New Member Looking for First Tortoise!

[csking97]

Hi!
My name is Colin and I live in Pennsylvania. I have been looking into getting a tortoise for some time now and I was hoping you all could help me find the best tort for me. A small to medium sized tort would be good and and outdoor enclosure would be hard for me to do but suggestions would be great!
Thanks all!

 

[russian/sulcata/tortoise]

welcome to the forums! before you get a tortoise make plans for the future because this animal will most likely out live you! i would suggest a russian tort the are small but like all tortoise species they require a large amount of room. read this russian tort care sheet to see if you can meet all the care requirements for this species. http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

 

[csking97]

Are there any torts that require a little less space?

 

[russian/sulcata/tortoise]

Are there any torts that require a little less space?

no. this species requires the least amount of space compared to other species.

 

[csking97]

Thanks, this species seems like a good option so far. Still open to any other suggestions!

 

[russian/sulcata/tortoise]

Thanks, this species seems like a good option so far. Still open to any other suggestions!

greek, hermann require the same amount of room as a russian.

 

[TortsNTurtles]

Welcome! Have you considered a box turtle? They are native to Pa . Easterns are illegal but all others are ok to own.

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Hello and welcome to the TFO from AZ. Torts rule !

 

[csking97]

Welcome! Have you considered a box turtle? They are native to Pa . Easterns are illegal but all others are ok to own.

I've thought about it but I haven't done much research on them. Can they be as personable as tortoises?

 

[cmacusa3]

Yes they can, I have both and i don't think you can go wrong with either as a pet.

 

[csking97]

Between the Greek, hermanns and Russian what do you all think would do the best in PA's climate?

 

[leigti]

I think Russians are more cold tolerant. They will still have to come inside in the winter.

 

[russian/sulcata/tortoise]

Between the Greek, hermanns and Russian what do you all think would do the best in PA's climate?

all about the same. russians i think are a little more cold resistant. russins need a basking spot of 95 and cool side temps are fine a going down to 75.

 

[csking97]

all about the same. russians i think are a little more cold resistant. russins need a basking spot of 95 and cool side temps are fine a going down to 75.

At this point I think it's more about cold resistance. PA weather can be random sometimes. Russian is winning so far.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Welcome to the forum, I love my little greek, but you may be better off with the Russian, if they're slightly more cold resistant.
My girl really hates the cold, as do I and she loves to be outside a lot, winters here are short, but yours quite long, I understand.

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Colin, and welcome to the Forum!

Whatever species you decide upon, get the biggest enclosure you possibly can find room for. You can buy two very large plastic bins, cut out opposing ends and put them together. You can buy a horse water trough. Please, whatever you decide, don't keep a full grown (no matter how small) tortoise in a little 20 gallon viv or tote. It's just cruel to contain a non-domesticated animal in something too small.

 

[csking97]

Hi Colin, and welcome to the Forum!

Whatever species you decide upon, get the biggest enclosure you possibly can find room for. You can buy two very large plastic bins, cut out opposing ends and put them together. You can buy a horse water trough. Please, whatever you decide, don't keep a full grown (no matter how small) tortoise in a little 20 gallon viv or tote. It's just cruel to contain a non-domesticated animal in something too small.

Thanks for the ideas! I wouldn't dream of Keeping a tort in such a small area.

 

[csking97]

How do you all think a redfoot would handle PA conditions? I've read that as they get older they can handle some pretty cold temps.

 

[russian/sulcata/tortoise]

How do you all think a redfoot would handle PA conditions? I've read that as they get older they can handle some pretty cold temps.

they get pretty big and they need a really humid enclosure. @N2TORTS breeds cherry headed torts .

 

[crimson_lotus]

They won't be able to handle anything below 60 for very long, and that's for an adult..definitely not something to do with babies. I'm in MA and I need to keep my Red Foot indoors for half the year.

Russians can hibernate for that time.