Tortoise selector?

[Tgs]

Is there a thread that compares the different species of tortoises to make it easier to limit which to research?
For example, take money out of the picture, I'm looking for species that could live on a dedicated spot outdoors with or without tree shade (either could be provided) - maybe up to an 8th of an acre with onlookers type foot traffic daily. The planting zone would be 6b so it'd need to be species that hibernates or could overwinter in a smaller spot if heating is needed for winter. I prefer substantial enough I'm not always trying to find it in the enclosure and not so shy that strangers will keep it stressed. Exotic diets that can't be fairly easily addressed probably won't be what I settle on. Suggestions of what might fit the requirements are appreciated.

 

[Tom]

Hello and welcome to the forum. There is no chart, but we can make recommendations based on area and climate. You said 6b, but where are you?

You will have to decide if you want to raise juveniles or babies, which would require indoor accommodations, or if you'd like to stick to adults that will live outside full time from day one.

Outside you will still need a proper heated shelter, and if you get one of the spices that hibernate, you will still need to hibernate it indoors under controlled safe conditions. 6b sounds pretty cold, so you probably don't want one of the larger tropical species. Marginated tortoises get bigger than most of the other hibernating species. These might suit you well.

 

[SarahChelonoidis]

As far as I know, outside of desert tortoises, only the Testudo tortoises hibernate, so if that is a requirement, you are limited to that genus. The marginated tortoise is the largest Testudo, so I would start looking at T. marginata and see if it appeals.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

There's no comparison chart, but looking at the care sheets pinned to the top of most of the species under the Species Specific section here should help you with the needs, requirements and sizes of each one.
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/categories/mediterranean-tortoises-genus-testudo.74/
for Mediterranean tortoises might be a good starting spot.

 

[Tgs]

Thanks for the responses. We get about a foot total of snow between December and March. A few inches each month. Sometimes it can get below 0 but usually we dip about 5 degrees below freezing. Maybe I'm wrong, but it sounded like on that hibernates would be the best. Let me know if you disagree. I'll be looking at he Mediterranean ones unless someone comes up with other options. Thanks again.

 

[tglazie]

Testudo are definitely the most suitable for what you're describing, Marginateds or Eastern Hermanns. As Tom said, even cold tolerant species in the Testudo family will still require regular attention and indoor accommodation, leading up to and during hibernation. I always strongly protest anytime someone proposes outdoor hibernation, given one simple reason: rats. Rats are disgusting, crafty little monsters that will use your tortoise as a winter store of meat if they manage to find shelter from the snow alongside them. I've never had a personal experience with rats killing or maiming my tortoises, but I've never taken the chance after seeing countless horrifying pictures of poor tortoises with their legs chewed off by those insatiable vermin. I have a cat who is an exceptional mouser, and she brutally eviscerates and decapitates any of those beady eyed, buck toothed, bald butted, flea infested rodents foolish enough to trespass onto my property.

Anywho, how the tortoise reacts to regular foot traffic is also something that is, unfortunately, going to depend upon the temperament of the individual tortoise. For instance, Big Gino, my oldest, most robust marginated tortoise, is incredibly outgoing and will always approach me for food, especially in the spring time when his activity levels are at their peak. On the other hand, Little Gino is an antisocial jerk, the type of tortoise I have to sneak up on to see whether or not he's eating and behaving normally, given that if I ever disturb him, he flees beneath the nearest bust or into the nearest shelter. Given your situation and prerequisites, I would, therefore, recommend trying to get your hands on an older tortoise, one whose temperament is well known and of the gregarious quality you seek. An older animal would also more easily adapt to the more variable outdoor conditions than a younger animal. Ultimately, what Tom said is spot on regarding your region. If we knew what state you call home, we could better advise you on some of the regional challenges you may face. Snow in winter can mean different things depending upon your location.

Sounds like you still have a lot more research to do. Know that having at least one tree in a large enclosure is a good idea, preferably a deciduous tree. Having shade in the summer and maximum sunlight exposure during the autumn, winter and spring is always a plus. Regardless of what species you choose, always allow the animal use of a well insulated shelter, preferably predator proof.

T.G.