Buying
Before buying a terrapin you need to consider several factors to make sure you are not making a mistake. Firstly, you need to know that terrapins can grow up to 6-12 inches dependant on species, and often live to reach ages above 30.
You should always ask the shop keepers general questions about the keeping of terrapins, make sure they know what they are talking about, find out what breeds they stock and find out which is best for you.
If you don’t think the staff know what they are talking about don’t risk buying them, because if they don’t know how to care for them then it is likely the terrapins are not healthy and they may not live long. If your happy with the staff then take a good look at the terrapin tank, how clean it is, how lively the terrapins are and how crowded it is, if your still happy then ask to see them.
You should check that the terrapins eyes are bright and not cloudy, their nostrils should be clean, with no mucus or discharge. Check for mucus like discharge in the tank also, do not take any terrapins who are in a tank with a dead terrapin.
When one is lost then all others in that tank should be on quarantine for a minimum of 4 weeks. If all is well then go ahead and take your new pet home.
For more information on quarantine click here.