What Size Turtle Should a Beginner Get? Don’t Believe Bigger is Better, Sub-adults Are the Way to Go!

Many people struggle with a decision before getting a turtle: should they choose a cute little hatchling, or go directly for a large turtle? It’s commonly believed that large turtles have better constitutions and are less prone to illness, thus having a higher survival rate compared to juveniles. This is not untrue; for any animal, a mature individual is certainly stronger and more robust than a young one. But are large turtles really that worry-free? Is this really the case?

The Unique Advantages of Large Turtles

Superior Disease Resistance

Adult turtles have fully developed immune systems, and their resistance to common diseases (like colds, pneumonia, and gastroenteritis) far exceeds that of juveniles, making them more suitable for beginners who are “afraid of hassle.”

Easier to Care For

Their metabolism slows down, so they don’t need to be fed daily. Feeding once every 2-3 days is sufficient, which is suitable for busy office workers.

Strong Environmental Adaptability

They have a higher tolerance for fluctuations in water temperature and quality, making them less likely to get sick. However, when it comes to stress, large turtles are actually more severely affected than small ones.

The ‘Fatal Flaws’ of Large Turtles

Huge Space Requirements

A large turtle with a 30cm carapace needs a tank of at least 1.2 meters. Is there enough space on your balcony or in your living room?

Soaring Upkeep Costs

A voracious appetite + a huge amount of waste means the expenses for filter media, electricity, and turtle food will increase exponentially.

Risk of Aggression

Certain species (like snapping turtles) have stronger bite forces as they grow larger, so households with families need to be cautious. A bite from a large snapping turtle is no ordinary injury and requires special attention.

Recommendation for Beginners: Sub-adult Turtles

The recommendation for beginners: sub-adult turtles (sub-adult turtle)! Sub-adults with a moderate size (8-15cm carapace) have already passed the high-mortality stage of juveniles. Their physical condition is stable, upkeep costs are manageable, and they maintain a high level of interactivity, making them the best choice for getting started!

In fact, most people’s choices fall between hatchlings (hatchling/young turtle) and sub-adults. Unless it’s for breeding purposes, fellow turtle keepers rarely buy adult turtles. Most adult turtles are either not truly adults but rather sub-adults or have undergone accelerated growth in a controlled environment, or they are turtles with declining reproductive capacity that have been retired from active breeding programs. Compared to one you raise yourself, there are many more “pitfalls” here.

Besides, some adult turtles are truly massive, and an ordinary home just doesn’t have enough space.

Keeping Turtles Isn’t a Case of ‘The Bigger, The Better’

The conclusion is, when it comes to keeping turtles, bigger isn’t necessarily better! Hobbyists who are just “getting into the hobby” should start with sub-adult turtles to gradually build up experience before considering upgrading to large turtles or hatchlings. Turtle keeping is a long-term commitment, and suitability is more important than size!