Tortoise?

[Geography Guy]

I am thinking of getting a tortoise. I seen them in a pet store and they look like great friendly pets. But I am new to them. I haven't seen any tortoise under $700 for sale which is a bummer because I can't afford that. Any info on small tortoises? Can anyone direct me to a small tortoise that I can afford?

Cheers,

 

[boidaddic]

I would look into a Russian tortoise or possibly a Leopard tortoise (pretty sure these stay at a manageable size.) If your just wanting to scout out whats available this is a good site www.kingsnake.com and they have forums their as well so you can probably get more specific answers from the experts over their.
Peace,
Eric

 

[Geography Guy]

I like the Russian Tortoise. The only thing that I don't understand how to do it is Hibernation. What do I have to do for a proper hibernation? Then humidity. Some sites said to have a low humidity but the tortoises can tolerate 70% because of the burrow. But do I keep the humidity high or low :?

Cheers,

 

[Gigas]

african leopard shell toroises get aroung 30cm front to back IME but ive been told they can get bigger

 

[Geography Guy]

african leopard shell toroises get aroung 30cm front to back IME but ive been told they can get bigger

Well I am looking for the smallest Tort I can get. At least big enough to comfortably site in my hand. I heard the Egyptian Torts are small but the site said "critically endangered" so the odds of me getting one is slim and it would just add to the problem if people bought them for pets. What is the smallest tort?

Cheers,

 

[Gigas]

best bet would be a mediteranean or russian tortoise not big but as big as your asking, still freaking expensive animals.

 

[Highlander]

Well even the russian isn't going to be able to fit comfortably in your hand. They can get to about 8 inches(20.3 cm). The leopard tortoise on the other hand ranks as around the 4th or 5th largest tortoise in the world and can reach around 21 inches(53.3 cm), though they are usually around 15 or so inches. If you are looking for a good, small starter tortoise I would recommend you look into finding a healthy captive bred russian.

 

[Highlander]

best bet would be a mediteranean or russian tortoise not big but as big as your asking, still freaking expensive animals.

I guess it would depend on what you view as expensive but a russian tortoise should run you no more than $85.00 . A captive bred juvenile will probably be around that price but would be the best bet in my opinion.

 

[Brian F.]

Go with the Russian

I have a Russian tortoise and she's great. Small, eats like a pig, pretty low-maintenance, and adorable. Also, they're not very expensive, around 60 or 70 bucks.

 

[Geography Guy]

I have a Russian tortoise and she's great. Small, eats like a pig, pretty low-maintenance, and adorable. Also, they're not very expensive, around 60 or 70 bucks.

Sounds like a great pet . But the only store I know that sells them is PCPC and they are $450-$500

Cheers,

 

[Highlander]

Sounds like a great pet . But the only store I know that sells them is PCPC and they are $450-$500

Cheers,

Then They are Damn Nuts! There are plenty of online dealers that sell them such as: http://www.markmlucas.com/
http://www.prehistoricpets.com/
http://www.diamondreptile.com/ (cb from 05 for $100.00)
http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/animals/tortoises-and-turtles/

Like I said I think your best bet would be a cb juvenile. Far less likely to have internal parasites , won't hurt wild populations, already used to captivity , you already have some of the turtles history and plus you get to watch him grow up!

 

[Crono]

That is a little higher than I have seen (around 300$), but then nothing is cheap in Canada.

 

[hermitman64]

I would look into a Russian tortoise or possibly a Leopard tortoise (pretty sure these stay at a manageable size.)

Leopard tortoises are among the largest tortoises available (I have one, though, they make great pets), but as many have stated, Russians are a manageable size and make great pets.

Petco near me has them for $60.00, but I've seen them cheaper. Good luck.

 

[Geography Guy]

nothing is cheap in Canada.

So true

Cheers,

 

[Geography Guy]

Then They are Damn Nuts! There are plenty of online dealers that sell them such as: http://www.markmlucas.com/
http://www.prehistoricpets.com/
http://www.diamondreptile.com/ (cb from 05 for $100.00)
http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/animals/tortoises-and-turtles/

Like I said I think your best bet would be a cb juvenile. Far less likely to have internal parasites , won't hurt wild populations, already used to captivity , you already have some of the turtles history and plus you get to watch him grow up!

But those dealers are american not canadian. For canadian dealers most torts I have seen are $850-$1000 The only dealer I can think of that may sell them and ship to canada is Gherp

Cheers,

 

[Highlander]

But those dealers are american not canadian. For canadian dealers most torts I have seen are $850-$1000 The only dealer I can think of that may sell them and ship to canada is Gherp

Cheers,

Whoops! Damn, I didn't even notice that you were in Canada. What I would do then is see if you can find any turtle and tortoise clubs in your area. Alot of times if you are a member of such a club you can find animals that are no longer wanted by their original owner.

 

[aerodyke]

we own a pet store and we sell russians and they're only 79.99 I'll look into how much it is to ship to canada and what we'd have to do if you're interested then give me an email at aerodyke@hotmail.com

 

[Randolph XX()]

Tortoise require steady environment, not some irresponsible keepers that might sell or trade them of after they get bored of the slowmovingpooing machine
Can u stick with one for 50-100 years?

 

[Geography Guy]

Tortoise require steady environment, not some irresponsible keepers that might sell or trade them of after they get bored of the slowmovingpooing machine
Can u stick with one for 50-100 years?

well I don't sell or trade animals no matter what they are. I also want it because they are a slow moving machine. I'll try to stick with it for as long as possible

Cheers,

 

[Barbedwirecat]

Personally out of all Tourts, I love american Box turtles. Yes I know theres a difference but understand these guys are small....relativley easy to take care of, and if you are in a moderatley warmish climate (no negatives in winter) they can hibernate outside. And I agree with the last post...these guys live a LONG time almost no matter what kind you get, so you would need to be prepared for this. Frest fruits and veggies once or twice a day (freSH, NOT CANNED not FROZEN) it doesn't seem like much, but I have on many occasions had to nurse ones back to health that have been injured by cars/lawnmovers/stupid kids and it can be tedious to do this for the rest of your life.

As far as humidity.... each species is different. If you understand the "burrowing" concept then you'll know burrows created are often made with the humidity they need, they feel dry, they soak and go in the burrow. I can't stress ENOUGH how important letting them create a burrow is.

The best and cheapet caging for them (indoors) are kiddy sand boxes, small pools, and cattle troughs. If left outside, you would need a screen cover to keep the predators out. I have seen what a raccoon can do to a 300 lb Spur Thigh, its not very pretty.

Torts can get up there in size, remember that when you see a cute little spur thigh the size of a golfball for 90 bucks and think about when it grows into a 300lb. plus monster and you have no where to put it in your apartment/house durring the winter (these guys can't stay outside). I know that stops me everytime I'm at a herp show. Also remember some states it is illigal to buy and posess turtles, I know you are in canada, but check your wildlife regulations for where you live. The only reason I can posess them in my state is because I rehab them and set them free when they are healed.

The wisest investment here would be the time you spend doing your research on what you want and what fits into your lifestyle the best. Most of the desert dwelling torts need alot of extra heat (lamps) and EVERY TURTLE NEEDS A UV LAMP. Never ever buy a tort without this unless you will put the turtle outside where it can get natural UV exposure for at least 10+ hours a week. It will thrive for awhile without, but it will be stunted as far as growth and the classic pyramid shapes of the scutes on the shells will tell you wether its a healthy turtle (The "Pyramiding" is BAD) Also a good source of calcuim for bones and shell prodution IE: crushed oyster shell sprinkled on food, or powder you can buy at a store. You can buy "Turtle chow" as the petstores which is OK, but fresh fruits and greens and ever alfalfa hay are the bestest.

Please keep us informed of your decision, and if you need help finding a tort or need more info don't hesitate to e-mail me.