Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So I'm looking at buying a tortoise at the F.I.R.E. show next month and was wondering what would be a good type for the Florida heat. He will be growing up on my back porch in a 40 gallon breeder tank until he gets a little older and I will build him one. I have read a lot about the general care of tortoises but not to much on any specific type. I know that with most any breed they're going to need to follow a high in fiber low in protein diet and the long term effects that poor nutrition can have on a tortoise. I'd really like to get a turtle whose breed doesn't originate from a climate in which they are supposed to hibernate because I think it would be very weird to stick my tortoise in box in the top of my closet for the winter(our 60-70 degree winters haha). I started out looking at Sulcatas but with the fact that they can reach up to 150-200 lbs and tend to burrow huge holes is a pretty big deterrent from this breed and I really would like a tortoise that isn't prone to burrowing so I can avoid having a cave i my backyard. I have been told that Red footed tortoises make the best all around first tortoise because they have a wider diet and have a great personality, but most of the stuff I have read online said that russians were the best first tortoise. I'm looking for one with a lot of personality and is kind of active. Anyways I'd love to hear any feedback/ personal experience anyone has so I can proceed with some more research.

First of all it's great that you are researching before purchasing...don't be in a hurry, get the set up and knowledge then make the plunge and be successful. I think a red foot would be a great choice for your Florida humidity, but Vic M. and others breed black/brown Burmese Mt. tortoises, which really sound like great animals and worth considering. I think G. sulcattas can be problems for the average person, they just get so big and powerful and need a lot of space. You live in one of the great places for humid tolerant tortoises, have fun and enjoy your decades long hobby. Try to visit some breeders and see how they are set up, you will learn a lot. Vic H.

What long term keeper has ever researched before buying... I'll bet... zero.

Give me a break.

Nothing personal, Vic but I know you know my point.

It is admirable and it is the right thing to do but if you go to a show and you see something you like... you go for it... then post to the lists... 'what do I do'.

sorry for the rhant... I might not be entitled... but wtf.

ed

>>First of all it's great that you are researching before purchasing...don't be in a hurry, get the set up and knowledge then make the plunge and be successful. I think a red foot would be a great choice for your Florida humidity, but Vic M. and others breed black/brown Burmese Mt. tortoises, which really sound like great animals and worth considering. I think G. sulcattas can be problems for the average person, they just get so big and powerful and need a lot of space. You live in one of the great places for humid tolerant tortoises, have fun and enjoy your decades long hobby. Try to visit some breeders and see how they are set up, you will learn a lot. Vic H.
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Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care