Mummyrush08
New Member
Hi! Newbie here (to the site that is)This is something that has been bugging me for the past few years, seeing 12-17 year olds thinking about getting a tortoise or even a parrot (really any pet that can potentially out live them)
Tortoises are not like a dog or cat that lives max. 20 years, these little (or giant) guys can live longer then us! And in my eyes thats not a type of commitment a teen or a kid should be able to make... what happens when said 'kid' moves out on there own and cant take the tortoise or falls into money troubles (like most people do when they 1st go out on their own) and cant afford to buy food or new lighting or vet bills (exotic vets are more expensive then 'normal vets')
It seems really irresponsible in my eyes for a parent to allow someone underage to get a tortoise (unless of course the parent really wants one and is more then willing to take on the responsibility, but even then the parent should get the tortoise not the child)
ive seen too many kids these days on facebook groups, other forums etc. asking how to talk their parents into letting them get a tortoise.... then later coming back and saying they got it....
I waited 5 years before seriously considering getting one... I knew i didnt have the money or time, and with a toddler it just wasn't a smart choice. I figure something that lives so long deserves to have as much thought put into it as you would if you were deciding if your family was ready for a kid... its a life long commitment... and in that aspect its no different.
as a society we dont readily let our kids, or teens, make choices that will effect their whole future... most of these choices are made after high school at the age of 18. so why are these parents allowing their kids to make a life long commitment to something living and breathing so easily?
thoughts?
am i the only one this bugs?
We have an Indian star tortoise that actually belongs to my almost 9year old son. He got him for his 6th birthday After spending a year going into the shop to see the little guy and hold him and asking to bring him home. Almost 3 years later and my sons still loves him. Still helps feed and clean him out (we have given him more responsibility as he’s gotten older) and just absolutely dotes on him. My son understands that his tortoise is a pet for life and it’s up to him if he takes the tortoise with him when he moves out (in many many years haha) or if he wants to leave him with us. Currently he fully intends to take the tortoise wherever he goes but we as his parents will make sure he is living somewhere that is suitable first.