Hello, I'm thinking about getting my first tortoise, the only problem is, I don't know which species are available, or which one I should get?!

Size isn't too big of a deal, but I live in Michigan. We have farmland, so there's plenty of room. We'll be moving in the near future to another farm, but I want one with a heated garage.

I don't want to spend over $200 on purchase price, and I want to get is as a baby. I also want a single tortoise too.

We have 2 dogs, 2 iguanas, a couple small & furries, numerous fish, and an African Clawed Frog. As well as livestock, a horse, some goats, and some poultry.

is there any more info I need to give?

And what kind of tortoise would be right for me?

Russian Tortoises are great starter torts. It would be best if you researched some of the different tortoises available in the pet trade and see which ones you like the best. Once you do that we can help give you a better idea of the care needed and which one would do best in your situation.

Common torts available:
Leopard tortoise
Russian tortoise
Sulcata tortoise
Hermanns tortoise
Redfoot tortoise
Yellowfoot tortoise
Greek tortoise


Welcome to TFO, I hope you enjoy your stay.

Thanks so much for the quick reply!!

That list gives me somewhere to start searching, and that's what I needed!!

That sounds great, you can never research too much.

Which ones are the biggest?

And I would like to see which one's most suitable for a beginner.

BTW, I like the donkey in your avi ^^

of those anja listed, i think russians are the hardiest and probably the best for a first-time tortoise keeper

Can they be kept singly? or do they do best in groups....I would prefer to only have 1 tort if at all possible. But I want the tortoise to be happy.

Russians are definately the best "beginner" tortoise, and (IMHO) they have the most personality and really enjoy human company and contact! They can happily be kept alone!

Tortoises are not herd animals and prefer to be alone so they don't have to compete for the best hiding place or food. Having said that, russian tortoises do get along in large groups with a minimum of fighting. Box turtles also get along in groups. But one tortoise does just fine by itself and doesn't need another tortoise to be happy.

YVonne

Doesnt look like anyone answered this one,
Im pretty sure out of the torts in that list that sulcatas get the biggest, average is in the 20" range and close to 100 lbs.(correct me if im wrong) I have 2 of them and they are my first torts, i got them both as hatchlings and am enjoying watching them grow.

It is a very smart idea to research alot about the tortoise you want to get, they do require quite a bit of attention. Care should also be taken when choosing their diet.