Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i'm thinking of getting a radiata tortoise.my question is;

-how much is the price normaly for a 2-3 inch radiata
-are they worth getting at that price
-do you think radiata is more beutiful than indian star because the star is much cheaper.
-are they considerd very rare because they are offered lest
often than the aldabra and i think also the galapagos tortoise.
-do you think i should buy the radiata or a burmess star tortoise
because i can get it too but not the both of them.

i hope somebody can answer my question because i dont want to buy a wrong tortoise for me.and i hope i can get a quick answer because i dont have much time before somebody else bought both of them.

thanks for any help

I own a 3.5in Radiated and it is well worth the price I paid. It is not as rare as prior b/c of the successful captive breeding and the improvement of conditions in Madagascar against habitat destruction. You should expect to pay btwn 1200 - 1500 US dollars for a hatchling. One of my size will be nearly two grand. I consider this tortoise the most beautiful of all tortoises and the Burmese (though more rare in the wild) is not as an impressive animal (the raadiated can get 16 inches). This is not a beginner species and to invest that amount is not necessary if you are looking for a good pet. I would recommend the Leopard tortoise. Good luck.

BVP

is it true that a 3-4" wild cought radiata is realy hard to care for.because i heard they are hard to feed.this is what i hear from my friend.is it true?

i have never experiance this with any wild star tortoise before.

thanks.

Quick thought for this Memorial Day...a day in the United States dedicated to those who gave their lives for us to live the way we do.

What is the purpose behind buying such an animal? Is it to have a lone, rare, distinguished pet in your collection? Or is it to gather together a breeding group to assist in the overall conservation of this species?

While a fair number of radiated tortoises are being bred in captivity and a few Burmese stars are now being reproduced, the situation for both of these species in the wild is precarious at best.

Radiata: Cut and paste the following link into your browser for John Behler's account on the slaughter of spider tortoises and radiated tortoises in Madagascar.
http://www.chelonian.org/ttn/archives/ttn5/pp18-19.shtml

Platynota (Burmese stars): At a recent zoo turtle and tortoise meeting, William Holmstrom of the Wildlife Conservation Society recounted his recent experiences in Burma (Myanmar). Where wild populations of animals had once been relatively numerous, they are now extremely scarce. Dogs are being utilized to hunt down these animals and sell them into the pet trade in China and elsewhere. This is a species in need of serious, long term work.

Are you ready to make that kind of commitment? If so, more power to you. If you are looking for an attractive pet, I would highly recommend a pair of captive bred star tortoises.

Whatever you decide, care sheets and further information on all of these species are available via the link below.

Doc

Ps. Something else to keep in mind is that a captive wildlife permit is needed from the federal government for any interstate sales of radiated tortoises.

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i'm thinking of getting a radiata tortoise.my question is;

-how much is the price normaly for a 2-3 inch radiata
-are they worth getting at that price
-do you think radiata is more beutiful than indian star because the star is much cheaper.
-are they considerd very rare because they are offered lest
often than the aldabra and i think also the galapagos tortoise.
-do you think i should buy the radiata or a burmess star tortoise
because i can get it too but not the both of them.

i hope somebody can answer my question because i dont want to buy a wrong tortoise for me.and i hope i can get a quick answer because i dont have much time before somebody else bought both of them.

thanks for any help

World Chelonian Trust

The burmese star is definately one you should have a little experience before looking into. Also, there are quite a few out there that are being pawned off as CB but are not. While this might be good for a founding stock bloodline they are very difficult to acclimate.
Now a Radiata is a great choice for a pet. They have an unbelievable personality for a reptile. While they do require a Federal CBW permit, this is not difficult to obtain if you have a sponsor. If you can find a breeder in your state you will not need this permit. There are quite a few breeders of radiata and they are becoming more easily available but the price is still high and will probably remain that way.
A Radiata would be a very steep investment for a first tortoise but I met people who selected the Egyptian tortoise (a very difficult tortoise to keep) who seemed clueless but have done a wonderful job in raising this species to adult.
The point is that if you are willing to put in the care, money and time... go for it. Whatever you choose... good luck.
Ed

Radiated tortoises make good pets and are not very demanding but you should ask for a copy of the sellers CBW permit to make shure the tortoises is legal. You will also need this to prove the tortoise is legal if you ever want to get a permit yourself. If you do get one I recomend getting the permit.