Tort in the PNW? Help, please!

LinzerTorte

New Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2020
Messages
3
Location (City and/or State)
Bothell, WA
Hello all, first time poster here...

My husband and I are interested in getting a tortoise. We live in western Washington, near seattle. I’d ideally like to have a tortoise on the larger side I have a few questions.

-what tortoise breeds do you recommend?

-is it possible to keep a tortoise outside for most of the year, if their enclosure includes a humidified and heated (or cooled as necessary) greenhouse?

-how often do tortoises need to go to the vet?

I’d also just love any and all info you could provide. I’d love to keep my tort outside for as much of the year as is safely possible. Thanks in advance for your help!
 

KarenSoCal

Well-Known Member
Tortoise Club
5 Year Member
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Jul 8, 2017
Messages
5,750
Location (City and/or State)
Low desert 50 mi SE of Palm Springs CA
Hello all, first time poster here...

My husband and I are interested in getting a tortoise. We live in western Washington, near seattle. I’d ideally like to have a tortoise on the larger side I have a few questions.

-what tortoise breeds do you recommend?

-is it possible to keep a tortoise outside for most of the year, if their enclosure includes a humidified and heated (or cooled as necessary) greenhouse?

-how often do tortoises need to go to the vet?

I’d also just love any and all info you could provide. I’d love to keep my tort outside for as much of the year as is safely possible. Thanks in advance for your help!

Hello, and welcome to the forum!

The first species that comes to my mind is a redfoot. They like high humidity and don't like bright sun. I'm sure others will have more suggestions.

Yes, almost all tortoises live outside, at least during warmer months. But with a heated night box many can be outside all year.

Tortoises go to the vet only when absolutely necessary. They aren't like dogs or cats that get vaccinations. You should find a reputable exotics vet that has experience with tortoises. Sadly, even some exotics vets aren't up-to-date with the newest husbandry methods, but it's where you need to start. Here on the forum we have expert members who have dealt with almost every ailment in tortdom, and they can help you determine if a vet visit is needed.

I'm going to link some care sheets for redfoot and most other tortoises. Read them and you will have an idea of what's required for each species. (There aren't "breeds in tortoises. Each type is a separate species) Compare care to what you are willing and able to provide, keeping in mind that if you get a hatchling of any species, you will need an indoor closed chamber enclosure for at least 2 years.

Also, I'm linking the vendor review thread. Please give us a chance to steer you in the right direction on where to obtain your tortoise.




 

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