Selecting based on photographs

HoldTheCondiments

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I'm in the early stages of selecting a leopard tortoise and tortoise breeder. I've been lurking this site and found some great breeders and other information. I've messaged a few breeders and one in particular has me intrigued as she offers photographs of the exact babies available as well as their hatch date and parent info. That said, as I have never selected a tortoise, I'm not really sure what I should be looking for her. All of her animals are very obviously healthy (she's highly recommended on this website), but I'm wondering if people generally make their selection based upon shell pattern - what is a aesthetically pleasing to them, even though this will change over time - or if there's some other attribute that is highly desirable that I should be seeking. Any feedback about what I should be looking for would be great!
 

Ben02

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I'm in the early stages of selecting a leopard tortoise and tortoise breeder. I've been lurking this site and found some great breeders and other information. I've messaged a few breeders and one in particular has me intrigued as she offers photographs of the exact babies available as well as their hatch date and parent info. That said, as I have never selected a tortoise, I'm not really sure what I should be looking for her. All of her animals are very obviously healthy (she's highly recommended on this website), but I'm wondering if people generally make their selection based upon shell pattern - what is a aesthetically pleasing to them, even though this will change over time - or if there's some other attribute that is highly desirable that I should be seeking. Any feedback about what I should be looking for would be great!
Picking a healthy tortoise is the most important thing. There could be lots of babies with incredible shell patterns that are just sitting there and one lively one that is charging around but with a bland generic shell, I would pick that one no doubt about it.

Are you able to see them physically?
 

HoldTheCondiments

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Picking a healthy tortoise is the most important thing. There could be lots of babies with incredible shell patterns that are just sitting there and one lively one that is charging around but with a bland generic shell, I would pick that one no doubt about it.

Are you able to see them physically?

Thanks! Unfortunately, I'm not able to see them in person - I would have to have one shipped. I don't know if it would be too much to ask a breeder about specific personalities or if that's even information they could provide.
 

dmmj

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You are the buyer ask as many questoons as you like, just don't ask the same questions over & over & over again. I would choose the healthy & outgoing over pretty.
 

HoldTheCondiments

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You are the buyer ask as many questoons as you like, just don't ask the same questions over & over & over again. I would choose the healthy & outgoing over pretty.

Thanks! Yes, as would I, as this is going to be a pet enjoyed by the whole family so outgoing is a must for us... I just wasn't sure if a breeder would take kindly to me asking a ton of questions about each individual baby's personalities.
 

dmmj

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Thanks! Yes, as would I, as this is going to be a pet enjoyed by the whole family so outgoing is a must for us... I just wasn't sure if a breeder would take kindly to me asking a ton of questions about each individual baby's personalities.
As long as you are'nt annoying about it, I don't think it would be a problem.
 

Ben02

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Thanks! Yes, as would I, as this is going to be a pet enjoyed by the whole family so outgoing is a must for us... I just wasn't sure if a breeder would take kindly to me asking a ton of questions about each individual baby's personalities.
Ask as many questions as you want, you are buying an animal. Plus you will never have to speak to them again:D
 

Ben02

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Hah, good point! Well I'd hope to remain friendly/cordial in the event I have specific questions for her, but I know what you mean.
Haha that’s the trouble with me, I always get straight to the point. You could possibly organise a phone call and maybe slip in a question every now and then, then a bit of banter then slip in another question. That’s if you want to be discreet:D
 

Yvonne G

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You're looking for bright, wide open eyes. It's hard to purchase from a photo because you want one that's active, eating and alert-looking. Those are all hard to see from a photo.
 

Ketta

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Honestly I wouldnt purchase an animal based on a photo... Some breeders might place a photo of a healthy baby tortoise and end up selling one that isnt healthy. So the ideal would be to see the babies in person.
For example, i know the case of someone who wanted to adopt a lovebird and he found a breeder online that showed him pictures of the chicks they seemed healthy he picked one through photos. The chick as soon as he brought it home he noticed something was off, so the chick had to be put to sleep cause it had a metabolic disease... So anyway if you can't see them in person. I would ask the breeder if they will accept a video chat with you.
 
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Ketta

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Honestly I wouldnt purchase an animal based on a photo... Some breeders might place a photo of a healthy baby tortoise and end up selling one that isnt healthy. So the ideal would be to see the babies in person.
 

counting

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I think in some cases it is necessary to purchase from a photograph. As long as the breeder is someone who has good reviews, healthy animals and is willing to answer your questions without trying to sidestep them. I know where I live it would be near impossible to find a breeder within a reasonable distance to purchase from. Personally, the only breeder of greeks I will be driving several hundred kilometers each way to purchase from- and even that is not practical for many.
I think purchasing from pictures is reasonable for many. Perhaps the OP could start a thread to find out additional info about the breeder, or find a reputable breeder who ships on here?
 
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