New Member Here..

[Discusman]

Hi All,

I'm new here and I was wondering if I can get a red foot as my first tortoise.

I live in a small apartment in NYC and I am doing a lot of readings on tortoise before I could decided I want to have one.

I appreciate any comments and advises on tortoise keeping.

Thanks in advance.

 

[tortoisenerd]

Hi and welcome to the forum!

Redfoots are awesome.

How much space can you devote to an indoor enclosure? Any outdoor space for warmer weather? I would have suggestions one way or the other as to if this is doable once you let us know about what space you have to provide for a tort. Two story enclosures are an option, but still take up a lot of space. They do get rather large (I've heard as large as 18 inches long but usually a little smaller than that), so you'd literally need a small bedroom for a Redfoot that is fully grown, plus their very high humidity requirements (they are from the rain forest) which are very difficult to replicate without daily efforts and money. Don't count on being in a larger place by the time it grows larger--that is how a lot of people get in trouble because torts can grow fast, plans change, etc.

Are you dead set on a Redfoot or would you be open to maybe a smaller breed with less of a humidity requirement? For example, Russian and Greek tortoises stay smaller, need less space, and not as high of humidity. I wanted a Sulcata but am very happy with my little Russian tortoise. Someday when I have a large yard, etc, I can adopt a Sulcata and give it a great home.

That is great you are doing your research! Very good to hear. This is a life-long commitment and nothing to rush into.

 

[Crazy1]

Hi Discusman, welcome to the forum. Are you planning on staying in an apartment for a long time? RF get rather large 10-12 inches or more and need space, and a floor will not do. I applaud you doing research on tortoises before getting one. It is very hard to take care of a tort in an apartment as they need time living outdoors. IMHO. You may want to consider a smaller tort like a Russian or Greek that would not need as much room but does need UVB and heat lamps etc. Keep researching and I am sure others will respond to your thread.

 

[tortoisenerd]

To clarify I should have said an enclosure the size of a small bedroom; I didn't mean it would live on the floor. I agree with Robyn too.

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Discusman: Do you keep Discus? They are the most regal-looking of the tropical fish. I'd love to see some pictures.

to the forum!!

Of all the tortoises, I think a redfoot would be one of the best if you have to keep it in the house most of the time. Redfoot tortoises get some of their Vit.d from the food they eat, and don't require that much UV from the sun. A couple of good websites for you to look at (both are by the same guy, Terry Kilgore) www.redfoots.com and www.turtletary.com. Plenty of very good info on them.

Yvonne

 

[Crazy1]

Intersting Yvonne I was thinking he was either involved in The discus throw or DISCUS which is a service of the South Carolina State Library. I never thought of the fish. They are beautiful and regal looking, the fish that is.lol

 

[Discusman]

Thanks for all the great information and advices. Yeah, I actually had a thought of getting a tortoise 2 yrs ago, but I decided not go for one because I was going to move very soon. Now I live in a little bigger apartment than I was at that time. But I would still consider it small.

Anyway, I am an animal person and very passionate about keeping pets home. I have a small Pomeranian and 4 fish tanks home ( I used to have a 125 Gallon tank with many discus). Yes I had kept discus for over 5 yrs and I used to breed them too. Indeed they are the most beautiful tropical fish I've ever had. Now I have a 40g goldfish tank and a 20g heavily planted tank.

Sorry, I supposed to talk about tortoise here (I just got carried away).

Regarding my dog, I've heard some sad stories of keeping dog with tortoise. Dogs would assuming the tortoise is a walking bone. However, I would definitely separate the two and such accident would not happen under supervision.

The reason I pick RF is because they are beautiful and not too expensive. They are also somewhat hardy compare to other tortoise specemans per some online articles I have read.

I believe doing research plays a crucial role in any hobbies, specially it is true when it comes to the hobby we are in that involves well being of a little life.

So I will continue with the reading and I am open to options. I will try to see some pics of different tortoise. And I will seeking your advice whether I should have one.

Thanks again for all the response and I really appreciated.

 

[Discusman]

I'm abit of dissappointed after hours of reading articles and looked at other people's posts on RF. They need room to grow and to thrill.

That means I wouldn't be able to have a RF.

 

[Gulf Coast]

 

[Discusman]

Would you guys recommend that I can get a Russian/Hermans hatchlin?

I probably can buy a rubbermaid sweater storage box at Target? But Russian tort need basking and I am worry the powerful lighting will melt the plastic box.

I may move to a bigger place in 5 yrs, how fast the tort can grow?

Also, I can let the tort roam around in my room under my supervision when I'm home. What would you guys think?

I know I'm kinda pushing it. It seems that I'm having a hard time trying to get rid of tort bug inside of me.

 

[Crazy1]

I have found once bitten you never lose the desire to be a tort keeper. Take you time in getting your research done. I have my hatchlings in a sweater box and in a rabbit cage (that is the portable one I can take outside. The powerful lighting does not melt the plastic box. If it gets that hot your tort would cook. MVB or florecent UV bulbs plus a ceramic heat emitter or a infared or black light usually does the trick. especially if you have light stands.

Here are a few things to concider.
1) find an exotic vet that knows tortoises you could take yours to.
2) decide where you would keep your tortoise table
3) do research on the different types of bulbs MVB, Florecent, coil (don't recommend) sunlight, etc.
4) research substrates
5) research different torts and their size and needs http://www.chelonia.org/
6) research all you can about the tortoise you decide to get and then ask lots of specific questions. I spoke to breeders before I finally got mine. I never regreted the research. and I'm still learning.
When you choose your tort, research were it comes from and what the temps and plants are in the area. You want to do these things before you get a tort. I know it sounds hard and daunting but you will be off to a better start than most.

Oh and I know some people let their torts roam the house or their room however I do not suggest this practice as there are usually hidden dangers on a floor. Floors are often cold. Hair, string, small items that have been droped or fall off of shoes can be hazardous, as well as a slip or fall from you could have a disasterous landing.

 

[dmmj]

I agree redfoots are awesome I plan to have some one day, But I would suggest a russian, they are hardy little guys and they stay rather small(males anyways) LOL I love the plastic melting part, not making fun just thought it showed thought to think about that, but the plastic they use is very thick and won't melt if it does you tort would be iin trouble I use some indoorones for sick turtles and they work just fine (the cement mixing ones)

 

[tortoisenerd]

Another thing to consider is that hatchlings are very fragile. I would suggest a juvenille tort at least a year old. Other enclosure options are tortoise tables made out of wood. These can be a nice addition to your house aesthetically as well. The floor is also a bad idea because it is cold--even carpet. The floor has drafts that make it cooler than up off the ground. A tortoise enclosure should always be up off the ground while in the house because you don't have the ground ambient heat such as outdoors. Never ever plan on moving to a bidder place before the tort needs the space. Only work with what you have. A tortoise will typically be full grown between 5-15 years of age, depending on the breed.

Both Russians and Hermanns are great breeds!

What ever you decide to do, don't rush into it. It will take at least a few months to do the proper research, planning, purchases, and buying a tort. Think about what age of tort you want. Captive bred vs. wild caught. Availability of finding one in your area (you may need to have one shipped). If you see a Russian tortoise at Petco for example it is very likely wild caught...shipped in a huge crate stacked on top of other torts. Many don't survive the journey and they have a higher likelihood of being sick. Come up with a budget of what you need to buy to start out, and then monthly costs associated. Where will you buy or grow food. Lots of things to brainstorm in addition to what was already said.

On the hatchling note: I got a hatchling and regret it. Even though he is healthy and thriving, I think of what could have gone wrong. At a young age they are so fragile and can quickly take a turn for the worse before you notice it. Getting one a year old, you really don't miss out on much. Older ones can withstand the incorrect husbandry that is inherant as you are starting out, no matter how much planning you do. I made some mistakes from the start with temperature and substrate (my little guy was too cold and not very active; I thought is was normal until I took him to the vet later in the week I got him and was quickly informed!). A good tort vet is indispensable.

I too always wanted a tort. At first I wanted a Sulcata. Once I got older and out of college I realized I was at a good place financially, stable life, had time, had space, etc. I didn't (and still don't) have a yard, so I researched the smaller breeds and fell in love with Russians. My little one does great in a tort table in my dining room on a buffet cabinet, and I take him outside when I can in a Rubbermaid container to get real sun. I am so glad I waited and can spoil him. I can't wait to someday have a yard for him, but I have plans for if that doesn't turn out.

Best wishes! Please let us know what other questions you have.

 

[Discusman]

Many thanks guys. I'm sure I will ask a lot of questions and many of them are probably sound stupid.

What is gonna happen to our torts after we died since most of them would outlive their owners.

So tort owners would keep their fingers crossed and hoping their childrens will take on the responsibilities of taking care of their beloved torts. But what the childrens don't?

What about the people who is not planning to have any childrens? What is going to happen to their tort after they died?

 

[Stace]

I think the best would be to make a living will, and leave your tort to someone who you know will care for it as much you do !!!

 

[Discusman]

Seriously, it is an issue and a point that every tort owners should think about before getting one.

Anyway, there was a guy walk his tort on the street of NYC. Check it out on YouTube.

BTW, are torts intelligent enough to recognize their owners?

 

[dmmj]

I can't answer if they can recognize their owners or not mine come to me but I think they associate me with food so it is hard to say, but other people say that yes they can recognize them so there you go.

 

[Seiryu]

Seriously, it is an issue and a point that every tort owners should think about before getting one.

Anyway, there was a guy walk his tort on the street of NYC. Check it out on YouTube.

BTW, are torts intelligent enough to recognize their owners?

In response to the guy on youtube. If it's the one i'm thinking of (where it showed people stopping and looking, and saying they never have seen a tortoise on the streets before), he takes poor, poor care of that tortoise.

It is terribly pyramided, I wouldn't recommend free roaming either. As Yvonne said, too many things on the grounds that are bad.

 

[tortoisenerd]

They recognize the person who feeds them! Mine knows me and my fiance vs. our friends that come over. he will perk up his head and crane up to look at us! It's adorable. I love how much personality he has. No one believes me until they meet him. They think he'll be slow and boring. My favorite thing is watching him eat. It's fascinating.

Yes, their lifespan is something to think about. You can always have the tort adopted out, taken to a tort rescue, given to a friend or child, etc. There are options. With the proper planning I don't think it's something to worry about, just to have thought about and documented (eventually at least).

---

Do you have a link to the video?

 

[Discusman]

Here you go.

The Speed Bump... The Tort is walking down the street in NYC