Bought a cherryhead from “tortoise town”

[Makijoy]

I know some people have had bad experiences, and some have had decent ones, but because of cherryhead tortoises selling out quickly, I ordered one from tortoise town. So Incase that doesn’t work out, how do I find a breeder I can trust through this forum? Do I just post like this? Or is there a way for me to find breeders? Are there anyone breeding well started baby tortoises? I am located in Maryland, humidity here in the summer is pretty high.

 

[KarenSoCal]

Hi, and welcome to the forum!

First, I hope that you won't need this info! I sincerely hope that your baby will be healthy.

We have a vendor's list, with comments from members who have used their services. Here's the link.

Tortoise Vendor Reviews

Share feedback on tortoise-related vendors like breeders, feed and reptile supply companies

www.tortoiseforum.org

At the moment, I can't think of anyone who breeds redfoot. Let's ask @ZEROPILOT and @Toddrickfl1 if they know. If your heart isn't set on a cherryhead, we have breeders who breed different species of tortoise.

Is the one you've ordered a hatchling or a bit older? Do you want to know what happens to these babies? I'll post the link...your choice whether or not you read it.

"Hatchling Failure Syndrome"

I've heard this term for many years and I don't like it. Its a way to excuse our ignorance and failure. I will agree that an occasional hatchling is born that is just not going to make it no matter what anybody does, but MOST of them, if they make it full term and hatch, SHOULD survive and...

tortoiseforum.org

When your baby comes (or maybe you already have it), please post some pictures, along with its weight in grams. We love pictures of babies!

 

[Makijoy]

Hi, and welcome to the forum!

First, I hope that you won't need this info! I sincerely hope that your baby will be healthy.

We have a vendor's list, with comments from members who have used their services. Here's the link.

Tortoise Vendor Reviews

Share feedback on tortoise-related vendors like breeders, feed and reptile supply companies

www.tortoiseforum.org

At the moment, I can't think of anyone who breeds redfoot. Let's ask @ZEROPILOT and @Toddrickfl1 if they know. If your heart isn't set on a cherryhead, we have breeders who breed different species of tortoise.

Is the one you've ordered a hatchling or a bit older? Do you want to know what happens to these babies? I'll post the link...your choice whether or not you read it.

"Hatchling Failure Syndrome"

I've heard this term for many years and I don't like it. Its a way to excuse our ignorance and failure. I will agree that an occasional hatchling is born that is just not going to make it no matter what anybody does, but MOST of them, if they make it full term and hatch, SHOULD survive and...

tortoiseforum.org

When your baby comes (or maybe you already have it), please post some pictures, along with its weight in grams. We love pictures of babies!

Thank you! It hasn’t come yet, I haven’t received anything but the order confirmation email. I hope everything’s alright, I figured since it’s summer, and the seller is basically a neighboring state, it might be okay!

 

[Makijoy]

I will send I picture. When it comes.

 

[Toddrickfl1]

Yikes, if it's not too late see if you can cancel the order. Tortoise town has a terrible reputation for sending sick or misrepresented animals. You probably won't even receive a true Cherry head. I got my Cherry from Tortstork. Also check out Southern Reptiles, he has a Facebook page. I can highly recommend both these breeders.

 

[Yvonne G]

I think @allegraf breeds cherryheads

 

[EllieMay]

Do you already have your enclosure set up? Getting your new baby off to a good start is critical wherever it comes from...but especially if it’s already compromised..

 

[Ink]

I bought my Western Hermann from tortoise town. They kept putting me off on when my tortoise was going to ship. I called them everyday sometimes twice a day if no one called me back for a day or four. I too have a confirmation number, and it took them about 5 months to ship him out. I would keep on them. Gilbert is doing great he is 3 or 4 years old now. Good luck. I wish I knew better and ordered from someone on tortoise forum.

 

[Makijoy]

Do you already have your enclosure set up? Getting your new baby off to a good start is critical wherever it comes from...but especially if it’s already compromised..

Yes I am setting everything up ahead of time, I might order a humidifier through amazon since they have better reviews. If not, the humidity around where I live is already 85% and up... yesterday it was 100% all day. Getting some substrate too. Is zoomed Reptile substrate okay?

 

[Makijoy]

I bought my Western Hermann from tortoise town. They kept putting me off on when my tortoise was going to ship. I called them everyday sometimes twice a day if no one called me back for a day or four. I too have a confirmation number, and it took them about 5 months to ship him out. I would keep on them. Gilbert is doing great he is 3 or 4 years old now. Good luck. I wish I knew better and ordered from someone on tortoise forum.

Wtf?? When did you order him that nuts! I’m glad he’s doing good!

 

[g4mobile]

I know some people have had bad experiences, and some have had decent ones, but because of cherryhead tortoises selling out quickly, I ordered one from tortoise town. So Incase that doesn’t work out, how do I find a breeder I can trust through this forum? Do I just post like this? Or is there a way for me to find breeders? Are there anyone breeding well started baby tortoises? I am located in Maryland, humidity here in the summer is pretty high.

Southern Reptiles breeds cherry heads and recommended if you're still searching. He has some available now and i would check out his Instagram page.

 

[Ink]

I can't recall the dates. However it took So long to get him, and they had my money. They also said I could pick him out and then that changed too. I get what they give me they said they had too many to keep track of...Sorry, who ever told me that was wrong. He was supposed to be at least to six months old ( I paid for extra for that). He was 4 1/2 to 5 months old maybe. I think that MIGHT of been his shell size. Then they didn't send the free cuddle bones they offered me, because I had waited so long. I called several times about that, and never called back. Gilbert is terrific but I would never buy from them. The website is all good reviews...and that is why I bought from them. I hope you get a great tortoise!

 

[Tom]

Yes I am setting everything up ahead of time, I might order a humidifier through amazon since they have better reviews. If not, the humidity around where I live is already 85% and up... yesterday it was 100% all day. Getting some substrate too. Is zoomed Reptile substrate okay?

You should not need a humidifier if your enclosure is set up correctly. Do you have a large closed chamber? Set up with the species correct lighting, and a radiant heat panel with a thermostat? Fine grade orchid bark or cypress mulch for substrate?

I would cancel that order and buy from someone who breeds and starts their babies correctly. Even putting aside the fact that you may or may not get what you order, and it may or may not be healthy, why would you want to support people like that who don't do right by tortoises? Have you read the reviews from actual customers here? There are lots of good breeders who will sell you a genuine cherry head that is healthy, started right, and not compromised in any way. They will also answer the phone and all your questions.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Southern Reptiles breeds cherry heads and recommended if you're still searching. He has some available now and i would check out his Instagram page.

Southern Reptiles (Ryan) is also a member of this forum.
@Southernreptiles
He usually has a nice assortment of color morph Redfoot and Cherryheads.

 

[Makijoy]

You should not need a humidifier if your enclosure is set up correctly. Do you have a large closed chamber? Set up with the species correct lighting, and a radiant heat panel with a thermostat? Fine grade orchid bark or cypress mulch for substrate?

I would cancel that order and buy from someone who breeds and starts their babies correctly. Even putting aside the fact that you may or may not get what you order, and it may or may not be healthy, why would you want to support people like that who don't do right by tortoises? Have you read the reviews from actual customers here? There are lots of good breeders who will sell you a genuine cherry head that is healthy, started right, and not compromised in any way. They will also answer the phone and all your questions.

Well... they actually have a lot of good reviews, including video reviews of the actual products so they seem like they may be okay But I’m not gonna just assume everything is gonna be perfectly fine.... I’m not a pro zookeeper... yeah I have cypress. I don’t have a large chamber. But it doesn’t have to be large. I’ve done a lot of research on how people do this who aren’t professional tortoise keepers with high tech equipment and unlimited space... And also didn’t find this forum until the same time I already put my payment through.

 

[Golden Greek Tortoise 567]

Those reviews are fakes, on their website they put them in so that people will buy from them. And the pictures and videos are not of their own tortoises.

 

[Makijoy]

It was video reviews from customers on YouTube who were unboxing their products. Not on their website. I know the pictures on display aren’t theirs.

 

[turtlesteve]

I have never dealt personally with Tortoise Town, so I will not make any judgement on them.

The forum sees plenty of dying tortoises, mostly hatchlings, and mostly because they are started wrong. It's usually new members that join in a last ditch effort to save them. I've personally had it happen to me, as have many others. This time, there is an opportunity to avoid the risk. Just know, if you buy one that ends up failing, it's a slow death and there is nothing that can be done to stop it.

Folks here are not trying to argue, they just don't want to see it happen again. If you do get a tortoise from them, I hope it turns out to be a healthy one.

Steve

 

[Makijoy]

Baby came in! but he might be a regular Redfoot. The plastron is mostly lighter. But he has crazy extra scutes and looks like some crazy marbling already and nice colors too. Either way it’s very unique.... I’m actually pleasantly surprised because the baby came out ready to eat and drink as soon as I unboxed him. Already looking around and very curious. I think it will more than likely be a girl. But who knows.. Anyone think of a good name? No filter on these photos

 

[Golden Greek Tortoise 567]

Hope yours turns out to be healthy and happy!