Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My friend has several different types of tortoises and I am very interested in getting a tortoise of my own. Hers are big ones and get even bigger. Most of them live outdoors. I would like to have a tortoise that stays small and has a great personality and is responsive. Maybe one that would eat from my hand would be nice. I would want one that can live indoors all the time and stays very small. I would like to put it outside on nice sunny days just to play but it mostly would live indoors. Can anyone suggest what kind of tortoise would be happy here in my home???? Your help in this matter is greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks

Russian tortoise.

They stay small (Maybe 7"-8" max) and are very tolerant of changes in heat and humidity (within reason of course.) The russian in the photo above is almost 7". I got her when she was 4" and just this last year she laid several eggs. Unfortunately no hatchlings.

I live in Missouri and keep my 4 russians outdoors from about late March to early October. In 2003 they were out most of October and sometimes in November. Anyway, they do fine with overnight lows in the 50s and daytime highs in the low 100s with humidity running 50%+. I do avoid cold and wet, and they always have a place to get out of the sun and rain. Sometimes if the weather runs at the extremes of heat or damp/cold for a week or so I'll bring them in.

All of the above applies to healthy tortoises, not freshly acquired ones who may have disease or parasites.

Mine will eat out of my hand, and sometimes they come running when they see me. If you keep one indoors, be sure to give them plenty of space. At least 8 sq ft for one, 12 sq ft for two. At a minimum.

Plus you can feed them fresh weeds from your pesticide-free yard and supplement with grocery greens and a few pellets.

Go to www.russiantortoise.org and read up.