- Joined
- Mar 15, 2006
- Messages
- 584
Barbedwirecat said: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.
Thanks for all the info
But I still have months of research to do before I buy one. Finding a cheap small tort is still a challenge for me. I emailed the guy in this thread who gave his email address to see if he can get me one and I am looking for any Tort comunities like what another guy in this thread suggested. I still think though I would like a desert tort like the one I seen. I think it was a something spotted tort if you or anyone knows of a spotted tort. The legal issues I don't think it would be a problem. 2 Pet Stores sell them here just for very high prices .Cheers,
