Are Turtles Or Frogs Better Pets?

Apart from owning common pets such as cats and dogs, reptiles and amphibians have become a pretty popular choice for several people.

Among all the options that people can choose from reptiles and amphibians, frogs and turtles seem to be the most common choices.

New pet owners who are interested in owning one for themselves can’t seem to choose one between the other. So in this case, which would make a better pet? Frogs or turtles?

Are Turtles Or Frogs Better Pets?

Between the two, frogs would make better pets, mainly because they’re easier to take care of.

Let’s start with turtles and discuss exactly why they’re not a good choice for beginners or for any other pet owner who doesn’t want to splurge money.

Turtles need a lot of space. When we say a lot, we mean that owners have to get the exact size that would cater to the size of a turtle’s carapace.

The general rule of thumb would be 10 gallons per inch of the carapace. Aquariums for one, are not cheap things. People would have to buy a good quality large tank for their turtle. Not to mention, it would only get more expensive once there’s more than one turtle.

Another thing to take note of is the accessories that must be placed inside the tank to complete a turtle’s enclosure. These would be special lights, heaters, filters, etc.

These aren’t cheap as well, so people would really spend a lot just to make a turtle feel comfortable in their enclosure.

Frogs, on the other hand, don’t need to be kept in a large enclosure. They can thrive inside a 20-30 gallon tank. They also don’t need any extra accessories in order to survive, they can do with fluorescent lights.

Another thing, frogs don’t need a type of gadget that would change the temperature inside their enclosure, they can survive at room temperature.

Long story short, frogs are more adaptable and there are tons of species that have different needs and wants, and we’re certain that there would be a type for every single soon-to-be-owner.

Turtles V.S. Frogs As Pets

In order to get a gist of what makes a better pet between frogs and turtles, we will be enumerating a few points that would help people discern the pros and cons of both animals.

This would eventually help soon-to-be owners narrow down their choices and make the decision.

The information below will not be detailed. The completion of the pros and cons would be discussed as you read further.

Turtles As Pets

As aforementioned, turtles require a more tedious process of care as compared to frogs. For instance, turtles require a lot of accessories inside their enclosure in order to live happily and healthily.

Turtles need an appropriately-sized tank for them to roam around in.
Turtles need heat and lighting to keep themselves healthy.

Turtles need to have an area inside the tank where they can bask under the sun.
Turtles must be handled properly, meaning, they must be carried on their midsection.
Turtles carry salmonella which is dangerous for a home with kids.

After reading this you may be disheartened by getting your own turtle, but don’t be! This information is just a heads up so that you would know what to expect if you choose to buy a turtle.

Frogs As Pets

For those reading this, you all probably know by now that frogs are easy to take care of and inexpensive at that. So what’s there to expect when owning a frog?

The price range of maintaining a healthy frog would be $100-$300.

Frogs don’t eat much so owners won’t have to splurge on their food. The nice part about this is frog food is relatively cheap!
Frogs can survive by being fed just 3-4 times a week.
Frogs don’t poop often.

Frogs are low maintenance.
Caring for a frog is inexpensive.
Some smaller-sized frogs are active while larger frogs tend to be inactive most of the time.

Similarities Between Turtles And Frogs?

Turtles and frogs share similarities such as needing water in order to survive and consuming plants.

There’s not much to talk about in terms of their similarities since these animals are very different from one another and come from different species, in other words, they’re sort of incomparable.

It would be easier to find similarities between reptiles and amphibians rather than turtles and frogs. Without further ado, here are the other similarities that both species share:

Both have good eyesight.
Both are cold-blooded.
Both species can be located in wetlands.

Both have similar diets which include insects, plants, and other animals.
Both are ectotherms, meaning they can control their body temperature thanks to the temperature of their environment.
Both species use toxins to protect themselves.

Differences Between Turtles And Frogs?

One of the main differences between turtles and frogs would be their skin, frogs have semi-permeable skin while turtles have rough scales.

Amphibians rely on water to keep their skin from drying out while reptiles rely on their scales alone to survive in dry environments.

Both amphibians and reptiles also differ in terms of respiration. Turtles solely use their lungs while amphibians use their porous skin and lungs to breathe in air.

Advantages Of Keeping Turtles As Pets?

Despite being a pet that’s hard to maintain, a turtle has its own advantages if you decide to own one such as:

Turtles are just adorable! This is an advantage for many since not a lot of people can say no to a face as pure as what a turtle has.
Turtles are also relatively cheap, some cost as low as $20.

Most turtles are harmless, so it would be safe to keep them around the house. As for snapping turtles, that’s a different story, hence the name.
Turtles live long lives! One thing’s for sure, pet owners would love to have their pets around for a long time and turtles are a perfect example of that. They can live for up to 40 years!
Turtles are intelligent animals so they can be trained.

The majority of turtles are small. Owners who live in apartments would love a pet that wouldn’t take up their entire space.
Turtles are quiet. They won’t keep you up from dusk until dawn.
Turtles are easy to carry around so it won’t be a hassle if an owner wants to travel and bring a pet with him.

Turtles aren’t picky when it comes to food.
Turtles remember their owners.
Turtles can be pleased easily.

The list goes on and on. Long story short, turtles make great pets for the right owners.

Disadvantages Of Keeping Turtles As Pets?

The main disadvantage of keeping turtles as pets is getting sick from touching turtles because they carry salmonella and other bacterias.

This would only happen though if owners forget to thoroughly wash their hands after holding their turtle.

Here are other disadvantages:

Turtles need a massive enclosure.
The accessories that must be placed inside their enclosure cost a lot and owners must buy a complete set in order to sustain a turtle.

Turtles aren’t beginner-friendly.
Taking care of frogs is inexpensive! Owners don’t need to splurge a large amount of cash for the needs of their frogs.

Advantages Of Keeping Frogs As Pets?

The main advantages to owning frogs as pets are that they are low-maintenance animals, they’re cheap, and they don’t need a large fancy enclosure to survive.

Frogs don’t shed fur or any kind of hair.
Frogs don’t poop often.
Frogs don’t need heaters and filters inside their enclosures.

Frogs can get by with just fluorescent lights.
These animals eat all sorts of insects so this is a great way at keeping insect infestations at bay, especially if insects love to invade homes.
These animals are small and they have long lifespans as well.

Disadvantages Of Keeping Frogs As Pets?

Frogs croak so they’re noisy animals, especially during nighttime. This would be one of its main disadvantages, of course, there are more.

Frogs are not used to being handled. Children are curious and love to interact with things that are new to them, so owning a pet frog with children all under one roof is not a good idea.
Frogs are nocturnal animals. So if you take importance when it comes to some quality sleep, these animals will keep you up at night.

They’re highly active during the night so this may not be perfect for people who just want to relax at the end of the day.

Are Turtles More Affectionate Than Frogs?

Yes, turtles are more affectionate than frogs. Frogs aren’t big on interaction and stay hidden from things whereas turtles don’t shy away from their owners.

Believe it or not, turtles can actually show affection to their owners similar to what dogs show to people.

Are Turtles Smarter Than Frogs?

No animal is smarter than the other. Both frogs and turtles are intelligent animals and are included at the top when it comes to identifying which species are the most intelligent in the amphibian and reptilian classes.

Do Turtles Smell Worse Than Frogs?

No, frogs smell worse than turtles. Turtles don’t emit any smell on their own whereas frogs have this pungent odor.

Turtles only smell bad if they’re not being cleaned properly. They will also emit a bad stench if their enclosure isn’t well maintained.

Can Turtles And Frogs Live Together?

No, turtles and frogs can’t live together.

Both animals have different needs. A frog can’t live in an enclosure where the temperature always changes because a turtle needs that.

Another thing, there’s a high possibility that both animals will fight each other. In some cases, there may even be devouring taking place wherein a turtle will eat the helpless amphibian.

Are Frogs Easier To Take Care Of Than Turtles?

Yes, frogs are easier to take care of compared to turtles since they are low-maintenance and inexpensive animals. Frogs don’t require any special accessories in order to survive.

Can You Keep Frogs With Turtles?

No, frogs can’t be kept with turtles because they will only hurt each other.

Are Turtles Better Pets Than Frogs?

For some people, the answer would be yes. However, the general answer would be no since turtles are not easy to take care of, therefore, not beginner-friendly.

Resources:

https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/campaigns/amphibian_conservation/faq.html

http://www.habitattitude.net/my-interest/reptiles-amphibians/

https://sciencing.com/reptiles-amphibians-alike-6672663.html