Turtles and Tortoises in Mythology
Turtles and tortoises have often been featured in legends and folklore. For example, in Hindu mythology, black, soft-shelled turtles are believed to represent the souls of dead sinners who have been transformed into reptiles by a 13th-century saint. The Thais believe that freeing a turtle will bring relief from sadness and upset, while the Vietnamese believe that seeing a turtle crossing the street will delay your plans. In Chinese culture, it is believed that patting the shell of a turtle or tortoise will bring luck. In parts of Angola, putting a tortoiseshell underneath your door is believed to help warn off a rival These and more are Myths about Turtles and Tortoises.
Longevity and Superstitions
Because turtles and tortoises have long lifespans, they are often involved in superstitions regarding longevity. For example, keeping a pet tortoise in the home is believed to ensure the longevity of the family patriarch. Additionally, tortoise meat is believed to have healing powers, giving long life to the consumer, just like the tortoise.
Popular Myths Regarding Pet Turtles
Misconceptions About Turtle Care
Myth 1: Turtles are Easy Pets
Turtles, like most reptiles, are very challenging pets and are not recommended for beginners or casual pet owners. They often grow to an impractical size and require special indoor housing, as well as having complicated dietary requirements and habits. Many species will not survive unless cared for by a genuine enthusiast with thorough knowledge of that particular species and its special needs. Turtles are definitely not good pets for children due to the high risk of Salmonella and other infections. They are more suited to being an expensive hobby than an average household pet.
Myth 2: Turtles and Tortoises Only Live About 5 Years
Turtles and tortoises are some of the most long-lived species on the planet. They are an ancient group of animals, with many species virtually unchanged since they first evolved, even before the dinosaurs. Turtles and tortoises in captivity regularly live to 50 years or more, so responsible owners need to plan for their pet tortoises and turtles in their wills.
Myth 3: Turtles and Tortoises Don’t Need Veterinary Care
Because of their slow metabolism, turtles and tortoises usually do not show signs of being sick until the illness has progressed very far and is quite severe. Therefore, it is crucial to have a knowledgeable vet who is experienced with reptiles and can help recognize the danger signs. Symptoms to look out for include swollen or closed eyes, remaining in one place, lack of movement, loss of appetite, and discharge from the nose or eyes.
Proper Sources and Habits
Myth 4: The Best Place to Buy Turtles and Tortoises is the Pet Store
This is the worst place to buy them. Even common pets like small rodents should come from reputable breeders or specialist suppliers, and this is even more true of ‘exotic’ pets like reptiles. Many animals that pass through pet stores have been illegally trapped from the wild or obtained from unscrupulous “farms” – about 90% will die in transit and the remainder will often be stressed, weak, and diseased. Some animal shelters or rescues may have turtles and tortoises looking for a good home. Research and contact a reptile enthusiast group to get the contact details of good, ethical suppliers.
Myth 5: All Turtles Hibernate Underground
This is true for some species, such as box turtles, but other species have very different habits. Some will burrow deep into a pile of leaves, while others even hibernate underwater. The most important thing is that the tortoise or turtle is healthy and “heavy” (full of food reserves) before entering hibernation.
Common Behaviors and Needs
Myth 6: Turtles Hiss Like Snakes When Annoyed
This is not true hissing but rather the sound a turtle or tortoise makes as it pulls its head in quickly when it senses danger. This action forces air out and creates a hissing noise.
Myth 7: Turtles Can Eat Anything
Each species of turtle or tortoise has its own specific dietary requirements, although several species may share similar tastes and nutritional needs. Most will need to eat live food, like snails, fish, and worms. Processed human food, which would not be found in the wild, should be avoided.
Myth 8: Tiny Water Turtles Will Always Remain Small
This is one of the biggest misconceptions, leading many people to buy these turtles, which turn out to be very unsuitable pets. Those tiny turtles are very young and will definitely grow much bigger as they mature.
Myth 9: Washing a Turtle Will Remove Salmonella
Unfortunately, this does not work. No matter how “clean” you think your pet turtle is (and how often you “wash” it), it is still very likely to be carrying the deadly Salmonella bacterium. It is essential to always wash your hands after handling the turtle or tortoise and to keep its equipment/housing out of the kitchen. Turtles and tortoises are considered a danger in homes with children under six years old.
Myth 10: Turtles Only Need Artificial Lighting
Turtles need real sunlight to remain healthy, grow normally, and maintain healthy, strong bones. Without proper sunlight, they will develop metabolic bone disease, a severe condition where the bones become weakened and “disintegrate.” It is important to let turtles and tortoises have time to bask in the sun.