... What do YOU think?

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callum-dixon

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Ok ... so i have been researching lots now about the Indian Star Tortoise (and like lots of tortoise species) I have read conflicting information. Sometimes i read things and think to myself ... "I'll be ok with this species :D they're really not too difficult to keep" ... and then i see pictures of tortoise with puffy & swollen eyes and i think ... "Oh god :( maybe i'm better off with gold fish".

I'm interested in everyone's opinion on this subject - please post any observations, comments etc on your own experiences.

Indian Star Tortoise really are beautiful ... but are they worth the hassle?
 

Yvonne G

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I don't remember what you said about yourself in the introductions, but I'm going to assume that you are a novice tortoise keeper. For the person fairly new to tortoises it is always best to start with a more people-friendly tortoise. A Russian, or even a box turtle. These tortoises are fairly forgiving of bad or not-so-good care. I'm not saying you would purposely give a tortoise bad care, but while you are learning, the Russian or box turtle is way more forgiving of your mistakes.

I'm not sure, because I've never had the opportunity to work with Stars, but I THINK that when you see them with badly pyramided carapaces and swollen, weepy eyes, that's because they have been with a novice keeper who wasn't tuned in to their particular needs. Stars are beautiful tortoises. I would dearly love to have some of my own. But for now, I'll stay with what I've got and leave the beautiful Stars to others better able to give them what they need.

Yvonne
 

Itort

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As Yvonne says Stars are not an ideal first tort. They have some special requirements and can be sensitive. A russian would be a good first.
 

Millerlite

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Just to add on, Russians are easier tortoises but it doenst mean its a cake walk tortoises, They are considered "easy" tortoises because they can adapt well to wrong environment which makes them hardy tortoises to keep and good for beginners. its still wise to do your homework and study up on any tortoise you get.

Star tortoises require a little more attention as far as temps. and humidity and enclosure. This makes it harder to keep and little room for error. I think if you really do your research and can provide the needed enviornment it wont be that hard to keep.

PS: a IST is a higher price tortoise too so a lot more at stake, keep that in mind.

Greeks, Hermanns, russians, are all pretty easy to care for.
 

callum-dixon

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Thank you all for your comments.

I just wanted to add that although i'm new to the tortoise forum i'm not a novice tortoise keeper. I am now in the position to have 2 baby IST hatchlings and they're a species i've always wanted. I'm just be cautious before i take them on.

I have done tons of research already (to be honest i'm the type of person who worries too much) and I do feel confident i would be able to care for them. However, sometimes you read so many horror stories on these forums regarding illnesses and i have noticed there are common problems with Stars. I do think however that caring for any tortoise is a big responsability regardless of species. Its not a decision i would take lightly.

I suppose I was hoping to hear from people who have had success raising Indian Stars ... not just problems :)
 

ArkansasKelly

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I was told that I should not get stars because someone thought that I was unable or unwilling to care for them properly. I currently have 2 adult Indian Stars in my care and they are doing fantastic. I have found that if you get them setup correctly and provide them with the envoironment they need, everything should be just fine.

I do not see any problems as long as they are healthy to begin with and their proper care is met.

Best of luck!

ARKelly
 

Millerlite

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Yeah as long as you have the right enclosure/environment you shouldnt have to worry to much. The only thing is keep a eye on the signs of sickness. They can turn around fast thats the only thing you have to really realize. Besides that they arnt that hard to care for when everything is right and you have temps. right.

If you do go with a star maybe get one thats a few months old or a year old. That way they are a little more hardy. Babies are difficult, but again with the right enclosure and stuff you shouldnt run into to much problem, just prepare for the worst hope for the best.
 

callum-dixon

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ArkansasKelly said:
I was told that I should not get stars because someone thought that I was unable or unwilling to care for them properly. I currently have 2 adult Indian Stars in my care and they are doing fantastic. I have found that if you get them setup correctly and provide them with the envoironment they need, everything should be just fine.

I do not see any problems as long as they are healthy to begin with and their proper care is met.

Best of luck!

ARKelly

Thank you ARKelly, thats very encouraging!! :)

As soon as i pick them up i will post pics :D

Millerlite said:
Yeah as long as you have the right enclosure/environment you shouldnt have to worry to much. The only thing is keep a eye on the signs of sickness. They can turn around fast thats the only thing you have to really realize. Besides that they arnt that hard to care for when everything is right and you have temps. right.

If you do go with a star maybe get one thats a few months old or a year old. That way they are a little more hardy. Babies are difficult, but again with the right enclosure and stuff you shouldnt run into to much problem, just prepare for the worst hope for the best.

Thats one thing i've noticed through the material i've read - is how quickly Indian Stars fall ill ... i suppose i can only do my very best and provide them with the right diet and conditions. Sometimes even the healtiest of animals fall ill dont they?!

I'll make sure i have them registered with an experienced vet and i shall keep this forum to hand :D Any worries i have i know people can help!
 

jpeck425

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callum-dixon said:
Thank you all for your comments.

I just wanted to add that although i'm new to the tortoise forum i'm not a novice tortoise keeper. I am now in the position to have 2 baby IST hatchlings and they're a species i've always wanted. I'm just be cautious before i take them on.

I have done tons of research already (to be honest i'm the type of person who worries too much) and I do feel confident i would be able to care for them. However, sometimes you read so many horror stories on these forums regarding illnesses and i have noticed there are common problems with Stars. I do think however that caring for any tortoise is a big responsability regardless of species. Its not a decision i would take lightly.

I suppose I was hoping to hear from people who have had success raising Indian Stars ... not just problems :)

Hi there,
I'm new to Star tortoises, but just received my first pair a couple of weeks ago. They are 2003 cb and are approx 4.5". So far so good! they eat like horses and have a lot more outgoing personalities than I realized. I researched them for years before buying them and even now was a bit worried about making the leap. I have not found them to be difficult thus far, but it has only been a couple of weeks.

It is my understanding that they are actually a relatively hardy species because they come from an environment with environmental extremes. Their main weakness comes from a combination of coolness and humidity. They enjoy the occasional rainstorm, but it needs to be followed by a warm drying period. You do not want the habitat to be wet when things cool down at night. They are sensitive to respiratory infections when moisture and cool temps are combined.

This balance is what many hobbyist have trouble achieving. I might suggest the Indian Star Tortoise book by Fife. It is very well written and contains much "hands-on" experience.

Good Luck on your new venture.
 

callum-dixon

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Thank you for the advice - I have just ordered myself a copy of the Indian Star book you suggested. I'm not sure when it'll arrive, i live in the UK and its coming form the states (cost me an arm & leg too :))

... I look forward to readin it though!!!

Thanks again
 
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