Hey guys! My sister works at a daycare type thing, and they are looking for a pet for the kids. She is looking for a turtle, but I was wondering what other kind of reptile, or any other pet, would be good for them? She is in Lexington, Kentucky, so if anyone knows of anyone that has something to sell, please let me know.
Thanks!

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<3 Tessa

0.0.2 painted turtles (Mo and Squirt)
1.0.0 yellow bellied slider (Jebidiah)
0.1.0 Amelanistic corn snake (Rose)
1.0.0 Hog Island/Colombian Boa (Kah)
0.2.0 Colombian Boa (Jasmine) and her baby(no name yet)
1.0.0 Suriname Boa (Kayne)
0.2.0 Cats (Lilly and Reese)

I would honestly steer her away from a turtle. They are extremely high maintainance and the tank can get smelly very quickly and they are expensive to properly set up!
Not to mention the salmonella risk.
How old are the kids in this situation and will they have access to the animal or just wanting a "look at but don't touch" pet?

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

I asked if they really wanted a turtle, and she said yes. I'm trying to find other alternatives for her. I'm not sure how old they are, but I will find out. I really don't know what kind of pet they want lol.

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<3 Tessa

0.0.2 painted turtles (Mo and Squirt)
1.0.0 yellow bellied slider (Jebidiah)
0.1.0 Amelanistic corn snake (Rose)
1.0.0 Hog Island/Colombian Boa (Kah)
0.2.0 Colombian Boa (Jasmine) and her baby(no name yet)
1.0.0 Suriname Boa (Kayne)
0.2.0 Cats (Lilly and Reese)

Has she thought out the expense of even setting it up? Most people only think of the cost of the animal itself.
A ten gallon tank and a corner box filter just won't get it.
Just point out that, for the turtles commonly seen in the pet trade, they are talking about large aquariums, 55 gal or bigger, heavy duty power filtration, UVB mercury vapor lights and heaters.
A poorly set up, improperly maintained aquatic turtle enclosure will stink to high heaven!
If they want something that they can handle, a bearded dragon would probably be the best bet. Docile, manageable and tough enough to stand up to a bit of childish exuberance!
But even then it will still take some bucks to get everything set up.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

If she runs a daycare, she also needs to check with local laws and about animals. Friends of mine were setting up an in-house daycare and MD law made them adopt out their pot belly pig pet before they could get the permit.

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

I agree that a turtle would not be the best choice, but if shes deadset on a turtle, try talking her into a box turtle, or a smaller tortise. There alot easier then a aquatic turtle.

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"Nobody can do Everything, but Everybody can do Something."

Reticulated python.

Really we'd need more info, how much space/money does she have? How old are the kids? Will they be handling it? Will they be helping with the care?

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"If you're not falling, you're not trying." - Sonni Trotter

~*~Lacey~*~

My Photos

She doesn't own the daycare, she just works there. She also knows how to take care of an aquatic turtle properly, as we've had them most of out lives, and she has some as well. I don't think they are looking to spend a lot, as the turtle she was looking at was on craigslist for free.
I know that she used to care for the infants, but now I'm not sure. They may be looking for a classroom pet more for the teachers, and not children.
I won't be able to find out more information until later today, sorry.
I was just looking for some suggestions that I can bring up to her.

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<3 Tessa

0.0.2 painted turtles (Mo and Squirt)
1.0.0 yellow bellied slider (Jebidiah)
0.1.0 Amelanistic corn snake (Rose)
1.0.0 Hog Island/Colombian Boa (Kah)
0.2.0 Colombian Boa (Jasmine) and her baby(no name yet)
1.0.0 Suriname Boa (Kayne)
0.2.0 Cats (Lilly and Reese)

What about some frogs. A look but dont touch thing... I had some fire belly toads for a little while and my kids 1 and 4 would just sit for an hour and watch them. Most frogs are easy to care for, and they do not require a super expencive set up like turtles. Alot of them dont even require uvb if they have the proper diet. Most frogs are low matinence. I spot clean my red eyes cage once a day and break it down and clean on a 7-10 day basis...

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"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." ~ Immanual Kant

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." ~ Anatole France

Some frogs would be great, like a leopard frog, or a whites green tree frog. But if it involves little children, firebelly toads may not be the best option. I've personally seen parents freak out when they hear the cute little toad there child is going to be taking home is toxic.

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"Nobody can do Everything, but Everybody can do Something."