Reptile & Amphibian Forums

has any1 bought a tortoise on line? i was diggin around the classifieds and i was just wunderin if these companys could be trusted. i would hate to buy a tortoise that arraived at my door step sick. if there are any trusted companys then can anybody direct me to any? (i live in hawaii if that helps...)

mahalo

Let the buyer beware...of mail order brides. There is always some risk with unknown sellers. Some are good, some less so, so if you can find a local breeder and pick it up yourself, choose from a clutch, eliminate the inherit risk of shipping etc., you would be well advised to do so. Sometimes shipping is stressful, I have seen shipping companines do outrageous thngs...so choose carefully. You might contact the Honolulu Zoo and ask who ships them animals...experience counts.

It would be bad if someone sends you a sick animal and you have no recourse. Negotiate wisely and get a healthy animal properly shipped, healthier and cheaper in the long run.

I don't know the laws in your State, so be sure to check, I know Hawaii is very concerned about exotics. You could get in big trouble fast if you don't know the laws.

A great place to work with Emmys, G. radiata and other tropical adapted tortoises. I would call and ask the sellers lots of Q's, try to get a feel. Look at this and other forums, boards of inquiry, see what others say. Send PM's to breeders and get to "know them", select the ones's you feel comfortable with. My experiences with out of State sellers was not good, but I am sure good ones are out there, I have learned over the years. Good luck, Vic (do they have a tortoise club in the Islands? Maybe you could find some local breeders? Ask the Zoo keepers, they may know folks who can help.) Good luck, Vic H.

I have bought a tortoise online in the past.

The recommendation of the emys for you is an excellent one.

The best emys breeder, most experienced and will help your forever is Vic Morgan.

If you buy it from him, he will get it to you and support you forever.

Ciao'

G

Eh, howzit Manno sent you an email. k den

A lot of breeders don’t like to ship to Hawaii because of the extra work. First the buyer must obtain an import permit from the State of Hawaii, the tortoise must be go through the quarantine station in Honolulu, and the tortoise must be accompanied by a health Certificate (will be checked at the quarantine station).

It is sometime difficult to get reservations to ship to Hawaii because big freight companies have reserved most of the airfreight space. If you pay with a credit card you have added protection if there is a problem. Some breeders will not guarantee their animals if there is a delay by the carrier so be sure and check on that. Most carriers will not guarantee perishable goods (live animals). Good luck

Richard Fife

I have shipped to Hawaii a couple of times in the last year with no problems. I would be more than happy to help walk you through it. It is not really that difficult, though a little more expensive. Best wishes Douglas Beard / Flora & Fauna