Up until the 1970’s it was not uncommon to find Red-Eared Sliders (RES) sold in dime stores across America. Almost anyone who was a child at that time can recall keeping a little baby turtle in a plastic dish with a fake palm tree at some point or another growing up.

In the early 1970’s, the FDA identified Red-Eared Sliders as carriers of Salmonella. Salmonella is a bacterium that can make people sick – especially children. ** In humans, it is characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach aches. It was estimated that almost a quarter million cases of salmonellosis a year were caused by improperly kept turtles.

A ban of small turtles was enacted in 1975. The ban stated that no turtle with a carapace length of under 4 inches should be sold unless it was being used for “educational, scientific, or research purposes.” ***

Today, there are many misconceptions about this ban and turtles in general. In fact, most people who work at pet shops and with turtles professionally have never actually read the law.

Chinchillas can make wonderful pets for the right owner.  They have tons of personality and are very unique little critters!  T

his article will cover topics such as basic facts, a new chin supply list, preparing for a new chinchilla, bonding, bathing, exercise, quarantine and introductions of new chinchillas. It covers various facts and important information about Chinchillas, Chinchila care, behaviour, and more.