Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm new here, and was wondering if you guys might be able to help me out... I've been looking around for some info on tortoises - My sis has been wanting one her entire life, and I told her I'd get her one when she got her own place. Well, that's coming up, so I'm trying to find one that will fit her and her personality. I've found basic care sheets, and deal with all other reptiles (lizards, monitors, geckos, snakes, etc) so care isn't a question. But I can't find exact species info. She likes Russian's, because they stay small. I'd like her to have something a little bigger, and prettier. I like the look of the Indian Star, and the Leopard, and the Marginated... But I want to know their adult sizes, good places to get CBB stock, and what they'll look like as adults. Also, any other pretty, smaller, about 18" or less, tortoises you guys can think of would be helpful. Like I said, I've got a few months, been looking around, and want to do this right for her. She knows basic care, and ultimately it will be her choice, but if I'm paying, I get a say so, too. Anywho, thanks for your time!
Alli Hartman

Have you checked out www.chelonia.org? In their caresheets section they list the adult sizes of a bunch of turtles and tortoises, and all of those caresheets list adult size. If she wants a smaller tort, I would definitely recommend going that route. The bigger ones are cool, but the smaller ones can have just as much personality, they'll live a long time, and will cost a lot less to maintain. It is also a lot easier to make space in your home for your growing Russian than your growing Leopard or Sulcatta. Just some thoughts, and good luck with your search!
-----
3.5.1 leopard geckos
0.1.0 leopard tortoise
0.1.0 asian leaf turtle
1.0.0 ball python
0.1.0 adopted cat
0.1.0 hamster

Make sure you get her some books along with the tortoise, so she has something to read up. Basic care sheets off the internet i have notice have alot of times been wrong, unless you go to a good web site. The site that fisher gave you is great for information, but i recommend the turtles and tortoise for dummys book. Its a pretty good read, has a score of information about tortoise sizes, how big they get, and what they're needs are. Im sure there are other books that are better, i just havent found one yet Perhaps some other people know of good books on tortoises.. Its always better to be prepared with too much information than to not have enough. And may i recommend russians or greeks, both of which are hardy small-mid sized tortoises. I own both and they're great. Thanks for reading.

Charlie Ashley