Turtles are among the easiest pets to maintain. Although they are slow and not demanding, turtles can be very entertaining and unique. A budget is essential if you are interested in owning and buying a turtle.
The one-time cost of bringing home a new turtle
The turtle purchase is the most expensive one-time expense you will face. They are usually only required to have an enclosure. Turtles don’t have to be very careful with the materials they use, so they rarely need to be replaced.
No cost
Many people are looking to rehome turtles. Turtles are usually not expensive pets and are often not charged a rehoming fee. As long as you have all the necessary materials, it is likely that rescuing turtles will be free.
Adoption
- $10-$40
You can adopt a turtle by going to your local pet shop or shelter. The shelter will usually take a turtle that is not found a home in their community. A small selection of turtles is also available for adoption at pet shops.
Breeder
- $50-$100
If you’re serious about turtle ownership, you have the option to adopt from a breeder. Your turtle will cost between $50 and $100. There aren’t many turtle breeders, but you can still find them for rarer and better varieties. Even if the breeder raises a typical species of turtle, it will often be more expensive than buying or adopting them.
| The Painted Turtle | $20-40 |
| Box Turtle | $25-50 |
| Red-Eared Slider: | $10-30 |
| Common Wood Turtle | $20-100 |
Prices for Supplies
- $200-$800
It is up to you how much you spend on supplies for your turtle’s enclosure. The majority of the supplies that you buy at the beginning are a one-time investment in an animal that will live as long as possible. Captive turtles can live up to 80 years.
Cost and a list of turtle care supplies
| Cage: | $50-$300 |
| Annual Veterinary Checkup | $45-$75 |
| Tank Supplies and Equipment | $100-$400 |
| Bedding: | $20-$40/month |
| Additional supplies: | $5 |
| Toys: | $10 |
| Carrier: | $10 |
| Food and treats: | $20-40/month |
| Water and food bowls | $10 |
Cost of annual expenses
$200-$500 per annum
The average annual cost of a turtle is $200 to $500 depending on the type of food they eat, how often their tank is cleaned, and how many toys and supplies they have.
We will discuss the veterinary visit as a part of the turtle’s annual expense budget.
Health Care
$45-$200 annually
A turtle’s annual vet checkup is all you have to worry about. You only need to give them a checkup when they are first purchased. They don’t get any vaccinations and should not have microchipped. Any surgery to spay/neuter them is very invasive.
Check-Ups
$45-$75 annually
You will only need to worry about your turtle’s health if they have a check-up. You can take them to a vet who is familiar with reptiles. Give them a thorough exam without making any invasive procedures. The treatment should be sufficient to check their health for the coming year.
Vaccinations
$0
Most reptiles are immune to vaccines, including turtles. These tiny, fragile animals don’t have many problems and therefore do not require shots.
Pet turtles are completely immune to vaccinations. There have never been any vaccines that could be used to protect turtles in the pet industry.
Dental
$0
Turtles do not have teeth so a vet will not be required to provide dental care. They are more like birds in that they have only a beak. Although fossils may have contained turtle teeth, modern turtles don’t have any other than a strong jaw that can easily rip apart their prey.
Parasite Treatments
$15-$150/year
Parasites are one of the most common problems that turtles can get infected with. As with any creature, turtles may become infected by parasites such as tapeworms and flagellates.
These issues can become life-threatening if they are not treated. Your vet should be notified if you suspect your turtle is suffering from parasites, possibly from their food. Your vet will prescribe the right medication and treatment to get rid of these parasites.
Emergencies
$100+ per Year
It can be difficult to calculate how much you would spend on emergency treatment for your turtle. Because you are able to monitor their environment, these situations rarely occur. You should have at least $100 saved for emergencies involving turtles so you’re prepared in case they occur once or twice during a turtle’s long life.
For ongoing conditions, Medications
$50-$150 annually
Your turtle will not have ongoing conditions that require them to be on medication. They might experience an issue as they get older and their bodies become more complex. You don’t need to worry about turtle maintenance costs being too expensive as it isn’t very common for turtle medication to be extremely costly.
Insurance
$48-$1,200 annually
It is rare to insure a turtle, as they are usually very expensive pets. Some of these exotic animals might be worth something if they are sold on the right market. It’s a good idea to get insurance if you want to protect your turtles or your investment. Turtle insurance can cost as low as $4 per month, but it can go up to $100 if you have a very rare species.
Food costs
$240-$480 annually
The species of your turtle will determine its diet. Terrestrial turtles are omnivores. They need a variety of insects, including earthworms, grubs, and snails.
A good selection of turtle food can be found at pet shops. You can also order it online if you prefer more control over the diet. You can easily add food for your turtle to your grocery list.
Environment Maintenance
$130 to $200 per year
Your turtle’s care is easy. Once you have invested, their environments are easy to manage. Although you may need to replace toys and tank equipment from time to time, the cost is not prohibitive. Your turtle will be content if their heat lamps work properly and its environment is clean.
| Bedding: | $60/year |
| Treated water | $30/year |
| Toys: | $40/year |
Entertainment
$40-$120 annually
Turtles are simple creatures that don’t need much. You can buy turtle toys and structures, but it is up to you to decide how much money you wish to spend on your turtle each year.
The Total Annual Cost to Own a Turtle
$285-$555 annually
A turtle’s annual cost can be quite high, especially when you consider the costs of other household pets. These figures do not include the cost of the turtle’s initial purchase or the cage. Once you have the setup, there will be no need to buy them again.
A Turtle on a Budget
Because they require very little maintenance, turtles are easy pets to keep on a tight budget. They don’t require much to keep them happy. You should invest in a good-quality enclosure and tank, and then keep the turtle happy for the rest of their lives.
They can be kept happy and healthy by spending just $20 per month.
Save Money on Turtle Care
Because turtle care is already very affordable, there aren’t many ways you can save money. Because they are such an important part of their lives, you shouldn’t cut corners on their bedding or food.
You can start with a tank of high quality, but then you will be able to save money to upgrade to better materials.
Last Thoughts
Some people might find the initial cost of a turtle and all their supplies a bit steep, especially if they are high-quality. If you’re really determined, you can spend as much as $400. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a turtle. In fact, you can add more space as they grow.
After you’ve made the initial investment, it’s very simple and inexpensive to care for your turtle each year. You can relax and enjoy your turtle friend!
What is the value of a pet turtle?
99% of turtles and tortoises sold in North American pet stores are priced between $0 and $1,000. However, the great majority of those turtles will cost between $0 and $50.
Do pet turtles have the ability to bite?
The straightforward answer is yes. In captivity, it usually happens by chance. It typically occurs during hand feeding or when they are hungry and “test bite” to determine whether anything they perceive is edible
Is it possible to bathe turtles?
Giving your chelonian companion a bath is very safe, and he or she could even like it! All that is required is a toothbrush, a tub large enough to hold the tortoises, and lukewarm water, no deeper than is required to cover the entire plastron and a few centimeters of the carapace
Are turtles poisonous?
Chelonitoxism is most usually associated with green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles, however, poisoning can occur following the consumption of other turtle species.
Do turtles recognize their own names?
Tortoises are quite intelligent and may learn their own names. Turtles will identify their caretakers as well, primarily because they are delighted that you are giving them food
Is a turtle an inexpensive pet?
A pet turtle can cost anywhere from $20 to $200 or more on average. When calculating the entire cost of having a pet turtle, consider the cost of the turtle’s habitat, heat lamp, basking place, UVB light, and food.
What does a pet turtle consume?
The majority of turtles are omnivores, which means they consume both meat and vegetation. Slugs, worms, crickets, apples, tomatoes, melons, and lush green vegetables are also common diets for box turtles. Dandelion leaves are also abundant in vitamin A and calcium, making them an excellent choice for a pet turtle’s diet
How frequently do you feed a turtle?
Smaller or more young turtles will eat often. Adult turtles may be given a good-sized piece of food every two or three days as they get older.
Do pet turtles require tanks?
Turtles. Turtles spend much of their time in the water. They’ll require an aquarium with a screened top that holds at least 29 gallons. Turtles require 12 hours of “daylight” every day, although their tank should not be placed in direct sunlight.
How much does a baby turtle cost?
A young turtle’s price might vary substantially. Depending on the turtle type, expect to pay between $10 and $100. Some exotic turtle species might even cost between $250 and $500. In comparison to other pets such as kittens and puppies, baby turtles can be quite affordable.