Buying
Before buying a terrapin you need to consider several factors and decide which species is best for you, not only on experience, but also on space for a suitable habitat. Depending on the species and sex, there are terrapins fairly readily available in the UK that can reach anywhere from around 6" all the way up to 2ft or more! They can also live for well over 30 years, so this should also be considered as it makes terrapins a life-long commitment as well as a pet.
While most terrapin keepers will readily admit to having bought their terrapins without doing as much research as they should have, we like to hope that others can learn from our mistakes and our experiences and ensure that they research as thoroughly as possible before they just go out and pick up the first species they come across. This is one of the main reasons that the Terrapin Tank was created, and we hope you also join the forum to ask any further questions if you aren't sure.
You should be aware that pet shops are notorious for telling you your terrapin is a species which is isn’t and they are rarely truthful about future requirements, sizes and diet.
A very important point to consider once you've decided on your terrapin is to try and find a healthy one as a lot of new keepers get disheartened when their new arrival dies suddenly due to an illness which it has had for a while. Due to the way they are bred and transported / kept, a lot of hatchlings are ill, or at least at risk due to sharing a tank with ill terrapin(s). If the hatchling is active, bright eyed, and has a clear nose, then chances are they are ok. You should check all terrapins in the tank which your terrapin in, and preferably all terrapins in the shop.
Most importantly, consider rehoming, there are hundreds of rescued terrapins without homes, through our affiliated rescues these are free to a good home. Rescues are not always adults and often they have exactly what you are looking for. So why not have a look around, figure out what you are looking for and get yourself to the forum where there are always plenty of terrapins looking for new homes.
For more information on quarantine click here. (This link will take you to the forum)