I don't actually own a tortoise but hello!

My name is Ashley and I've been researching tortoises. Ive found the best way to learn is from people with all sorts of different experiences and backgrounds. I'm a lifelong animal lover and grew up on a horse farm but now just own two ball pythons. I'm very allergic to dogs and cats which is why I much prefer hairless animals. I'm unsure of exactly what I want but leaning towards a Russian tortoise or a similar species. Right now I've just been researching and learning as much as I can! I do live in Minnesota which might pose a challenge but I've been reading that there are other cooler climate members here so I'm hoping they can provide insight. Can't wait to continue learning more from all of you!

Hi Ashley and welcome. You are in the best place for up to date information that pet shops rarely know about, and there is such a lot to learn too! I learn something new everyday.
You are very wise to research first so you can have everything ready for your tort to move straight in which will be a lot less stressful for you and him/her.
The caresheets in the Species Specific section will hep you decide which tort is best for your circumstances and tell you all about diet, temps, humidity and substrate etc.
The Beginners Mistakes thread (link below) will help you avoid potential problems and the Enclosures thread is full of great ideas.
So read, search and ask as many questions as you like someone will get back to you in good time.

Hi Ashley

Welcome to the Forum, Ashley!

Get a Russian!!!! They can be a little moody, but they are packed with attitude... which I find very endearing! Mine is a little stinker. Just to convince you to get a Russian...

Hello and Welcome. Colder climates can be done for all torts, it just depends on the room you have, what you can build and what you can afford. More expensive in the colder snowy areas. A Russian Hermans and Greek stay fairly small so won't be as expense not needing a big heated tortoise shed.

Thank you for the warm welcome everyone!

Hello and welcome.

Here is some info for russians and general tips:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

Welcome!

Thank you!

Welcome from south eastern Florida

Ashley96 said:

My name is Ashley and I've been researching tortoises. Ive found the best way to learn is from people with all sorts of different experiences and backgrounds. I'm a lifelong animal lover and grew up on a horse farm but now just own two ball pythons. I'm very allergic to dogs and cats which is why I much prefer hairless animals. I'm unsure of exactly what I want but leaning towards a Russian tortoise or a similar species. Right now I've just been researching and learning as much as I can! I do live in Minnesota which might pose a challenge but I've been reading that there are other cooler climate members here so I'm hoping they can provide insight. Can't wait to continue learning more from all of you!

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Hello and they are fascinating arent they?

Walter1 said:

Hello and they are fascinating arent they?

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Yes! They are really interesting little guys. I grew up with wetlands and saw all sorts of turtles so maybe that is what sparked my interest in shelled animals [emoji5]

Ashley96 said:

Yes! They are really interesting little guys. I grew up with wetlands and saw all sorts of turtles so maybe that is what sparked my interest in shelled animals [emoji5]

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I grew up with woods and swamp lol, mud turtles and box turtles were the norm in the summer for an hour or two companion.

Welcome from Michigan.

Hello, Ashley, and a very warm welcome to Tortoise Forum,
I vote Greek if i'm not too late!

Hello and Welcome ! ! ! ! !