Hi, my name is Amanda and I am considering taking on the responsibility and enjoyment of being a tortoise owner. I am very excited, but I plan on doing as much research as possible and completing my enclosure prior to purchasing/adopting a tortoise. I live in the eastern part of South Carolina, very close to Augusta, GA. We have hot, humid summers, and short, mild winters, though it does occasionally get below freezing on winter nights. I want a species that can be kept outdoors most of the year. The eastern box turtle is native and common in this area, and I did consider this species as it would be accustomed to the climate, but I would prefer a species that gets larger and is more exotic than a species that can be easily found in the wild in this area. I am interested in the leopard tortoise since it is larger and prefers humid weather, but I am discouraged because it does not hibernate and I have limited space indoors. I could possibly build a large enclosure for indoors during the winter, but not large enough for multiple large tortoises.
Although I am a beginner, I do not the responsibility of a pet owner lightly. I want to build an outdoor enclosure with edible plants and appropriate substrate, with shade and sunny areas. I also want to build caves for burrowing and all the extra stuff that the specific species I choose would need. I want recommendation for the right species for my climate so I can then begin research on the care for that specific species. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Although I am a beginner, I do not the responsibility of a pet owner lightly. I want to build an outdoor enclosure with edible plants and appropriate substrate, with shade and sunny areas. I also want to build caves for burrowing and all the extra stuff that the specific species I choose would need. I want recommendation for the right species for my climate so I can then begin research on the care for that specific species. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
