Re: Choosing the right Tortoise for me...

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Posted by Terry on March 23, 2001 at 12:45:14:

In Reply to: Choosing the right Tortoise for me... posted by Christina on March 22, 2001 at 19:17:54:

Cristina,
a 12'-12' enclosure is quite small so I would go for a smaller species.Sulcatas, leopards, Redfoots are very nice tortoises but all 3 species would need much more room. A 12'-12' enclosure would be fine for hatchlings/juveniles, but far too small for adults.
My hatchling sulcatas enclosure is 12'-6'. My juvenile and sub adult sulcatas have the whole yard to roam in.
The above species don't hibernate.

The Mediterranean species remain quite small and would do quite well in an enclosure that size.
The enclosure MUST have sunny and shady areas, hiding places, shelter, areas to dig, grassy areas etc.
You can even plant edible landscaping.

You'll find some info on Testudo torts(Mediterranean tortoises)at this web page:

http://www.tortoiselife.co.uk/commontortoise1a.htm

And enclosure info and photos here:

http://www.tortoiselife.co.uk/dietandgarden5.htm

If kept in a warm climate the tortoises probably won't hibernate. I live in Hawaii and keep Russian tortoises ( Testudo horsfieldi ). I have one pair and their enclosure measures around 20'-10'.
However 99% of Russian tortoises available in the US are wild caught. So if you choose a Russian tortoise, pick a healthy looking one and take it to a vet ASAP after purchasing it to have it checked for internal parasites ( worms), or other health problems.
Once it has the all clear healthwise and has settled in, Russian tortoises are quite hardy and can become quite tame. Mine come plodding over when it's food time and will eat from my hand.

Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni) are small, very attractive and captive bred are available.

Anyway explore the web site below, it's really geared towards keeping tortoises in the UK. But should give you a good idea of what to expect and how to keep the Testudo species of tortoise.

http://www.tortoiselife.co.uk/

Hingeback tortoise might also be a good choice, they are forest dwellers and require a humid environment with plenty of hiding places. They can be quite shy:
Here's some info on hingeback torts:

http://www.tortoisetrust.org/care/ckinixys.html

Post back and let us know when you've narrowed your choice down.

Here's some more info on other species, however as adults/sub adults they will require more room than a 12'-12' enclosure.

http://sulcatastation.homestead.com/index.html

http://www.tortoisetrust.org/care/cpardalis.html

http://www.geocities.com/~pawsplus/beasley.html

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Comments:
: Cristina, : a 12'-12' enclosure is quite small so I would go for a smaller species.Sulcatas, leopards, Redfoots are very nice tortoises but all 3 species would need much more room. A 12'-12' enclosure would be fine for hatchlings/juveniles, but far too small for adults. : My hatchling sulcatas enclosure is 12'-6'. My juvenile and sub adult sulcatas have the whole yard to roam in. : The above species don't hibernate. : The Mediterranean species remain quite small and would do quite well in an enclosure that size. : The enclosure MUST have sunny and shady areas, hiding places, shelter, areas to dig, grassy areas etc. : You can even plant edible landscaping. : You'll find some info on Testudo torts(Mediterranean tortoises)at this web page: : http://www.tortoiselife.co.uk/commontortoise1a.htm : And enclosure info and photos here: : http://www.tortoiselife.co.uk/dietandgarden5.htm : If kept in a warm climate the tortoises probably won't hibernate. I live in Hawaii and keep Russian tortoises ( Testudo horsfieldi ). I have one pair and their enclosure measures around 20'-10'. : However 99% of Russian tortoises available in the US are wild caught. So if you choose a Russian tortoise, pick a healthy looking one and take it to a vet ASAP after purchasing it to have it checked for internal parasites ( worms), or other health problems. : Once it has the all clear healthwise and has settled in, Russian tortoises are quite hardy and can become quite tame. Mine come plodding over when it's food time and will eat from my hand. : Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni) are small, very attractive and captive bred are available. : Anyway explore the web site below, it's really geared towards keeping tortoises in the UK. But should give you a good idea of what to expect and how to keep the Testudo species of tortoise. : http://www.tortoiselife.co.uk/ : Hingeback tortoise might also be a good choice, they are forest dwellers and require a humid environment with plenty of hiding places. They can be quite shy: : Here's some info on hingeback torts: : http://www.tortoisetrust.org/care/ckinixys.html : Post back and let us know when you've narrowed your choice down. : Here's some more info on other species, however as adults/sub adults they will require more room than a 12'-12' enclosure. : http://sulcatastation.homestead.com/index.html : http://www.tortoisetrust.org/care/cpardalis.html : http://www.geocities.com/~pawsplus/beasley.html

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