Thanks VICtort, smeese, and Matt J for the very helpful suggestions. Had been considering M. emys and redfoots, but will now also look into elongated tortoises. What about radiata, burmese stars (or other beautiful species from humid climates) if we can get them from breeders here in Florida? These are very expensive but it looks like over time the initial cost of the animals may be only a small part of the expense of tortoise keeping.

We intend to go with CB tortoises, since we want to support conservation efforts and want the animals to be well-acclimated and happy as pets. As far as parasites and diseases go, I am suspecting this may be an ongoing issue even with healthy CB animals when kept outside in this climate, even though we keep no other tortoise species. Am I right that there may be pathogens arriving on the grass from invertebrates, birds, & naturalized exotic lizards (that are everywhere in Miami)? Are there some tortoise species that are less likely to pick up diseases and parasites from our environs or do all tortoises kept outdoors here need regular treatment?

Thanks again, Paul

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