Species recommendations

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

That’s exactly my fear about having a Redfoot, and it’s not like they are a short-lived animal! We are willing to commit to the challenge if there’s nothing we like similarly because, on the one hand, you’re stuck with them forever so you best get a species you’re passionate about even if it’s a little tougher. But then, on the other hand, you’re stuck with them forever even if it is a little tougher I appreciate your honest evaluation of owning them, and your Redfoot is lucky to have an owner who is willing to put in the time and money to give them an enclosure upgrade!

I’m interested in Greeks but a little intimated by all of the subspecies and talks about different care needs depending on the subspecies, yet the difficulty of identifying the species of your tortoise and the fact that even many breeders mislabel what they sell.

I’ve looked into Hermann’s a bit but I’ve read a bunch of conflicting information about how big they get. And, in general, I really want to avoid brumating again. At least with the difficulties of tropical species, you don’t have to deal with that! It makes me so nervous.

I’ve also thought about an eastern box turtle since they are native and theoretically could be kept outside year round? But I haven’t found a lot of info on that, either. If only I had a neighbor that has kept every species in their backyard and could give me a manual…

Yeah the concerns are valid but I definitely see where you are coming from with wanting a species you’re passionate about. I guess it’s weighing up what’s both best for you and the tortoise you choose and finding a good middle ground.

I don’t really know much about box turtles unfortunately but as touched on above, you can actually avoid brumation if you wish