AboutYexalen Expertise I am experienced with the care, lighting, heating, breeding, sexing, species identification, and general keeping of mostly aquatic turtles. I also have experience with tortoises and land turtles and can certainly research any question that I do not know the answer. I can not answer medical related questions as I am not veterinarian certified. I prefer not to answer questions on animals that you or somebody else has taken out of their natural environment unless the animal was in danger, ill, or injured.
Experience I have owned six aquatic turtles and have been researching turtles for several years. I have been on several question and answer sites under this category. I also have started up a web site focused on reptile care with a portion of it for turtles.
Education/Credentials I have been around turtles sense a very young age and always found them fascinating and because of that it has lead me to researching day after day, reading book after book, and finding endless amounts of web sites with information.
Expert: Yexalen Date: 7/11/2008 Subject: red ear sliders
Question I was given a red ear slider I have a small child he is five. I'm worried about the chance of it having salmonella and should I keep it. If i take it to the vet and it doesn't have salmonella could it Carrie it later on and how much should I worry about it.
Answer Hi Laura, all turtles, reptiles, and many many other animals carry salmonella. However there isn't a lot to be worried about.
Here is some information about Salmonella
1) You are more likely to get Salmonella from a toilet seat, under cooked food or from a kitchen sink then you are from any reptile.
2) Washing your hands up to your elbows with soap and warm water for 1 minute before and after handling or feeding. Will remove any traces of Salmonella
3) Salmonella is also known as the "Stomach Bug" or "24 hour flu" it has a bad reputation because you can die from it if you are elderly, young, or have a weak immune system.
4) Salmonella is only carried in the animal's feces, so wear long rubber gloves when cleaning the tank and give your turtles a bath and scrubbing with a soft bristled tooth brush every now and then.
Keeping the tank clean will also help.
All in all Salmonella isn't much to worry about just dont let your child hold him until he is older. Get a good anti-bacterial soap so you can prevent getting sick. Be sure after cleaning, handling, or feeding you wash your hands and never put your hands anywhere near your face until you have washed very well.
