Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My nephew called me yesterday to inquire about purchasing a tortoise for a pet. He was looking at a leopard baby. I only have a sulcata and many other reptiles so would like your opinions as to which tortoise would you consider most suitable for a beginner. I think some of the criteria should be:

smaller size
cb
easy keepers
hibernation not needed
moderate price

I was thinking dwarf cherry head or hermanns due to size and price point, but I would welcome any advice to pass along to him. I told him the leopards get quite large and I did not feel he could adequately house an adult. Thanks for any information I can pass on to him to help him make a good choice.

Russians are smaller, good beginner tortoises, you can find CB,
CB russians can cost anywhere between $70 and $170 (U.S.)

Your nephew needs to do some homework first. What kind of climate does he live in? Can he provide enough humidity indoors for a moisture loving specie (like a cherry head)etc etc. Looking at all the requirements first and then making a decision is the best way to go.

I am guessing a Russian would end up being the best way to go though. Small and manageable. Still best to have him research it all first and then make a decision.