Where Do You Get Tortoises?

[AliceVernon]

Hi Everyone,

I am saving up to buy a tortoise, enclosure etc. but wondered where should I buy my tort? Can you tell me which tortoises you have, which are harder to look after, which are easier to look after, what the difference is between different torts and what is the average price of tortoises (all breeds if you can).

Also any tips you have.

Thank you so much

Alice xx

 

[Tom]

Depends on species, but usually I like to buy directly from a breeder. Read this thread before you buy anywhere. It will help you to ask the right questions.
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/hatchling-failure-syndrome.23493/

Here is one that will help you with what NOT to do:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

Once you choose a species, we can offer more specific advice.

One of the main criterion that I use for choosing which species to work with is my climate. Any species can be kept anywhere in the world with enough time, money and effort. Still I would not try to keep a herd of Aldabras in Alaska. I don't keep redfoots here in the high dry desert. So where are you? What is your weather like? How much space do you have and want to give up?

 

[sissyofone]

Hi Everyone,

I am saving up to buy a tortoise, enclosure etc. but wondered where should I buy my tort? Can you tell me which tortoises you have, which are harder to look after, which are easier to look after, what the difference is between different torts and what is the average price of tortoises (all breeds if you can).

Also any tips you have.

Thank you so much

Alice xx

Hi Alice, Please tell us how much space you have to accomidate a tortoise inside and also how much space you have for an outside enclosure. Remember the bigger the better.
I would reccomend you buying from a reputable breeder, there's lots of different people on TFO that have babies for sale
There's so much to consider when getting a new tortoise of any kind. IMO They all require daily attention LOL. Are you wanting a hatchling or an older tort? Too me hatchlings are not good for first time tort owners. They require a great deal of care. I'm not sure of prices for the different torts. It varies I guess. What part of the world di you live in? The climate and temps where you live are also to be considered.

 

[AliceVernon]

Depends on species, but usually I like to buy directly from a breeder. Read this thread before you buy anywhere. It will help you to ask the right questions.
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/hatchling-failure-syndrome.23493/

Here is one that will help you with what NOT to do:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

Once you choose a species, we can offer more specific advice.

One of the main criterion that I use for choosing which species to work with is my climate. Any species can be kept anywhere in the world with enough time, money and effort. Still I would not try to keep a herd of Aldabras in Alaska. I don't keep redfoots here in the high dry desert. So where are you? What is your weather like? How much space do you have and want to give up?

Thank you

 

[AliceVernon]

Hi Alice, Please tell us how much space you have to accomidate a tortoise inside and also how much space you have for an outside enclosure. Remember the bigger the better.
I would reccomend you buying from a reputable breeder, there's lots of different people on TFO that have babies for sale
There's so much to consider when getting a new tortoise of any kind. IMO They all require daily attention LOL. Are you wanting a hatchling or an older tort? Too me hatchlings are not good for first time tort owners. They require a great deal of care. I'm not sure of prices for the different torts. It varies I guess. What part of the world di you live in? The climate and temps where you live are also to be considered.

Outside I have quite a big space, not sure of the measurements - sorry.
Inside would be smaller than outside and again I am not sure of the measurements.
Would it be OK to get a tortoise from a shop?
I was thinking of getting a tort that was about 1 or 2 years old. Would that be suitable for a new owner?
I like in the Northern Hemisphere, In the UK, in Somerset.
It rains a lot and is cold. That's why a outside enclosure would be a problem.
Thanks

 

[JoesMum]

Outside I have quite a big space, not sure of the measurements - sorry.
Inside would be smaller than outside and again I am not sure of the measurements.
Would it be OK to get a tortoise from a shop?
I was thinking of getting a tort that was about 1 or 2 years old. Would that be suitable for a new owner?
I like in the Northern Hemisphere, In the UK, in Somerset.
It rains a lot and is cold. That's why a outside enclosure would be a problem.
Thanks

If I can explain. Alice lives in the south west of the UK which has the mildest climate for the UK. You might have heard of Bristol or Bath, she is not that far away. Rainfall is slightly higher, but it is not so cold that outdoor living for a tort is that difficult between spring and autumn (fall). On my side of the country, it is slightly drier, but colder and I have Joe out 24/7 and he hibernates for the winter.

I would go for a Greek or Russian as relatively straightforward to care for in this climate.

 

[JoesMum]

It is possible to buy from a shop, ut you usually get a healthier animal from a breeder. Vets that understand reptiles are few and far between. Many will not go near tortoises. I am very lucky to live near a good one. If you get one from a breeder, you will know its exact age. Those from a pet shop are more likely to be a guess... although the sale of wild caught tortoises is not legal in Britain; we could never sell Joe as he has no paperwork.

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Alice, and welcome to the forum!

 

[sissyofone]

And another thing when it comes to buying from pet stores, There's no way usually of telling the torts age even if they say they know. I'm not sure how pet stores in the UK are run but IMO over here there info is far from accurate for the most part.

Goodluck on finding the right tort for you. I have Sulcatas and Redfoots and a Cherryhead. And I love them all.

 

[AliceVernon]

Hi Alice, and welcome to the forum!

Thanks

 

[AliceVernon]

It is possible to buy from a shop, ut you usually get a healthier animal from a breeder. Vets that understand reptiles are few and far between. Many will not go near tortoises. I am very lucky to live near a good one. If you get one from a breeder, you will know its exact age. Those from a pet shop are more likely to be a guess... although the sale of wild caught tortoises is not legal in Britain; we could never sell Joe as he has no paperwork.

Ok, thanks for the advice

 

[yillt]

I live in England too. If you are considering get one from a shop (which is fine) get one from the Tortoise Shop called The Tortoise Shop. They have wonderful service, delivery and tortoises. Good luck.