Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have kept snakes for 30 years. Lots of snakes. Never a tortoise. I've lurked the snake forums so I've seen this question many times.

I'm think of getting a couple of tortoises. I've been looking at Redfoot and Hermans, mainly because of their size and their hardyness.

I'm looking for a tort that can be outside all summer (we get up to 110* in So. Utah) I don't know what is involved and required for hibernation. In fact I know very little.

Any suggestions on the species type?

I need a good book or other source of information. Ideas?

Thanks for any help you can give me. I may become a regular here.
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Wade's Weptiles & Wodents

While you are all thinking about an answer for me,....

Our summers are over 100* all summer. I really don't want anything as big as sulcata. We are dry and arid, but the area is under sprinklers.

Thanks again
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Wade's Weptiles & Wodents

Russian tortoise.

It's from a region that is naturally hot and arid during the summer. As long as you provide an area of shade and cooler temperatures they can tolerate the heat. A shallow pool of water would also be required.

EJ Pirog has a book on Russian tortoises.

I'll link you to www.russiantortoise.net and ww.tortoisetrust.org

www.tortoisetrust.org

Thank you, I will read the sites you linked and buy the book. Thanks again.

Anyone have any other ideas?
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Wade's Weptiles & Wodents

Marginated tortoises and Greek tortoises would probably also work for your climate. Marginateds get up to about 14 inches long, but are quite elongated. Marginateds are more commonly available as captive bred babies than either russians or greeks. Greeks vary in size depending on subspecies, but never get above 10 pounds and most are more like 2-4 pounds. Greeks arent as commonly bred as marginateds, except for golden greeks, which actually do better indoors. Whatever tortoise you choose make sure to get a captive bred animal, wild caughts of ALL testudo species carry massive amounts of parasites and are often in very poor condition. do some research and I'm sure that you'll have fun in the exciting world of tortoises.

Thanks again, I have been reading about tortoises all day and have not really looked at the two species you mentioned. So now I'll have something to do tomorrow.

Anybody have a good book or website to suggest?
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Wade's Weptiles & Wodents

I've seen ads for LTC and several ads for what I assume to be wild caught. Should I consider LTC or not take the risk at all?
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Wade's Weptiles & Wodents

I started with russian tortoises from 2 sources:

1) Purchased from reptile shop where owner was a veterinarian who inspected and wormed the animals.

2) Adopted from herp society. Animals looked healthy.

From these I was able to set up a breeding group for about 5 years. I then decided to get out of breeding tortoises and now I have just 2 animals left. Both are the last captive bred animals from my original stock.

So it is possible to do well with wildcaught animals.

I recommend adopting first, unless you can find captive bred animals. Adoption doesn't encourage removing more animals from the wild. Look the animals over. Look for runny noses, shell rot, signs of diarrhea, etc.

Good luck!

Dear Wade, I agree with the previous. Like you, I kept snakes for over 40 years before "evolving legs" and enjoying tortoises. Husbandry with tortoises is more interactive, and I enjoy species of tortoises with "personality". I too live in the desert, so I would advise constructing artificial burrows with plastic or clay pipe, they must have privacy and retreat from intense Summer sun and Winter cold. Glue carpet or make the pipe easy for tortoises to climb up the gradient. I think Horsefields (Russians are a great choice, if they are healthy. Although mine are mostly wild caught, I have seen so many expire, that I would encourage you to go captive hatched. Start off with winners! I also breed and reccomend ibera type Greeks, and marginateds. All three can be "brumated", and that gives you a break from husbandry around the Holidays. All 3 thrive on weeds you can gather or grow. These 3 species are outgoing, reasonable size, and adaptive to your climate I would think. I hear Herrman's are great too, but I haven't personally worked with them. Check out the California Turtle and tortoise club web-site, also San Diego Turtle and Tortoise Society. Both give good diet advice, and informative husbandry articles/care sheets. I learned plenty by reading Andy Highfield's books. Good luck, Vic

Hey, I've been gone for a week so I'm slow responding. But I just wanted to thank all that have responded. I have orderds a couple of books and been reading a lot of stuf on the internet. I haven't made a decision yet but expect to soon.

Thanks again
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Wade's Weptiles & Wodents

Hermanns are great. They are hardy, adaptable, very personable and captive bred ones are very available.
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aquariphiles.com-where I blog about aquarium stuff