- Joined
- Mar 1, 2008
- Messages
- 6
I have a few questions that I couldn't find answered(or maybe overlooked).
1. What do I look for when choosing a baby tortoise? I've never had anything but fish and mammals. It's easy to spot symptoms or behavior to avoid. But I've never had a tortoise or any reptile as a pet so I'm not sure how to spot a sickly or just poor tortoise. I would assume that clear eyes, "normal" shell shape and no wheezing or breathing issues are sure sings, but is there anything else? I'll be going to a reptile show Saturday so I'm trying to get as educated as possible before arriving!
2. Just how fast do they grow? I talked to an employee of a reputable pet shop in the area (they rescue and breed in house) and he said that they can grow up to ten inches in diameter in the first year. That sure sounds excessive. Other websites and posts I've read here seem to indicate that they grow at different rates depending on humidity, lighting and how well they eat. I live in an apartment right now, but I do have the room for a wandering tortoise. Just not anything larger than a foot and a half. I'm afraid that a 10x12 bedroom may not be sufficient for exercise :/
3. Hibernating. I asked the employee and he said they don't need it since their sulcatas are captive bred. But again, this issue seems to be constantly debated. Some websites agree, some don't. A lot of folks on here seem all for it. What is the harm in NOT hibernating a sulcata?
4. Regarding reptile shows... Are the vendors generally reputable? Should I stay away from certain kinds of people? I'm familiar with what to watch for in good dog and cat breeders, but I don't believe there are conformation and agility shows for tortoises I just want to get a healthy little buddy who will surely outlive me.
Thanks!
1. What do I look for when choosing a baby tortoise? I've never had anything but fish and mammals. It's easy to spot symptoms or behavior to avoid. But I've never had a tortoise or any reptile as a pet so I'm not sure how to spot a sickly or just poor tortoise. I would assume that clear eyes, "normal" shell shape and no wheezing or breathing issues are sure sings, but is there anything else? I'll be going to a reptile show Saturday so I'm trying to get as educated as possible before arriving!
2. Just how fast do they grow? I talked to an employee of a reputable pet shop in the area (they rescue and breed in house) and he said that they can grow up to ten inches in diameter in the first year. That sure sounds excessive. Other websites and posts I've read here seem to indicate that they grow at different rates depending on humidity, lighting and how well they eat. I live in an apartment right now, but I do have the room for a wandering tortoise. Just not anything larger than a foot and a half. I'm afraid that a 10x12 bedroom may not be sufficient for exercise :/
3. Hibernating. I asked the employee and he said they don't need it since their sulcatas are captive bred. But again, this issue seems to be constantly debated. Some websites agree, some don't. A lot of folks on here seem all for it. What is the harm in NOT hibernating a sulcata?
4. Regarding reptile shows... Are the vendors generally reputable? Should I stay away from certain kinds of people? I'm familiar with what to watch for in good dog and cat breeders, but I don't believe there are conformation and agility shows for tortoises I just want to get a healthy little buddy who will surely outlive me.
Thanks!