Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am really new to tortoises. I have kept snakes for years.......But, the wife and I are interested in getting a turtle. I would like a good medium sized one. I have seen some Sulcattas (sp) and they are pretty big. I would love one that size...But, the wife likes them smaller. What is a good size tortoise? But, not huge. Ones that are easy to care for would be great as well.
Thanks,
John
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"To be the best..........You must lose your mind."

I am looking for one that will max around 18 inches. Is there such an animal?
Thanks again,
John
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"To be the best..........You must lose your mind."

Do you want to start with a tiny baby and raise it so it will be 18 inches just when you're ready to retire...?

Or do you want one with a little heft already.

Dick Goergen has one for sale at:

http://market.kingsnake.com/detail.php?cat=50&de=139773

but it's expensive.

However, I'll bet you that it's been well taken care of, and, as old as it is (about 25 years) its growth rate is so slow now that it's size won't change very fast.

If his is too much money for you, go for the same kind, a babcocki leopard tortoise. He started with his at 8 to 10 inches and it took 20 years to get where it is now.

I would love to start out with a baby and see it grow till I'm old and grey.
Which ones have the most personality? Which are the hardiest?
Thanks,
John
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"To be the best..........You must lose your mind."

Let's see... “old and grey”

That might be as soon as next year! Quick, which kind grows the fastest? LOL

Actually, everyone has his favorites as far as “personality” goes. One person’s favorite is another person’s “you couldn’t give me one of those!”

I’m sure you’ll get some answers about hardiness soon. One thing: with tortoises especially, diet is probably the single most important factor in their lives that influences their overall long-term health.

Hehehee............LOL! I have a while till I'm old and and grey. But, I am on my way.
John
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"To be the best..........You must lose your mind."

Hey- you might want to try Redfoots or Cherryheads. They're both beautiful, friendly, and easy to care for. Plus, they stay relatively small. Cherryheads have a shell maximum of 12 inches, and Redfoots 24. E-mail me if you have any questions at cod6545@cs.com. Good luck. Brooks
P.S. You might want to try Ed Pirog about the Cherryheads.

Thanks for the advice you both.
I am thinking a red foot is sounding like a good sized animal. I have seen a couple of pics. They are very nice looking as well.
Thanks,
John
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"To be the best..........You must lose your mind."