May 4, 2025, 9:11 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Sooner or later, every child asks about getting a pet. Often, the choice falls on animals thought to be easy to care for, such as hamsters or rabbits. It’s only later realized that these are not “cuddly” pets. Reptiles, too, do not enjoy human contact and can even pose health risks. Therefore, parents should carefully consider before buying a tortoise for their child.
Tortoises are popular pets, but they are not cuddly. It’s important for parents to know: The Greek and European tortoises, still commonly kept in Germany, are definitely not suitable pets for children — and even aquatic turtles are more suited for experienced aquarists.
Tortoises Don’t Care Much for Human Contact
Tortoises may seem harmless and fascinating, but anyone who thinks they are cuddly pets for children is fundamentally mistaken. Patrick Boncourt, an expert on exotic animals at the German Animal Welfare Federation, strongly warns against typical care mistakes and explains why picking them up is pure stress for the animals. “Especially because caring for these very demanding animals requires expertise that children simply cannot provide.”
The Kitzingen Tortoise Rescue Station also advises caution on its website when acquiring a tortoise. “We recommend a minimum age of 12 years for acquiring a tortoise. The child should enjoy caring for and observing the animal. They should be able to feed the animal independently and daily and help creatively with building the outdoor enclosure,” the animal welfare advocates continue.
A tortoise has many underestimated needs. Not only does it feel most comfortable in an outdoor enclosure in the garden, but it also requires a tortoise house, a refrigerator for winter hibernation, and a suitable cold frame for awakening. Without a garden with adequate space, even adult tortoise enthusiasts should refrain from keeping one. Additionally, the keeping of these reptiles must be reported to the relevant veterinary authority, as Greek tortoises are protected species.
Reptiles Remain Wild Animals
Unlike dogs or cats, tortoises and other reptiles are not domesticated animals. They are still considered wild animals with a strong flight instinct. “They are very fearful in dealing with humans and do not enjoy contact. That must be clearly stated,” says Boncourt.
Petting or picking up by children can cause significant stress for the animals. The latter is particularly problematic, as Boncourt emphasizes: “The only situation in nature where this occurs is when a bird of prey grabs them. This means being lifted off the ground is very stressful for them because it is life-threatening.”
Besides handling issues, parents should not underestimate the potential health risks of keeping tortoises. After contact with turtles, children — and, of course, adults — should wash their hands thoroughly. The reason: Reptiles carry salmonella in their natural gut flora, which can cause severe infections in humans.
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Aquatic Turtles as Pets for Children?
Of course, there are not only land-dwelling tortoises — but are aquatic turtles better suited as pets for children? These can still be purchased in many pet stores. North American sliders and painted turtles are particularly common. These initially very small animals were specifically bred for the pet trade.
However, this doesn’t last long. These animals reach a shell length of 30 to 40 centimeters and then require an aquarium with a minimum edge length of 180 to 200 centimeters. This is too large for many children’s rooms. Aquatic turtles also do not appreciate being taken out of their aquarium.
However, there are some species of aquatic turtles that remain smaller, especially if you get a male specimen. These animals can be kept in an aquarium with an edge length of 80 centimeters. This includes some species of musk turtles, mud turtles, or box turtles.
Even these animals are partially protected species and require a lot of equipment to provide them with a suitable home with the right temperature and an appropriate land area. Therefore, keeping them should be reserved for adult aquarists — who can, of course, work together with their children on the perfect setup for an aquatic turtle.
With material from dpa