Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Very new to this. Trying to read up and learn which species of Tortoise would be happiest in NJ.
Any advice?

Also, any good reputable breeders? I'd prefer an adult Tort. Advice would be HUGELY appreciated. I have a massive headache from all this info (the internet is a wonderful thing )

I figured that either the Russian or the Leopard would be best..any thoughts?

And finally any one in NJ owning a Tort that lives near me? Lake Hopatcong??

Thanks, Joanne

A russian would suite you best, merely because it will do fine indoors, all year if need be, at adult size. Leopards are great tortoises, but do reach 80lbs or so (experts, do I have this correct?) Either way, a larger tortoise even has larger behavior and needs a lot more room. Here's a pic of my russian doing what she does best

Thanks for your advice. Until I read your response I was pretty much set on a Hermann Tort. Now I'm totally confused!!! I heard Russians are little escape artists!

Take care,
Joanne

Western hermanns tortoises would do quite well in New Jersey and the adults stay small. Females grow to 6 to 7 inches and males grow to 4 - 5 inches. They are beautiful, friendly, and very hardy. They like human contact and will run to greet you, head bob, and like to be scrathched on the back of the head. They are a small tortoise with a giant personality that I highly recommend. This is a photo of some of my adult Western hermanns.

Janie Malsin
Upscale Reptiles

I've never had the pleasure of working with hermann's but here they are great too. I think the key is to look for somthing of this size so keeping it indoors for long periods is an option.