Reptile & Amphibian Forums

anybody have a good reccomendation for a tort to keep in the NW? I would want to keep the tort outside as much as possible, however - with our frequent rain - i worry. Though they would have full shelter, I know damp is not usually a good thing...

would you all say a red-foot would be best here? Or any of the smaller species..Russian, hermans, etc?

just looking for some advice and suggestions - especially if you indeed live here (I live in portland) and house them in your yard...

I'm not that knowledgible on smaller torts but I do have a comment based on your locale. I used to live in PDX. Your summers are beautiful and should make any tort happy. Unfortunately your seasons are short and typically fall through spring are too cold(and wet) for all torts.

Choose a tort that you can easily maintain indoors during the fall through spring timeframe. Summer should be no problem. Redfoots, which I do keep, would be a great choice, assuming their medium size is managable to you.

I'm sure others can speak to some of the smaller torts you mention.

Paul

I'd say no to a Russian. The constant dampness would probably be too much.

An american box turtle might adapt. They like high humidity, moderate temps (60s to 80s).

There are also other turtles that could possibly adapt to your environment. Ask in the turtle forum.

redfoots are a good choice i keep them and have very few problems. also have kept over the years. leapords,sulcata,yellow foot,box turtles,and wood turtles, with very little trouble. but in the nw you wont be able to put it out side and just forget about it . you have to do more work than someone in a warm area.i start putting mine outside about march to april but still bring them in every night. about june or july i leave some of the bigger ones out over night.also i only live about a hour from portland. you can keep torts here its just more work.