Hello

Goldielocks · Nov 27, 2015

Hi, my name is Marissa. I don't have a tortoise yet, but am looking to get one or two in the future. I live in eastern Michigan, in the USA, and don't know what tortoise would be best for me. I was thinking about getting 1-2 babies/juveniles. I would prefer that they don't get too big as I will be going to college in a few years and would like to be able to take them with me. I don't have a lot of money to spend, so I'd prefer a breed that doesn't cost a lot nor need a lot of special needs. This is something I've never done before, so I apologize in advance for any ignorance and thanks in advance for your time and knowledge. Some things I'd need to know include basic care, enclosure size, temperature & humidity levels, nutrition, whether they're fine with more than 1 in an enclosure or not, etc.. I greatly appreciate any information and advice. Also, Goldielocks is the nickname I gave my dog when I caught her eating my oatmeal.

Anyfoot · Nov 27, 2015

Goldielocks said:
Hi, my name is Marissa. I don't have a tortoise yet, but am looking to get one or two in the future. I live in eastern Michigan, in the USA, and don't know what tortoise would be best for me. I was thinking about getting 1-2 babies/juveniles. I would prefer that they don't get too big as I will be going to college in a few years and would like to be able to take them with me. I don't have a lot of money to spend, so I'd prefer a breed that doesn't cost a lot nor need a lot of special needs. This is something I've never done before, so I apologize in advance for any ignorance and thanks in advance for your time and knowledge. Some things I'd need to know include basic care, enclosure size, temperature & humidity levels, nutrition, whether they're fine with more than 1 in an enclosure or not, etc.. I greatly appreciate any information and advice. Also, Goldielocks is the nickname I gave my dog when I caught her eating my oatmeal.

Hi and welcome. Those oats must have not been too hot or too cold, just right.

Someone will help you with species suggestions soon for your climate.
But pairs are more often than not a bad idea. Bullying can occur. So I'd stick to just 1 Tortoise. Bye

Goldielocks · Nov 27, 2015

Ok, thanks. I'll be sure to keep that in mind.

popeye tortoise · Nov 27, 2015

Welcome to the forum. It is nice to have another tortoise keeper.

Rose Brown · Nov 27, 2015

Welcome! Always nice to have another tortoise keeper in the Eastern Michigan area!

Carol S · Nov 27, 2015

Welcome to the Forum!

Yvonne G · Nov 27, 2015

Hi Marissa, and welcome to the forum!

It's pretty hard to keep a tortoise in a habitat small enough to move with you to college. They need a lot more space than you might think. Take a wander through our enclosure section and see if you get any ideas.

Grandpa Turtle 144 · Nov 27, 2015

Hello

ImageUploadedByTortoise Forum1448672640.868143.jpg

Tom · Nov 27, 2015

Sounds like any of the Testudo species will suit you, but like Yvonne said, they really need a lot of space. THey are not good pets for any normal college dorm. 3x6' is okay if they also have a large outdoor pen, but 4x8' is better.

Look up russians, hermanni, greeks and even marginata.

Goldielocks · Nov 27, 2015

Ok, thanks everyone. I'll do some research and see what I can come up with.

Lyn W · Nov 28, 2015

Hi and welcome, Marissa! Very sensible of you to ask questions before getting your tort.
I think all torts whatever size have special or 'specific needs.

they all need space (not just being taken out to wander around a room occasionally as this is far too dangerous - unless they can have their own specially adapted room).
they all need heat - day and night and uvb, so lots of expensive equipment needed initially.
they need humidity, soaking, and a good varied diet.
they don't like change so travelling with them isn't ideal.
they don't like other torts on their patch.

..............there's much more to keeping a tortoise than you may think!

Sorry if that sounds negative but I was amazed at how much I had to learn and I still have a long way to go,
so better to know what to expect in advance and maybe wait until after college when you have a place a tort would be happy and healthy, because it should outlive you!

Speedy-1 · Nov 28, 2015

Hi and welcome Marissa !

bouaboua · Nov 28, 2015

Hello and Welcome to the forum.

This is a great place to learn and share. Welcome.

Tidgy's Dad · Nov 29, 2015

Hello, Marissa, and a very warm welcome to Tortoise Forum.
Glad to see you doing your research before purchasing.
Another factor to take into account is vet bills, if something should go wrong, you need a reserve to pay for these.
Good luck with your decision.

Goldielocks · Nov 30, 2015

Thanks everyone. And thanks for reminding me that I'll need to find a vet who knows about tortoises

The vet my cat and dog see (as far as I'm aware) only knows about common household pets. Also, I was wondering if anyone knows a good place to get a tortoise. I will be visiting Florida and the Bahamas next summer and was thinking I'd get one from there as they're not very common around where I live. As far as space is concerned, I can be very creative

Are the sizes you're giving for the living space for younger torts or adults? As for the things Lyn mentioned, I've already been thinking about those. I should be allowed to get a job soon so I'll be able to afford everything I'll need to keep a tort happy and healthy

Thanks again for all your help!

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