Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I would love some opinions please!

My husband and I would love to adopt a tort or two as a pet. We live in Colordo so it is hot and dry in the summer and cold and really dry in the winter. We are thinking of something smaller so it will be easily wintered inside, that does not require a lot of humidity and that can stay outside in the summer. I'm thinking perhaps Russian or Hermans? Any other thoughts? What about box turtles?

Also, though I would LOVE raising babies, I recognize there is often many torts out there in rescues already that are in need of good homes. Could anyone point me in the right direction of a good tort rescue?

Thanks!!

Sarah

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FireDrake Exotics
www.FireAndLilac.com

Just try doing a google search for adopting a tortoise, many times you'll find that you can enter in a zip code once you've clicked on a link.

You might look at adopting a Desert Tortoise! They don't get "huge", and are very curious of their owners once adapted. They require the dry climate, and will hibernate during the winter if you want them to. Their natural range can vary from extreme low desert to very high desert. There is also a ton of info available on these guys. There is a well established rescue based in Arizona, you might try them if you decide to go with a Desert Tortoise!

Good luck!
-Kory

I always thought those were illegal to own...

thanks though, I will have to look into it!

Sarah
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FireDrake Exotics
www.FireAndLilac.com

They are legal to adopt through an adoption agency. They are extremely protected by law in the wild, and are illegal to take.

There are other laws as well about gifting offspring that are captive born etc.. I'm sure that someone will chime in that knows all of the laws, and where to read about them.

I had one when I was younger that was handed down for something like 80 years in the family. He was really big for a Desert Tortoise. I wish he was still around. He would follow me around the yard all day. He had more personality than all of my other reptiles put together.

-Kory

I'm pretty sure that all the adoptable desert torts have to remain in their native state and usually in their native climate zone, per the state laws. They are not very flexible in adopting across state boundaries.

I would not recommend box turtles if you are new to turtles and tortoises. They can be quite challenging, particularly if they are recent wild caught animals. Established animals can be fairly easy but tortoises are far easier to manage than box turtles. In your area, you could keep a lot of different species provided you have a indoor warm place for your winter of course. It would be good to contact a rescue and see what is available and start from there.

You could reach out to http://www.turtlehomes.org/. I know there are rescues in Colorado. You should probably try to reach out them as they will likely have adoption info.

http://coloradoturtleclub.org/
http://www.corhs.org/

I have 4 Hermanns & 2 Russians & both are relatively easy to care for. As far as personality goes, nothing beats a Hermanns!
.

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DeeCee

Thanks for the info!

Unfortunately I have dealt with CORHS in the past and would rather poke my eyes out with a fork than deal with that woman again...

Sarah
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FireDrake Exotics
www.FireAndLilac.com

Adoption.Why are the animals unwanted? Where did they come from?Have they ever been kept in the same room with sick animals? Viruses are invisable.It can be a good thing.BUT, think about the tortoises health history.It could be a bad thing.If you get one tortoise you will want others.Its a well known addiction.There's some bad stuff out there,dont step in it.Vic

As far as I'm concerned you can't go wrong with a testudo gracea a.k.a. a greek tortoise, I have on named Athena and she has a great personality! She is the best tort i've ever had! Good Luck with your search.