Part I: All About Turtles.Chapter 1: What Is a Turtle?
The Biology of Turtles and Tortoises.
Chelonian Anatomy.
Turtle Reproduction.
Chapter 2: Turtle History.
Reptile Evolution.
The Turtle's Early Ancestors.
The Appearance of Modern Turtles.
Chelonian Ecology.
Chapter 3: The Best (and Worst) Turtles for Beginners.
The Best Turtles for Beginners.
The Worst Turtles for Beginners.
Part II: Caring for Your Turtle.
Chapter 4: Choosing Your Turtle.
Where to Get Your Turtle.
How to Choose a Healthy Turtle.
Quarantine.
If Things Don't Work Out.
Chapter 5: Housing Your Turtle.
Terrestrial Turtles.
Aquatic Turtles.
Chapter 6: Feeding Your Turtle.
Terrestrial Turtles.
How to Feed Your Tortoise.
Aquatic Turtles.
Chapter 7: Keeping Your Turtle Healthy.
Finding a Veterinarian.
Salmonella.
Wounds.
Respiratory Infections.
Intestinal Infections.
Hibernation.
Parasites.
Cloacal Prolapse.
Visceral Gout.
Skin and Shell Problems.
Beaks and Claws.
The Calcium Balancing Act.
Part III: Turtles in Our World.
Chapter 8: Your Turtle's Behavior.
How Smart Are Turtles?
Handling Your Turtle.
Holding Your Turtle.
Transporting a Turtle.
Kids and Turtles.
Chapter 9: Chelonian Conservation.
Herpetological Societies.
Captive Breeding.
Legal Protections.
Appendix: Learning More About Your Turtle.
Some Good Books.
Magazines.
Herpetological Societies and Associations.
Internet Resources.
Index.
