Greetings! My name is Katie and I have enjoyed browsing this forum. I have been doing hours upon hours of research about tortoises as my daughter has asked for nothing but a tortoise for Christmas. Quite a bit of information out there, and some very confusing. If anyone in the group has advice to offer us as we start on this new adventure, we would appreciate it. My husband and I are very excited about welcoming a tortoise to our family, but we want to do it right.
We live in Olympia, Washington where it is pretty damp and cool most of the year. For that reason, we are hoping to find a tort that could be inside for a while, possibly developing a sheltered area outside several years down the road. From what I have read, I am inclined to go with a redfoot as I think it could do well in our more humid climate. I am also inclined to get a baby, but am concerned that this might be more difficult to keep healthy. To me it would seem preferable to know the history and not been mistreated through the years. My husband is concerned that a baby may not be sturdy enough to withstand some affection from our kiddos. Of course we plan to limit and carefully supervise handling, but we do want a tortoise that can handle some attention from little human companions. I understand a redfoot would require careful attention to heat and humidity for the early years. And space as time goes on. Can anyone offer me advice on good torts for kids, for our climate and whether or not we should go with a baby or an older tortoise? If you think it would be wise to go with an older tortoise, can you point me to any breeders who have older torts available?
Thanks so much in advanced for your time and help!
Katie
We live in Olympia, Washington where it is pretty damp and cool most of the year. For that reason, we are hoping to find a tort that could be inside for a while, possibly developing a sheltered area outside several years down the road. From what I have read, I am inclined to go with a redfoot as I think it could do well in our more humid climate. I am also inclined to get a baby, but am concerned that this might be more difficult to keep healthy. To me it would seem preferable to know the history and not been mistreated through the years. My husband is concerned that a baby may not be sturdy enough to withstand some affection from our kiddos. Of course we plan to limit and carefully supervise handling, but we do want a tortoise that can handle some attention from little human companions. I understand a redfoot would require careful attention to heat and humidity for the early years. And space as time goes on. Can anyone offer me advice on good torts for kids, for our climate and whether or not we should go with a baby or an older tortoise? If you think it would be wise to go with an older tortoise, can you point me to any breeders who have older torts available?
Thanks so much in advanced for your time and help!
Katie