Re: Looking for Tortoise info...

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Posted by Justin on August 09, 2001 at 18:27:35:

In Reply to: Re: Looking for Tortoise info... posted by Natalie on August 09, 2001 at 14:23:42:

Natalie
I was not trying to be scolding, sorry if you got that impression. Here's what I know, unfortunately the best torts in my opinion for inside care are not readily availlable in the hobby. Pancakes, Spiders, and the Genus Homopus are probably the easiest for indoors. Only the Pancake is commonly seen captive bred in the pet trade and then at a price $500. All tortoises should have a large area in which to graze and exercise. Tortoises also rely heavily on the sun for growth and health. There has yet to be a light that can truly replace the sun. Most bulbs have no where near the UV of the sun. It is also quite hard to replicate the tortoises natural diet. Lettuces and supermarket greens are no match for grasses, leaves, and weeds. Natalie, you can keep a tortoise inside, many have done it. I did it for 4 years before moving back to my home in AZ, the question you need to ask, is if it is fair to you and the animal. I will also take this time to reccomend the Chinese Box Turtle as a fair substitute for a tortoise. They are very personable and tend to be ok for inside maintenance. C.B. babies are around and quite friendly, mine will beg for food at every oppurtunity. But in the end the decision is yours.

Justin

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: Natalie : I was not trying to be scolding, sorry if you got that impression. Here's what I know, unfortunately the best torts in my opinion for inside care are not readily availlable in the hobby. Pancakes, Spiders, and the Genus Homopus are probably the easiest for indoors. Only the Pancake is commonly seen captive bred in the pet trade and then at a price $500. All tortoises should have a large area in which to graze and exercise. Tortoises also rely heavily on the sun for growth and health. There has yet to be a light that can truly replace the sun. Most bulbs have no where near the UV of the sun. It is also quite hard to replicate the tortoises natural diet. Lettuces and supermarket greens are no match for grasses, leaves, and weeds. Natalie, you can keep a tortoise inside, many have done it. I did it for 4 years before moving back to my home in AZ, the question you need to ask, is if it is fair to you and the animal. I will also take this time to reccomend the Chinese Box Turtle as a fair substitute for a tortoise. They are very personable and tend to be ok for inside maintenance. C.B. babies are around and quite friendly, mine will beg for food at every oppurtunity. But in the end the decision is yours. : Justin

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