keeping an adult sized turtle. Your totally right...I had 2 as a kid and kept them in the plastic bowl looking thing with the palm tree till they died.I was 9 and didn't know better.
I've tried to contact turtle rescue groups who have listings online with phone numbers that don't exist and email addresses that don't reply.You need to look a little better

Yes, it is a true rescue.You should have left the problem to the people who started it if you didn't have intentions of caring for it.

[untsmurf]

I don't think your story is bogus, but I don't think any experienced keeper would pay for that equipment. If they truly are experienced, they would know that they don't need the majority of what you are offering. In fact, you should try and take some of it back. This sounds like a recent purchase and you still have the receipts.

So, I would take back the rocks, filter, screen top, and the corner rock. All of these items are pretty much useless. The filter isn't rated for a turtle tank, I doubt it'd work with fish either, I think it's more for looks like frogs or something. The rocks take up swimming space and can muck up your water quickly because they trap debris very easily. The screen top filters out most of the UVB light and can be replaced with a piece of egg crate (light diffuser from your local hardware store that can be purchased for $11 for a 4' x 2' sheet that can be cut down with wire cutters or scissors). The corner rock doesn't need to be in there taking up space as you already said you have a floating dock for basking.

Returning those items should get you some of your money back. You can use that to get a better filter and maybe a fake plant or two. Then, you'll be down to the tank, filter, dock, plants, and lighting. That's all the basic stuff.

Even with taking out the unnecessary items, $120 is still too high though. Maybe you'll have better luck adopting the turtle out and selling the equipment (or returning it).

[turtletex]

Why not just ask for the 65 you payed for the vet checkup and sell the rest. Nobodies going to give you 120, i got all 4 of my turts for free, my 270 gallon pond cost 35 cause I bought it at the end of the season and it was on clearance, and my plants I got from another pond garden person for free plus I'll be going to the park to find some more this weekend Only thing ive payed for is my pump, even made my own waterfall out of stones. Honestly I think you should take as much of it back as you can and shoot for 65.

[theartbook35]

Dude, I'm going to be totally honest with you.

Normally, I'm pretty cheap.

But if you lived in the same state as me, I'd pay that rehoming fee, and be thrilled to have a setup that in my opinion is a pretty good bargain. Yes, the tank is 5 gallons to small. OMG the world will end. A 20 gallon can be liveable long enough to search for a newer, bigger tank. Plus, I like yellow bellies a lot. A real lot.

And I'm mad you live in Tennessee.

Anyone who's an uneducated fool will never pay a 120 fee. A person who has a brain on their neck that they actually use, will know if they can afford the fee or not.

But why not just keep the turtle? You seem to me like you obviously care about the cutie's well being, and, why not give it the home it has already?

[untsmurf]

Yes, the tank is 5 gallons to small. OMG the world will end.
Anyone who's an uneducated fool will never pay a 120 fee. A person who has a brain on their neck that they actually use, will know if they can afford the fee or not.

Try to keep the insults to a minimum please. SmileyTurtles started this post to ask our opinions. Just because you might not agree with them doesn't mean you need to call anyone uneducated fools with no brains on our necks then imply that we are somehow overreacting about the size of the tank for sale. That's a little much and it goes against the spirit of the site.

[SmileyTurtles]

LOL! OMG! seriously! I think I started a war in here! but I CAN understand. Seems I've got some allies and I may be making some folks here really roll their eyes at me. Well, that's perfectly alright with me.

For any eye rollers....
Now, understand I have done rescue before, got that??? but for DOGS, not turtles! Try dog rescue, please!? It's pretty heartbreaking stuff to do! and so I do understand that there's a few here thinking "who is this irresponsible jerk trying to give away the turtle, and asking for a payment??" I've thought the same thing, numerous times with people trying to give up their dogs for pretty shamefully sad reasons. Dogs are much harder to deal with trying to rehome since they get very attached to their owners, whether that owner was responsible or not. And, I've even done horse rescue on a few occasions. Try that out once in your life!! It's insane! I've seen some pretty horrid conditions where Thoroughbreds had to be confiscated due to neglect. So, I've done rescue! But, turtle rescue, this is a first.

I'd keep the turtle if:
I had a permanent address. My job has me traveling during the year throughout the Southeast and occasionally out West. I'll be in TN until late December. My dogs can come with me anywhere which they do since I never leave them at home (they don't need a tank!). My horses are boarded out at a full care barn (and funny enough they get shipped between FL and TN frequently).

Turtles require really BIG TANKS! or better yet, a protected outdoor pond set up to be turtle paradise --- I don't have a permanent home!

In all preferences, I'd prefer the turtle to go to a DEDICATED turtle hobbyist. I know that they exist. This is a vet checked turtle by a local herp' vet. That's got to be a good thing! I've already learned that people buy turtles through online petshops, ship them overnight, w/o any health clearances. I'd think my asking fee isn't too bad since this is a healthy turtle.

And if anyone is wondering...
I'd take the turtle back, if the future owner can't keep it. I don't mind doing the work to find a suitable home, not at all.

I have no problem altogether just dropping the fee, not at all, and if I find a good home, great!! I'll let it all go for $0, in that case. I had no idea that this stuff was so easy to get at cheaper prices. I had no idea that so many turtles are available. I'd think someone would be happy that I did go out and outfit this little turtle with a proper house! And, oops! I paid retail. Well, whatever. I lost a little $$ so what! Call it a learning experience. I KNOW that turtles eventually require the 120 gallon tank along with the big Eheim canister filter (but a clean natural turtle pond with real sunlight is way better than a tank). With that in mind, I thought $120 was a valid price to help weed through people. With turtle housing, you're going to spend it eventually.

Despite all my yakking above, I'll be dropping my seemingly "absurd" price. I'll use the high price on people who contact me about the turtle by asking only "how much?" In that case, I'll raise my asking price to $300.00 and I'll want their vet to call me to tell me that they're so great! they've won the turtle parent of the year award for the last decade.

Actually, I have had a few inquiries in the past few days that seem to be potentially good homes. One guy sent me pictures of his turtles, his tanks, and he's got vet ref's. He has turtles, his mom has turtles, and his girlfriend has turtles as pets. They've got turtles that are at least 5 years old. And, they don't live very far from me, so I can go and see it all for myself.

Look, I just want the turtle to get one of those rare *GREAT* homes with a turtle keeper that really is fascinated by turtles and treats them well, that's all.


The rest of this message is blah blah blah......

If you're wondering. Now that I've lost some sense of my complete ignorance of the turtle pet trade. (Just to keep this conversation rolling...and heated...because it's rather interesting, so have fun at my expense).....

NO, I don't think turtles should be kept as pets by everyone! I think life in a too small tank seems depressing. Keeping a turtle in a tank for a short time, with the intention of eventually moving it to a sunlit pond is ok. Turtles would do better in habitats that mimic their natural environment and give them PLENTY of room, once their adults. I've seen some amazing turtle ponds online. I've learned all of this in less than a few weeks, maybe I'm wrong? Like I said, I've got horses, I'd never keep them stuck in a stall with a small paddock (but I've had to do that!!! I was dealing with a horse with a suspensory strain)! That would be depressing! They're on 24/7 turnout as much as possible.

And the idea of selling turtles on beaches to tourists? How come I've not seen this??? I go to beaches in FL, SC on occasion. Please, how can this be stopped? Seriously? It's news to me! Someone ought to be standing there educating people about the reality of keeping turtles. It's a big investment! Of course, dealers would never do that! Too many customers would leave, and the dealer would be out of biz. Selling tiny turtles on beaches amounts to turtle "puppy milling" imo (Oh no, you all must think I'm a card carrying PETA member now! LOL! I'm not! and I think PETA is weird!) However, I'm not too fond of pet shops at all! Dealers look at pets as commodities that have to be sold, they don't care what happens after the $$ is in their hand. I guess that's just an ethics question, so its up to the individual.

Oh, I have to answer Jozzep who sounds pretty darned experienced with turtles....since you're pretty P.O.'d with me....nevertheless....
I tried about 12 different rescues (few if any replies) in more than 4 states (NC, GA, AL, and TN) as well as my local city zoo (Actually they had a cool herpetologist that gave me plenty of info!) and the Chattanooga Aquarium and I consulted with 4 reptile rescue/rehab' specialists near my town, as well as the University of TN exotics clinic in Knoxville, and every herp' vet in town too. Was that not trying hard enough?

Should I have left the turtle with the former owner?
No, I didn't want to leave it with the irresponsible doofs! Look, I went out and got the turtle some kind of housing. I still think I did a good thing for one turtle! You wouldn't say what you said, if you were THIS turtle (just pretend!). My turtle's pretty content that it didn't get tossed. It looks great, it's finally eating well, and it's very active! To me, that's pretty great. So, if I'm in this situation again, I'll probably do the same thing and save another turtle if its passed into my hands as easily as this one. Absolutely! But I'll look for used equipment LOL! and avoid being price gouged by retail!