Tortoises

[Jessika]

I really, really, really want a tortoise...

I do know a lot about turtles and tortoises alike, I've owned them on and off in the past growing up (you know as a kid you'd find a tortoise in your back yard and keep it as a pet for a few months then let it go back in the wild...). But turtles and tortoises are actually my FAVORITE animal (besides dogs!). I think they're so adorable and cute and personable and I just really really really really want one, but I want to do it right this time, I don't wanna take any animal from the wild. My father in law said heck yeah I can have one, whether he was joking or not is the question, but I'm sure they really would let me have one, just gotta find a place to keep him away from the kitties... :)

My question is what tortoise would you recommend? And I want a tortoise, no turtles, tortoises are easier to maintain, IMO, and I don't want to have to mess with cleaning water or filters or all that jazz. I do know a L-O-T about care because I've done so much research on caring for them, I just want to know if anyone has any recommendations on a good intermediate tortoise to own.

PetCo has Russian Tortoises (they had Greek tortoises but haven't in over a year now). I really wanted a Greek, but they don't have any anymore. And besides PetCo, does anyone have recommendations of where to purchase one? I know the PetCo I used to work at takes VERY good care of their animals, so I would feel very comfortable purchasing one from there, but not any other PetCo or Petsmart.

[GekkeGekko]

I have a Greek named Tor and he's really wonderfull!
http://www.gekkegekko.com/hagedissen/tor3_0108.jpg

I know in The Netherlands you need Cites-papers with them but I'm not sure how it is in the USA and where to get them....

[Jessika]

I know in the USA it is illegal to own ANY animal native to your specific area. So I can not purchase a Red Eared Slider, eventhough you can purchase them in other areas of the US. I COULD own one if I had the correct papers, though.

However with species NOT native to my area, I can own without any documentation at all.

[IRescue452]

I'd go for the Greek. Some petstores are willing to order animals in if you speak with whoever is in charge of that.

[buttercup132]

I don't know if you remember but I had my Red Footed and he was really sweet.
He had a bad habit of pooing when we took him out then walking in it or eating it :o I would reccomend them they are sweet.

[Jessika]

I don't know if you remember but I had my Red Footed and he was really sweet.
He had a bad habit of pooing when we took him out then walking in it or eating it :o I would reccomend them they are sweet.
I've actually done zero research on them, so I'll look into it -- thanks!

[Jessika]

ok so I looked up info on the Red Footed Tortoise and discovered the Cherry Head Tortoise. It's BEAUTIFUL! Plus I found a PetCo caresheet, meaning PetCo's have sold them before... only problem is its a "tropical" tortoise, needs lots of humidity and likes to burrow... don't think I can accommodate that as much as I would like to. Anyone else know anything more about the Cherry Heads? Also they need pretty large enclosures... I don't have a ton of space. :(

Any suggestions on something that's easy to maintain and keep, and doesn't need 6 x 4ft enclosure?

[IRescue452]

It seems the red foots have the potential to get almost twice as large as the other two. I found this special care information.

"A typical habitat for a Redfoot Tortoise should be large enough for it to walk around, and contain several elements - a pool, a basking spot, and a shady spot. This would be atleast 10 to 20 square feet. If weather permits, they should be housed outdoors. When housed indoors the tortoises should be eposed to full spectrum UV lighting for about 13 hours a day. The Redfoot Tortoise especially needs water to soak and defecate in. If these tortoises are to be kept successfully, they will need to have a temperature gradient so they can move to cooler areas when needed, and likewise, also move to warmer basking areas. During the day, they sould have acces to areas about 90 - 95 degrees Fahrenheit and cooler areas in the low to mid 80s. At night the temperature should be lowered to about 68 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Redfoot Tortoise is mostly herbivorous, but is known to eat carrion and insects sometimes. In captivity, they should be fed a mostly herbivorous diet consisiting mostly of grasses, dark leafy green vegetables, but also containing soft vegetables such as tomatoes and cucumbers, and fruits. They can also be given water-softened primate biscuits occasionally. Meaty foods such as insects and low-fat canned dog food can be given in very small amounts, but are not a necessary part of the diet and can cause health and growth problems, if they make up too great a part of the diet"

I honestly don't think I'd keep a tortoise in less than a 4 foot enclosure, maybe something the size of a kiddie pool with higher sides (dirt not water of course). I also had no idea Russian tortoises have to hibernate in captivity to stay healthy. Makes sense to me though.

[Jessika]

Anyone else have any ideas/suggestions?

[K & L]

We have a desert tortoise, native and protected to this area, which we have papers for. We love it, but this one probably isn't a good choice for the area you live in. :)

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c183/Houseofcats/100_0892.jpg?t=1200105756

[Jessika]

OMG HE IS SO CUTE!!! I would absolutely L-O-V-E to own one of those, but definitely do not have the land right now to do it. When I get my farm though I'm going to seriously consider it!!!