I'm wanting to get either a tortoise or some sort of terrestrial or semi-terrestrial turtle, but I'm unsure what species would be best for me. This would be my first reptile, though I do have experience monitoring temperature and humidity of enclosures from owning frogs in the past. Any turtle or tortoise I get would have to be a smaller species that can be housed fully indoors, due to a lack of yard room, the presence of neighbor's cats and dogs, and unpredictable local weather conditions. I'd be willing to get a kiddie pool and cover it with screen for supervised sunbathing on nice days, but that's the maximum extent of outdoor time I'd be comfortable providing.
As far as what sort of indoor enclosure I'd have, it would have to be something covered, since there are cats in my house. I do currently have an empty 40 gallon breeder tank sitting around, and while I'm pretty sure there aren't any tortoises that could be housed in that long-term, if there are any terrestrial or semi-terrestrial turtles that it would be suitable for, that would be ideal. However, I'd also be willing to make some sort of DIY enclosure.
I have looked into a number of species already, but I'd like input from other people. Species I'm interested in include Hermann's tortoises, Russian tortoises, pancake tortoises, spotted turtles, Central American wood turtles, and Asian leaf turtles. Visually, I also find the various hingeback tortoises interesting, but most sources suggest those are best left for experienced keepers.
As far as what sort of indoor enclosure I'd have, it would have to be something covered, since there are cats in my house. I do currently have an empty 40 gallon breeder tank sitting around, and while I'm pretty sure there aren't any tortoises that could be housed in that long-term, if there are any terrestrial or semi-terrestrial turtles that it would be suitable for, that would be ideal. However, I'd also be willing to make some sort of DIY enclosure.
I have looked into a number of species already, but I'd like input from other people. Species I'm interested in include Hermann's tortoises, Russian tortoises, pancake tortoises, spotted turtles, Central American wood turtles, and Asian leaf turtles. Visually, I also find the various hingeback tortoises interesting, but most sources suggest those are best left for experienced keepers.