Best/safest places to buy a tortoise??

[Shelllover]

Alright, I am looking for a new Sulcata to replace the void of my sweet Hermy. If the Tortoise breeding scene is anything like the dog breeding scene, then their are many bad places/breeders you can get them from. are reptile shops a safe place to get a Sulcata?? I have one by my house and I was considering it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[MoireErin]

The best I know of are Tom, Lance (both on this forum And ATC (Arizona Tortoise Compound) This is where I got my Méraddyn

I have been told that local pet stores are usually not a good place to get them from :/

Hope this helps So sorry about Hermy

 

[wellington]

If I were buying a sulcata, my money would go to Tom. You now your getting a well started, healthy sully hatchling. Actually you know your getting a sully that was properly cared for right after being laid. I do believe he still has some for sale now.

 

[Tom]

I would feel good about recommending most of the breeders on this forum.

I recommend that you get one that was started in a way that simulates the African rainy season, vs. one that was started in a dry desiccating desert-like environment.

Ask the person:
1. Did you start the baby in a brooder box directly after hatching, or did you leave it in the incubator for a week eating the substrate?
2. Did you soak the baby daily, or once a week?
3. Did the baby have damp substrate and a humid hide, or was it on rabbit pellets or dry hay?
4. Did the baby have water available in a suitable bowl?
5. Did the baby get a varied diet of weeds, leaves, cactus, succulents and grass, or was it fed mostly romaine?
6. Did the baby get any sunshine?
7. Was the baby kept in a dry environment or a warm humid one?

The answers to these few questions should tell you all you need to know.

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

The only sulcata I own that is not a rescue/surrender is a hatchling from Tom.

 

[Shelllover]

I checked out the ATC and they are closed but thanks you for the info!

 

[Livingstone]

One name, three letters. T O M. If he'll part with any... Thats how you know he's a good breeder.