Hi all!

I'm still in the research phase. I've read enough to make my head spin! After a couple of years of debate, we have decided we will get a tortoise. I'm trying to decide what species to get. At first, we really thought a red foot was the way to go, but with our long cold winters, it would spend too long in an indoor enclosure. So we decided to go smaller and less humid. Winters are dry here, so indoor humidity will have to be completely artificial.
We are now narrowed down to: Marginated, Greek, Hermanns.
It is appealing to think of getting more than one. I know this is controversial, but Tortoise supply states that Greeks and Hermanns live in pairs or small groups just fine. I kind of get the feeling that they are sort of experts at what they do.
The marginated is a bit larger, which is one of the reasons we found the red foot appealing.
I haven't built the table yet, since the species we choose will affect the size.

One thing I have found to be clear is that this forum is a great source of information and opinions, so throw them at me, please!

Welcome!!!

Welcome to the forum! You've come to the right place for the best information from the kindest people! I'm new and only have a Russian Tortoise so I don't have much to offer about the species you mentioned. But I can say that adult Russians don't need as much humidity as some others and they have big personalities... mine does for sure. From what I've read here all the baby hatchling need a lot more care, especially in terms of humidity. You may want to get an adult if you're concerned about being able to provide enough humidity.
So that is my small 2 cents and I'm sure some more knowledgeable people will reply with lots of good info for you. Oh and did you check out all the care sheets? Each species has an excellent care sheet here. They can be found under the specific species. Also threads called "Beginner mistakes" can save you a lot of grief. Happy researching!

Thanks! I expect to give extra special care to a baby, I just don't want to get stuck doing it forever and on a large scale. Begginer mistakes was one if the first things I've read and I'm sure I'll be reading again and again! I've made enough pet mistakes when I was younger, and the guilt associated with a creature who depends on you not thriving is terrible!

Welcome!

Welcome, it's so great you're here during the research stage and not after you got one, thats going to make things much easier for you.
Good luck!

Welcome! I personally wouldn't mix species, regardless if they supposedly get along fine. I'd be worried they'd cross breed or something? Anywho, lots of info on that in this forum

Maybe I should have put an "or" instead of "and"! We are considering 2 of the same of maybe Greek or Hermanns.

Definitely don’t get a pair. Tortoises are solitary animals, and do not make friends. In pairs, there is always a dominant and a subordinate, and both are immensely stressed because, in captivity, neither can escape from eachother. The dominant will be constantly trying to get the other out of its territory, and the subordinate will be constantly trying to escape the dominant.

If you really want more than one, please get a group. That way they can establish a pecking order, and the stress is spread out.

Smith4mj said:

Maybe I should have put an "or" instead of "and"! We are considering 2 of the same of maybe Greek or Hermanns.

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Ah gotcha. I misread that, sorry!

Welcome.
Although it's TRUE that some species of tortoises do O.K. in small groups of several females for each male....It is not true that a pair of any species is a good idea.
And with the "group", we're talking about an outdoor area pen of at least several hundred square feet. Not the type of tiny space most starting out tortoise keepers have available.
Do your research. Start out small. Get experience. Dedicate the space needed and branch out then if you wish.
Don't jump in over your head....Like a lot of us did a long time ago.
And please do not get a pair of anything.
@TechnoCheese is correct.

@ZEROPILOT and @TechnoCheese
Do groups have to be raised together for that to work?
I just keep seeing that certain species are listed as "community" species.
Having 2-3 was kind of what made getting a little guy more appealing. Perhaps I will look harder at the marginata if I can only have one!
I certainly appreciate all the feedback you are all giving me.

I keep Redfoot.
I can only be certain of them.
Redfoot are probably the most easy going of all. But even they are not always harmonious in groups. Very often one or two of them just will not settle down and will attempt to dominate the others. Stress is very hard on them.
The truth is that groups and pairs are not natural.
These are solitary animals.
Even with a good ratio of females to males, lots and lots of space, the correct hiding areas, etc. A group that gets along is never for certain. And until they are all mature, you can't guess how many are actually Male or female or if they will tolerate each other.
Calling any species a community species is a joke in my opinion.
The only tortoise communities exist in captivity. And they are for our benefit.
Some species will quickly fight until one animal is bloodied or even dead. No tortoise has ever had a friend that was another tortoise. And a lot of aggressive behavior looks to us humans like affection. Like following each other around, sleeping together, etc.
In case you're wondering...I kept a pair of Redfoot for years. I didn't have a forum or the internet and my animals suffered for my ignorance.
I'm glad that you are so receptive to advice.

Thanks so much @ZEROPILOT
I'm sure you've said this more than once to newbies. Sure appreciate the patience and details, and sharing your experience!

This forum is the best.

How about the Egyptian tortoise? [emoji119] And welcome
!!

Billna64 said:

How about the Egyptian tortoise? [emoji119] And welcome
!!

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I haven't seen much info on them, or seen anyplace that sells them, but I did see mention of them and they sounded like they may be adorable for us.
Lol! I meant suitable, but auto correct put adorable. Torts are adorable after all ❤

Smith4mj said:

I haven't seen much info on them, or seen anyplace that sells them, but I did see mention of them and they sounded like they may be adorable for us.
Lol! I meant suitable, but auto correct put adorable. Torts are adorable after all [emoji173]

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They sure are[emoji4] So which one do you have your mind on so far?

Billna64 said:

They sure are[emoji4] So which one do you have your mind on so far?

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So far, I think Hermanns, but Greek or Russian would be good too. Now I'll need to learn more about Egyptian too!

Smith4mj said:

So far, I think Hermanns, but Greek or Russian would be good too. Now I'll need to learn more about Egyptian too!

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I like the Hermanns tortoise I think it's a great choice [emoji4] whatever you pick I'm sure you'll take great care of it[emoji6]