i want to but a tortoise for my son i am having trouble locating one?

Answer 1

Let me dispell some myths and give you some facts:
Turtles and tortoises MAY carry salmonella and so does many animals including cats. Treat animals the same, supervise your young children and have them wash their hands afterwards. Treat turtles like a piece of raw chicken. It's not dangerous or harmful.

If the turtle/tortoise is already in the country, you would not get into any trouble for purchasing it. Most tortoises are CB (Captive bred) and only the very expensive ones over $1000 would they be smuggled in (i.e. radiated tortoise). Most common tortoises are protected from international trade, but when they are in the country it is not a problem.

I suggest you look for a small to medium sized tortoise (staying under 10" when full grown): Hermann's, Greek, Russian, or Star tortoise. Red foots are a little larger at 12-16". Stay away from sulcattas and Leopard tortoises, which are beautiful hatchlings but get very large, and require a field, not a yard. They can dig deep tunnels.n I do not recommend other tortoises b/c they are harder to raise and more expensive.

Remember this is a lifelong pet and tortoises fair best with an outdoor pen. They may be brought indoors for wintering.

Tortoises that I mentioned will cost around $150-300. Sulcattas are cheap, but do not make good pets b/c they ge so big.

Kingsnake has many tortoise breeders in the US and they ship overnight charging as little as $30 to your door. Do ask for references. Some sellers are not as good as some.
http://market.kingsnake.com/index.php?cat=50

Here are some caresheets of tortoises:
http://www.chelonia.org/Articles/hermannstortoisecare.htm
http://www.chelonia.org/Articles/iberacare.htm
http://www.chelonia.org/Articles/redfootcare.htm
http://www.chelonia.org/Articles/redfootcare.htm

Answer 2

Before you purchase a pet you should do some homework.

Tortoises are great pets, but have specific needs that can be tricky for some people to provide.

They need rather large enclosures for their size- at least 100 square inches per inch of shell length- so a 3" tortoise (a very young animal) would need an enclosure about 10"x30", and 12"x30 would be a lot better. The more room the better.

Tortoises should be allowed outdoors as much as possible- they really are far better garden pets than indoor pets. If the outdoors is not ever possible (because of weather or location) then perhaps a different pet would be better.

When indoors, you basically commit yourself to providing the right lighting, temperatures, diet, water, etc. for the life of the tortoise- 30 years would not be uncommon.

Is this really somethign you and your son want to do?


As for finding one:

Besides online sources, you might try your local Herpetological Society (google your state and 'herpetological society'). They often know of breeders, reptile shows, good stores, and other resources in your area you can try.

Answer 3

First off, you should be aware that they can carry salmonilla, which is a concern for children, the elderly, and those with depressed immune systems.

Secondly, many tortoises require a lot of space, money, and highly specialized care. Some species (the sulcata comes to mind, which I've seen sold as 3" babies) grow to be HUGE.

Lastly, tortoises live a long, long time. 60 years is a very conservative estimate. Up to a hundred is not unheard of.

It is a big, huge, lifelong responsibility. If you get a baby tortoise, it will outlive you and possibly your son.

Just things to keep in mind.

Answer 4

How old is your son, if he is young you might want to read up with a reputable breeder, do some research. My sister had a tortoise and they are somewhat of a delicate animal, not especially a good pet for a young child, their life expectency is 60-80 years and they also grow to be very large. They usually end up at some animal sanctuary because people don't do enough research. My sis was told eventually Sara would need her own room with a kiddie pool (used to pass feces) If you are still interested try talking to a good pet shop owner chances are they can help you out.

Answer 5

small tortoises like the Russian are captive bred and are good pets (I breed them) Sulcattas are good ones too (also captive bred) PetCo's sell 'em. or a good reptile specialty shop. there are online stores all over.

PETA has no Idea what they are talking about... They want me (I live in Minnesota) To let my rock python go.... here in MN, yeah that would be MUCH better for it. PETA has there heart in the right place but need to draw the line and do some research.

Sorry but I care for my animals and love them very much, PETA extreamests PISS ME OFF.

Answer 6

hi Bethany, honey your son's gay even if you wish it or not. Being gay isn't a sin and in case you've been extremely Christian you does not be eating shellfish or placed on outfits created from 2 sorts of fabric. you need to study the thanks to be extra open minded, you do not even comprehend for positive that god even exists and yet you take advantage of him as an excuse to be close-minded and form of stuck up if i'm effortless. He has a mag with bare adult adult males in it for gods sake take a contact also he's a 17 3 hundred and sixty 5 days previous boy he has a impressive form of hormones operating by him, he's probable also masturbating. As to what you need to do about this: enable him comprehend that you comprehend yet to boot you need to enable him comprehend that that's effective to be gay. Boys are 4 situations extra probable to dedicate suicide than ladies and in case you do not settle on your son the way he's then you are a terrible man or woman because i'm positive the bible taught you to love your children. compared to wide-spread perception, you are able to not decide on once you're gay or not, in case you do not trust me then evaluate this: why may all and sundry decide on to be close out out of your kinfolk and said as a shame and be bullied on a favourite foundation?

Answer 7

I know how it feels to bot be able to get one. I myself have been looking for a long time for one. Ever since my first one died 7 years ago. I simply love them but I always insist that they should be small and that is why it becomes difficult for me to get one. If you happen to go to China however, I feel you won't have any troubles in getting one becasue they sell hundreds of different varities.

Answer 8

Why don't you try google searching for a pet shop that specifies in reptiles and tortoises.
There's a shop round the corner from me in Chelmsford called Pets etc.

Answer 9

let me advice you ur kid may like it........but these animals are of an endagered species neither do they adopt to new conditions according to PETA you may be even senteced according to your countries law.......instead why dont you teach ur kid something about how animals are rapidly vanishing from the face of earth and take him to a sanctuary or some beach.You may even arrange a date with PETA they may help ur kid by showing animals and teaching more about them

Answer 10

Personally i wouldnt get one they carry seminola and you cant really play with them