Before we start buying or even think about getting a turtle you should keep in mind these few points.

• Turtles are no toys. They are not suited to give to a child as a present. These animals are living beings that need constant attention, and should be taking care of by an adult. (of course children can help cleaning and handling the animals, so they
  can get used to them) Be very carefull if you leave the turtles in children's hands, some medium sized animals can bite very hard.
  When Turtles bite they don't let go, as this is a natural wild reaction. Thinking the prey they captured isn't dead yet and with every move biting even harder. The cleu is to hold stil and wait until the turtle lets go.
  I know some people may start thingking, my turtle's don't bite, wel they wil as they get older.
  
  

  Of course when you buy a juvenile animal, they look very cute and are very small and look so fragile, but these animals grow alot in ther first years of there lives, atleast when they are kept wright. Some of them can get very big. Do not keep turtles in the plastic containers with the palm tree in the center. Use a big enough fish tank, that is for sale in any good pet shop, or make you're own tank. It'

  
  
• Are you ready for a long time commitment? Turtles can live from 10-40  years or more in captivity. Box turtles can even reach ages of about 50-100 years.
• Do you have any experiance with reptiles? Reptiles are not like cats or dogs.
• Did you read a good book that explains the A-Z of the turtle. It's always interesting before getting started with any hobby for that matter, that you read something about the subject you want to get started with, in this case herpetological books on turtles.
• Join a Herp or turtle club. There you will get the best info about getting started and hear about the pro's and contra's of keeping specified turtles. In a club there will always be people that have juveniles for sale, so you know where the animal comes from.
• Don't start with difficult species, but with the more easier turtles like the red-ear, or other kinds of sliders or cooters.