Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I originally posted this in the general turtle forum, but I think that it should be here. What I am looking for is a terrestrial turtle.

Hi all, I'm an experienced lizard and frog guy needing some info about turtles. My Sister-in-law wants to get a turtle for her kid and she came to me for some advice. The kid is pretty responsible and I think he can handle the care of an animal.
What is a good beginner turtle? Something besides a box turtle. Something that's cultural requirements aren't that demanding and will be fairly hardy. I can make an enclosure for it depending on its needs and can supply it with all the necessary lighting and heat and stuff.
Can any one help me out or link me to a good web site?

Thanks,
Jim Annand

The Tortoisetrust site (tortoisetrust.org), World Chelonian Trust site as well as the site from Turtlehaven are good starters. Many tortoise keepers will tell you, that tortoises are amongst the most demanding reptiles to keep and not necessarily the best pet for a kid.

Gaby

I recommend either a captive born russian or redfoot tortoise. Both are hardy when cared for by an educated owner.
A good place to learn about russian torts is www.russiantortoise.org
The redfoots do well in higher humidity, the russians do well with less humidity. If at all possible, keep outdoors at least part of the year in a secure area.

Good luck,

John

As a relatively new redfoot owner, I'd suggest moving with a little caution on them...they are incredibly wonderful pets, but they are also a little tough for new people to care for--while they eat just about anything, there is a fairly regular diet they need to have (and it has to be varied enough to meet their nutritional needs, so a lot of greens, fruits, weeds and floewrs, as well as the occasional bit of protein). The biggest challenge we faced as first time tort owners was the incredible amount of conflicting and/or confusing information out there--it may be a little much for a kid to handle! Also keep in mind that torts can be sick but not "look" sick, and the vet bills do add up if you suddenly have to deal with a long-term respiratory infection (very typical of pet store torts)...diseases are often long-term because torts take a long time to heal...

Redfoots also need a lot more space than your average aquarium will provide. We have ours in a converted kiddie pool with a large humid hide, several heat-resistant plants, ceramic heat emitters and a UV light source. It took awhile to build, but he's much happier there than he was in his glass tank (which we had to cover with paper so he didn't hurt himself trying to push through the walls).

I don't mean to discourage you, but our redfoot really required a lot more than we'd anticipated, despite trying to do our homework ahead of time. We love him dearly and are committed to providing him with a quality life for the next few decades, but that does mean adjusting our lifestyles a little (e.g., finding someone to take care of him whenever we are away, etc). I'm not sure how russians compare. I'd definitely recommend a couple of redfoot and tortoise books, which I can link to if you like...

Meg

there's a wealth of information on russiantortoise.org for a start.

matt

Are you looking for a terrestrial "turtle" or a tortoise? Because there is a difference. Since your new, I felt like I had to ask........

Barry

Thanks for all the replies. I have to admit that I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to turtles/tortoises. I/he were looking for info on either. Wichever makes the easier pet.
And in reply to an earlier response, he is a pretty responsible kid and I don't think the care of an animal would be too much for him to handle. And if it becomes too much for him I'll probably take it.
Jim

Between the two, turtle or tortoise, a tortoise would be a good first chelonian and a RF of Russian would be a great starter. From your original post it sounds like you have an idea of what you have in store and it sounds like your a herper to begin with so it sounds like you've reached what I jokingly call 'that next step'.

I've noticed a kind of evolution among herpers. It usually goes snakes, lizards then chelonians (or amphibians). Each step is less forgiving and seems to be more rewarding. Chelonians are not as difficult as amphibians but only because of the water element but they do require more attention than snakes or lizards.

I think tortoises are great first pet for a youngster with supervision.
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Ed
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Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care