- Joined
- Apr 20, 2008
- Messages
- 5
I'm considering getting a tortoise sometime in the future and I have a few questions. From what I've read, Russians seem to be one of the most recommended to keep as pets.
-Are they considered best for first time tortoise owners?
-I live in Massachusetts, and while I could provide outdoor access nearly every day in the spring and summer, I would have to keep the tortoise indoors in the winter- do they tend to do okay with UV bulbs and heat lamps in the winter?
-I would like to allow the tortoise out of it's pen indoors when I'm home to watch it, can this be harmful to their health if they're away from their lighting and heat lamps?
-I don't agree with buying a wild caught animal and I'm very nervous about shipping- are there tortoise breeders around? If so, any links to a directory would be great.
-Any differences with male vs female? I know I've read about female turtles and other reptiles becoming egg bound, can this happen with tortoises?
Any other tips that may help would be great. I plan to research much more than I already have before actually getting a tortoise, I just was hoping for some input from other owners to help me figure out if this would be a good idea for me.
Thanks
-Are they considered best for first time tortoise owners?
-I live in Massachusetts, and while I could provide outdoor access nearly every day in the spring and summer, I would have to keep the tortoise indoors in the winter- do they tend to do okay with UV bulbs and heat lamps in the winter?
-I would like to allow the tortoise out of it's pen indoors when I'm home to watch it, can this be harmful to their health if they're away from their lighting and heat lamps?
-I don't agree with buying a wild caught animal and I'm very nervous about shipping- are there tortoise breeders around? If so, any links to a directory would be great.
-Any differences with male vs female? I know I've read about female turtles and other reptiles becoming egg bound, can this happen with tortoises?
Any other tips that may help would be great. I plan to research much more than I already have before actually getting a tortoise, I just was hoping for some input from other owners to help me figure out if this would be a good idea for me.
Thanks