Any person intrigued and fascinated by observing a turtle or tortoise who subsequently aspires to possess one should first and foremost do their research on the specific species. The acquisition of a tortoise or turtle must be considered fully in all aspects.

For consideration -

Keeping chelonians is not an inexpensive proposition. In all areas we strive to replicate their natural habitat and diet as closely as possible. In addition, before acquiring a chelonian, one should first inquire of the local Exotics Veterinarian if he/she is educated in the anatomy, care and treatment, of "turtles" and ask about the basic office visit fee. Currently, an office visit with a qualified turtle vet in Albuquerque runs between $58 and $65 plus tax and medications.

Your turtle or tortoise will probably outlive you when you provide it with the proper care and you are making an investment of a lifetime when you accept the responsibility and joys of turtle keeping.

Many folks buy a turtle on impulse, receive little or no care information and sometimes the information received is wrong. Consequently, many animals are abandoned, neglected or turned in to rescue as they become burdens - the child loses interest, the teen goes away to college . . .Thousands of turtles and tortoises are available for adoption from reputable rescue organizations. Some of these need special care but All need good loving homes. Please join us in making ADOPTION your first avenue toward a mutually beneficial, satisfying and happy relationship!

There are many hundreds of species and sub-species of turtles and tortoises still roaming our earth today, although in limited numbers, and we are most concerned with their protection and preservation. We will offer here a brief guide to information for the most commonly found chelonians in the U.S. in pet stores and other venues.

North American Box Turtles (Terrapene):

The most common box turtles found in the U.S. are Terrapene carolina carolina (Eastern), T. c. triunguis (Three-toed); T.c. major Gulf Coast); T. c. bauri (Florida); T. ornata ornata (Ornate) and T. o. luteola (Western/Desert).

To get a good idea of what species of turtle you have, visit the World Chelonian Trust's Species Gallery at www.chelonia.org and click on T for Terrapene or click here  www.chelonia.org/terrapenegallery.htm

While doing your research, be sure to visit Tess Cook's online book, Box Turtle Care A-Z ,  Melissa Kaplan's, Herp Care Collection and Mary Hopson's, Box Turtle Care

Additional general information can be researched here:

     CTTC

     Tortoise Trust

     World Chelonian Trust

Amphibians and Reptiles of New Mexico
William G. Degenhardt, Charles W. Painter, Andrew H. Price 0 8263 1695 6

Keeping & Breeding Tortoises & Freshwater Turtles
(Practical Encyclopedia of)
A. C. Highfield 1 873943 06 7

The Box Turtle Manual
Phillipe de Vosjoli, Roger Klingenberg, D.V.M.