Where can I buy a tortoise in OH?? And are the reptile shows good to go to ??

Question

There is alot of people that sell them on the internet to deliver to your door well that dont sound safe also shipping is 40.00-50.00 bucks too high. I just wanted to know if the reptile show would be the best place and also i am thinking of a russian tortoise??

Answer 1

If you go on-line look for reputable breeders. Check the Better Business Bureau for any complaints on them. try www.kingsnake.com i've always had good with them.
There is also www.faunaclassifieds.com



I personally would go to your local herp show.

A couple of things.

A: talk with other local herper's about what they think of the show, if they've had any bad run-ins with exhibitors there. Word of mouth is excellent.

B: Research on what the signs of sickness are in the type of tortoise you are looking at are.
This includes, runny nose, runny eyes, sneezing, signs of dehydration or even starvation.

Many times you will see bad "breeders" or even reptile brokers trying to make a buck at shows. some will go so far as to come from a lenghty way away, but not feed or water their animals the entire trip because they don't want to spend the money on it. Or in somecases don't even know how to feed the animal.
Which is stupid since most reptile food is pennies a bite. But some people are just idiots I guess.

I always talk with the person I buy from first, at LENGTH, what their breeding methods are, why they picked that species, even the mundane stuff will still give you an idea of what type of person they are, and hence what type of breeder.
I've been yacked at for 3 PLUS hours on the phone with people wanting to buy puppies from me, even if I don't currently have a litter *lol* but i'm happy to do it.
If the guy you are talking to is a broker, talk to them about that, what info they have on the lizards they have. Sometimes people will bring their friends herps in to, and may not know anything about them really because it's not their specialty. If the animals look good and healthy I would be okay buying from them.

Good luck with your new tortoise!!!!
I love them, especially the Indian Start =)

Answer 2

Reptile shows are an excellent place to buy reptiles. The cost is usually less than a pet store because you're buying directly from the breeder. They can answer any questions you have about the animals they are offering.

One problem that you might have is that turtles/tortoises usually aren't that common in the winter months because of the cold weather. Ohio does have a reptile show - I know folks who go on regular basis: http://www.allohioshows.com/

Answer 3

Try buying a Reptiles magazine or logging onto www.Kingsnake.com. Both of those list Herp shows in different areas of the US. I know that I have seen ads for Herp shows in OH on several occasions. It just takes a little looking. Be careful and make sure you know what you are getting into and what questions to ask when buying from a breeder or private seller.
Parasites, Liniage, Proper care and eduation are all important when getting a ne herp.
Good Luck.

Answer 4

I live in the very tip of KY.. but i cant say i know any breeders. But did you check out kingsnake.com. They have many breeders selling tortoises... online.. but maybe there are some close by. Im planning on getting either a hermanns, greek, or russian, so if you find out anything id appreciate an email through the link on my profile thing. If i find out anything ill tell you also. good luck.

Answer 5

Shipping is that high because they need to be shipped overnight mail. Keep in mind that tortoises need a large enclosure and special lighting..none of that is cheap.