Essay on Tortoises or Turtles, which are better pets?

Nowadays, tortoises and turtles have ranked as popular pets for everyone to have. However, some of us might still unable to tell the difference between these two amazing pets. Thus, we are in dilemma to figure out tortoise or turtles, which are better pets?

Well, the first information that you should recognize is that both tortoises and turtles are in the same category of animal classification. The difference in this context is that tortoises belong to the family Testudinidae, meanwhile, turtles might came from one of various families of tortoises.

A hard shell protects both tortoises and turtles from predators. Both of them also lay their eggs then burry them inside the sand or else undergrowth of some nature. Due to the fact that both tortoises and turtles belong to a reptile family, then they definitely require outside techniques to maintain their body temperature under control.

Why you may like turtles over tortoises

Even though both tortoises and turtles are quite alike, but some people prefer to choose one of them as pets rather than the others. Here are some reasons why pet lovers like turtles over tortoises:

·         Turtles are quite unique

Many pet lovers have approved that turtles are unique from other pet reptiles. The reason is due to the aquatic look of the shells that they have.

·         Turtles are not picky in food

Almost of turtles are quite adaptable eaters and they are not picky in food. Thus, they will eat whatever food that you give.

Why you may like tortoises over turtles

On the other hand, some pet lovers have a different opinion where they like to have tortoises as pets instead of turtles. Here are the reasons why:

·         Tortoises are clean animals

Yes, tortoises necessitate a clean environment to survive. Thus, it is fair to say that tortoises can be included in clean animals. You will need to provide clean water, a clean bed, and overall, a clean environment for your tortoise.

·         Tortoises are quite short and sturdy if compared with turtles

What to consider before bringing tortoises and turtles to your home

            If you confuse on the best ones to bring home as a pet, then you should consider the main essential thing from bringing tortoises or turtles to your home:

·         Consider which type of habitat that you would be able to provide at home

One thing to be noted, if you decide to have turtles as pets, then you would have to prepare a big tank filled with enough water, in which you have to fill 10 gallons of water for each inch of shell that your turtle possesses. In addition to this, you would also need a durable filtration since turtles are known as extremely messy animals. Plus, turtles require a bright space to stretch out and also to dry off completely.

On the other hand, tortoises require more space to roam around since they love to explore their habitat. However, tortoises require only a small water bowl for them to drink out, instead of a huge swimming pool. The reason is due to tortoises are in the family of land animals. Yet, remember that you might have to regularly soak them up in warm water, with a purpose to maintain their body hydrated.

Final Words

By large and general, both tortoises and turtles will be great pets for anyone to have. The only challenge is that both of them have different requirements regarding their type of habitat. In addition to this, you also would have to understand properly which type of food and other particular details that would be easier for you to manage. By doing so, you would be able to take care of your pet, no matter which one that you would choose.

Remember as well to set up your home first before you would bring your tortoises or turtles home. Try to create as same habitat as possible with their original habitat. This will definitely lessen any type of strain that your pets might feel when they step inside your home for the first time. Let them adapt themselves and feel comfortable with the new environment.

Well, good luck with your pets!