Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I'm trying to figure out which kind of tortoise I should get.
I'm a college student living in Eugene Oregon, and plan on moving to Ashland, OR. I want a tortoise that will stay small, because I don't have too much room. I'd love one that would stay as small as an Egyptian tortoise, they seen hard to get, but not impossible. It would be nice if it was fun and outgoing or at least not super shy, and I'd like to be able to breed it someday, so maybe something that isn't too difficult to breed in captivity. I'd like it to have nice markings.
I'm thinking about a Hermann's, Russian, or Egyptian.
(which is second smallest, a Hermann's or Russian ? )

I would love any comments or suggestions!

Thanks in advance.

-Alisha

Hermanns and Russians typically reach the same size but Eastern Hermanns can and do exceed 8 and 9" more than often. Most male hermanns do not exceed 6.5", yet one of my males is over 8".

Western Hermanns (Testudo hermanni hermanni) only get a tad bit larger than adult Egyptians but you'll have a harder time finding these than Egyptians.

All the tortoises you mentioned make wonderful pets just make sure you find a reputable breeder. I will not have hatchlings until next season but there are some good people who are offering hatchling russians nd and hermanns on the net right now.

Good Luck

How little space do you actually have?

Hmmm, not quite sure how to answer that. Let's say that I don't have an extra room to devote to a tortoise. I'd want it's cage to fit on a small table. I live in an apartment.

Got dimensions?

I know a person with breeding Egyptians on a 3 ft x 6 ft tortoise table. A baby could take less space but you WILL eventually need at least that amount of space or more if you want a healthy & happy tortoise.

A smallish western Hermans couple would take a similar amount of space.

Pyxis tortoises are another option. They are available & small & hardy as captive bred individuals.

Good luck to you.