Box Turtle and Tortoise Discussion :: i'm thinking of getting a tortoise.

[xfueledbykatie]

i read a lot of care sheets on that austinsturtle site...
i have 2 RES at the moment... and they're pricey..

other than the actual tortoise costing a lot,
does the supplies for it cost a lot too?

and whats a good type of tortoise or box turtle
you would suggest getting for a beginner in tortoise/boxturtles?

[Take-One]

Im gonna get a Three Toed. But I would suggest a Russian Tortise.

[megcornell]

Take a look at some tortoise care sheets. As you know from RES, it's important to do research first. You don't want a tortoise that isn't a good fit for your lifestyle and for what you can provide for it.

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2123

[xfueledbykatie]

yeahh, i looked at them for some time today,
so far the russian tortoise is best for me..
still debating though.
:]

[TheComputerGremlin]

Remember, there isn't a "beginner" tortoise, whichever you pick may very well outlive you. Look into adoption of an abandoned tortoise.

Other than that, I don't think I can be very helpful! Though I want to eventually get a tortoise too, but I have a few years before I think about it!

[xfueledbykatie]

yeah, i've looked into finding reptile like rescue centers and places to adopt abandoned tortoises but so far i can't find any in minnesota or wisconsin.

[Starchick]

Some advice: stick with something that stays very small. Living in Minnesota or Wisconsin.... The ideal tortoise habitat is an outdoor pen, but definitely not in that kind of climate. You'll need to devote a good chunk of space in your home to its habitat.

[xfueledbykatie]

i was reading on a car sheet that a 4ft x 4ft pen would be plenty for a tortoise.
is this true or should i consider larger?

[Starchick]

It depends a lot on the species. I've read care sheets that recommended 4' x 4' as the minimum for a box turtle, and they're comparatively small. I think it's a fairly humane, reasonable sized space, so long as you don't have anything like a sulcata that's going to get huge. Still, if you have the space and you're willing to go larger, so much the better.

[xfueledbykatie]

ohh alrighty. thanks for the advice and information.

i'll have to let you know if i end up getting one :]

[zoologist]

golden greek tortoises are gorgeous and stay pretty small.

as far as i know, it would be unwise to get a box turtle only because chances are it was wild caught.

Have you tried petfinder.com? craigslist.com? please consider adopting, that would be so awesome for a little tortoise that was abandoned and only wants love

[xfueledbykatie]

golden greek tortoises are gorgeous and stay pretty small.

as far as i know, it would be unwise to get a box turtle only because chances are it was wild caught.

Have you tried petfinder.com? craigslist.com? please consider adopting, that would be so awesome for a little tortoise that was abandoned and only wants love

if i get one it will deffinetly be adopted.
i've checked both of those.

but for now i think i should spend my money
on my RES and upgrade their tank before
i think about getting another turtle/tortoise.

:]

[imderanged]

xfueledbykatie
I am in the exact same place as you, I want a tortoise...probably a russian...but I too decided to do my turtles upgrade first. Now I have to do the frogs upgrade. After that I can start to maybe think about the tortoise! The problem I have is that I would like to adopt too, but I live in New Jersey and techinally we are not SUPOSED to have turtles/tortoises, so I don't know if rescue organizations will want to place an animal with me.

[xfueledbykatie]

xfueledbykatie
I am in the exact same place as you, I want a tortoise...probably a russian...but I too decided to do my turtles upgrade first. Now I have to do the frogs upgrade. After that I can start to maybe think about the tortoise! The problem I have is that I would like to adopt too, but I live in New Jersey and techinally we are not SUPOSED to have turtles/tortoises, so I don't know if rescue organizations will want to place an animal with me.

yeah, ive looked for some rescue organizations in MN but i couldn't find any.
so i'm sur ei'll just end up upgrading my turtles then maybe i'll get a tortoise.