I would like a very small species and fairly easy to maintain. I would also like it to be friendly. Are there any websites that will help me find the right species for me and help me purchase one/find a breeder?
2006-08-21 07:47:25 · 9 answers · asked by lexkp23 2 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Tortoises are not a super easy pet- you need to ensure they have the right type of cage (big, escape proof, low-stress, etc.), the right lighting, heating, humidity, diet, etc.
The species that are probably the closest to what you are looking for would be the Greek or Mediterranian Spur-thighed (Testudo graeci) or Hermann's (Testudo hermanni). These are fairly small, fairly easy to keep species that are somewhat common in stores.
The more common Russian tortoise is a bit tricky. It needs a slightly more unusual set of conditions for proper care.
Finding a good breeder is best done through your local herpetological society (reptile enthusiasts club). They know the best places locally and on-line. They also often sponsor breeder shows or reptile expos that are often great places to get good specimans.
As for a helpful website, try:
2006-08-21 08:24:13 · answer #1 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm personally a huge fan of Eastern box turtles. You have to be careful to find out which type you get as the care for similar species Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata) or the Florida Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina bauri) or the Three-toed Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina triungulus) can be very different.
Now, if you live in Virgina they're native and probably illegal to keep, at least that's how it works here in Canada.
They have an easy diet to fulfill, omnivorous eating everything from snails, crickets, unseasoned meat, to salads, fruits and vegetables.
They don't get very big, but they need floor space when kept inside. Not even a large aquarium will work [so avoid wasting your money on that and try to build something.]
Also they're solitary and have no need for friends. So he won't notice if you go away on vacation for two weeks [and have someone else feeding him] nor will he get lonely and need a friend. But that doesn't mean they're not fun to interact with.
2006-08-21 09:46:13 · answer #2 · answered by Dia 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get a box turtle. The adults are terrestrial, friendly, easy to maintain. They're a bit smaller than most tortoises. You can buy a box turtle in most big pet stores.
2006-08-21 09:25:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a russian tortoise - he'll only get as big as a football and is very friendly. I keep him in my kindergarten classroom and the kids love to play with him. If you are interesed in russian tortoises here is a great web sight.
http://russiantortoise.org/care_sheet.htm
2006-08-21 09:18:37 · answer #4 · answered by skippy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A hermann tortoise, there good for your first tortoise. Also, there very pretty tortoises, and do not get very big.
2006-08-21 12:38:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
russian redfoot torts are relatively small (12 in adults). dr joe heinen HAS AN AWESOME SITE AT WWW.RUSSIANTORTOISE.ORG all the info and insight you will need, he also runs a great supply store as well. check it out!!
2006-08-21 10:15:00 · answer #6 · answered by Marty B 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
russian tortuise. theyre great. i had one, they live along time though.
2006-08-21 20:50:27 · answer #7 · answered by trainguyd 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Be sure to get one that is alive.
2006-08-21 14:24:17 · answer #8 · answered by B 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm guessing one with a shell?
2006-08-21 07:52:45 · answer #9 · answered by RACQUEL 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋