A cheap place to adopt a tortoise?

What is a cheap place to buy a russian tortoise for about $60 or less

I haven't really seen any for that low. PetSmart has them for like $80 on sale, breeders some time sell adults for near that price, so maybe finding one in a shelter or rescue would be your best bet. Remember that you usually get what you pay for.

Maybe it's just me being a broke college student but "cheap" and "tortoise" are two words that don't go well together!

I agree that you could probably adopt one from a rescue or shelter for less or buy an adult from a breeder. I have never seen younger ones, especially hatchlings, less than $150. Try Craigslist maybe? Or the local paper?

One of our members posted earlier today that she just adopted one from a shelter for 10 bucks. Maybe listing a wanted ad may bring one to you from someone out there. Save the expense of getting one but do put away a little for its care each paycheck so if ever needed, you are prepared. Good luck!

the tortoise is usually the cheapest part! housing, lighting, heat, Vet bills.. Not so cheap!

Your best bet would be going to a local tortoise rescue or shelter to adopt one. I agree with smiley, I've never seen hatchlings under $100. You can try gambling with craiglist. It will either be an owner that holds potential buyers at high standards because they want their tortoises looked after, or owners that didn't know how to look after them and are trying to pawn off their sick tortoises off to someone else. I've visited several craigslist buyers and have walked away from deals because the potential vet bills would not allow me to take care of the buyer's tortoise and the rest of my flock.

More importantly if you're going cheap with the tortoise itself, how much do you plan on spending to outfit the indoor/outdoor enclosure? Should be around $100-300 easy.

Perfectly stated by Laura and Minority1. Please understand these points going in. Eyes peeled at the shelter websites, but do be prepared for the costs that come associated with any tortoise, any pet really.

Not trying to sound mean, just honest. You get what you pay for, cheap Tortoise could mean health problems(backyard breeders). Also, when I got my Tort I was thinking low maintenance and cheap to care for pet. NO NO NO! If cared for properly they can be expensive and time consuming. I love every minute of it but it is scary that you're wanting to be "cheap" and have a Tort as a pet.

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I guess you already own a Tort so you know they're expensive.

kjr153 said:

Not trying to sound mean, just honest. You get what you pay for, cheap Tortoise could mean health problems(backyard breeders). Also, when I got my Tort I was thinking low maintenance and cheap to care for pet. NO NO NO! If cared for properly they can be expensive and time consuming. I love every minute of it but it is scary that you're wanting to be "cheap" and have a Tort as a pet.

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I bought a Russian tortoise from petco for about 70 dollars but that's only the start , lights , substrate , food , vitamins and supplements , enclosure , water dish , food dish , hides , and lot other things that u are gonna have to buy for ur little friend are gonna cost a lot !! As a tortoise owner I can tell u that I've learned that tortoises are not an easy pet to keep but if u are willing to do anything for ur little friend it's all worth it no matter the amount of money u spend u are never going to regret it , they are wonderful creatures

I totally understand where you come from! You spend so much to get everything perfect and just need a less expensive tort to put inside it lol

JJ_BOY said:

What is a cheap place to buy a russian tortoise for about $60 or less

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It may be helpful if you state where you are located (city & state). This way someone may know of a reputable rescue nearby that would love a good loving home for a Russian they need a home for. Just a thought.

The cheapest I've seen are the wild caught sub-adults on sale at Petco for $69. They're regulary priced around $100.

mctlong said:

The cheapest I've seen are the wild caught sub-adults on sale at Petco for $69. They're regulary priced around $100.

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$90-100 is what they're currently priced at our local Petco S.F.

I rather pay extra and shipping for a reputable known breeder than gamble with pet chains. Don't get me wrong, I'm gonna find the best deal hands down. Just remember price bumps along with the quality and availability of the tortoise.

Honestly you're nickel and diming at this early of a stage then maybe you should rethink the whole pet situation. That or wait a couple months to accumulate the proper funds. No point in getting the pet, and not having enough money to care for it. That's a no-no.

Honestly you're nickel and diming at this early of a stage then maybe you should rethink the whole pet situation. That or wait a couple months to accumulate the proper funds. No point in getting the pet, and not having enough money to care for it. That's a no-no.
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I agree with this.

Bought my Russian for $50 at petco. She's been very healthy and active.

I already have a tortoise but just want another. It is not that I don't have the money but I'd like to get it cheap.

Like others have said, I would look to local reptile rescue groups (not many are turtle/tortoise specific) and/or herp clubs/societies.

And I'll point this out, since no one else has...It appears you already have a Russian tortoise (judging by your pic). Two Russians are usually not a good mix, regardless of gender, because they are one of the most territorial species there is. If you got a second one, I would not suggest putting them together.

StudentoftheReptile said:

Like others have said, I would look to local reptile rescue groups (not many are turtle/tortoise specific) and/or herp clubs/societies.

And I'll point this out, since no one else has...It appears you already have a Russian tortoise (judging by your pic). Two Russians are usually not a good mix, regardless of gender, because they are one of the most territorial species there is. If you got a second one, I would not suggest putting them together.

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I second this.

I would also check reptile shows. I bought my 1 month old sulcata for $60 and that was/is the going rate for the show I go to.. If you can find a show that your buying strait from the breeders I would think is usually the cheapest way to go plus you can than find out if they were raised properly..

My enclosure is 7ft by 3ft long. Would it be okay to put them together.