Tortoises... Which sp for me?

[Mendi]

Yeah, I'm thinking of branching out some in to the reptile world. I really like tortoises and they don't offend reptile-phobes. So, I've got an old 20 and 50gal tank for housing and know general herp stuff. I used to have a big 7' green iguana and a ball python before moving up here. I'm thinking that a tort is just the thing. I'm thinking of starting with a baby, and needing one that is generally docile, slow growing, and won't be outgrow the 50gal tank.I'm not looking to spend a bunch of $$ either, so I've looked the web over and found red & yellow footed, leopard, Chaco, pancake, 3 toed, Sulcata, Greek, Russian, and Cherry head...Plain brown is fine with me as you T keepers know, so fancy markings aren't that important. Personality is, and the already mentioned stuff.

So, tell me your experiences with Torts and the which & whys. Post pictures of yours, which you like best, you know, all that stuff. I'm likely picking out another creature that is gonna outlive me, so I need to consider the choice very carefully. TIA

 

[Tony]

Well I've seen spider tortoises and indian star (is that it)? Those are very nice and dont get huge..pricey though...locally a couple hundred bucks..
T

 

[Elizabeth]

When I was researching tortoises for one of my daughters, we decided "no" on the sulcata, as they get enormous! Forget the aquarium! Do you have enough yard for one of these? We didn't get a tort, but we were looking closely at the Russian in the end. Seemed to stay the right size and had a long lifespan (best estimate). Not too hard to feed/find the right foodstuffs, considering what we have access to. We bought books on the tortoises we were considering.

 

[mouse]

i only had 2 red eared sliders, but my 10 gallon tank was too small (had to clean it constandly - even with filter). but they were neat to watch, swimming, getting on the turtle rock, chasing your finger on the outside of the tank. they have turtle food in jars for them plus you can put feeder fish in the tank and watch them catch their food. they are semi aquatic, need a place to get out of the water to dry out.
dianne

 

[Brian F.]

Look into a Russian tortoise

You should seriously consider a Russian tortoise. I have one (a female) that is currenly housed in a 20-gallon long tank. If I had the room, I'd get a 40-gallon breeder and get another one. They stay small, are reasonably priced ($59 for mine), and have a very sweet disposition. Also, feeding has never been a problem -- she can eat like a cow... Good luck.

Brian F.