Grfox1
New Member
The options that seem to make the most sense to us at the moment are
1. Buy a hatchling or juvie from a reputable breeder or
2. Adopt (most likely with a rehoming fee) someone’s unwanted adult tortoise.
If we go the route of a young tortoise, I certainly plan to use a breeder recommended through this forum.
IWhat is the general consensus of a newbie acquiring someone else’s adult tortoise they no longer want? I have seen a few people trying to rehome tortoises within a 2 hour driving radius. Minor health issues that can be corrected with time, effort, and basic vet care I would be ok with. Are there any potential major health issues I should be worried about? Having been married to a veterinarian I have had plenty of experience adopting and caring for pets with major health issues but at the moment, my tortoise knowledge is limited.
Also, I am trying to plan ahead for an outdoor enclosure. I live in Frostburg, MD which is in the 6a/6b planting zone. I thought about building the enclosure against the foundation of my house to discourage predators and block some of the occasional strong winds we have here. I am not sure there would be enough direct sunlight with this option. How many hours of direct sunlight should I shoot for? Or would it be better to plan something in the middle of the yard to have as much direct sun as possible and create partially shaded areas?
1. Buy a hatchling or juvie from a reputable breeder or
2. Adopt (most likely with a rehoming fee) someone’s unwanted adult tortoise.
If we go the route of a young tortoise, I certainly plan to use a breeder recommended through this forum.
IWhat is the general consensus of a newbie acquiring someone else’s adult tortoise they no longer want? I have seen a few people trying to rehome tortoises within a 2 hour driving radius. Minor health issues that can be corrected with time, effort, and basic vet care I would be ok with. Are there any potential major health issues I should be worried about? Having been married to a veterinarian I have had plenty of experience adopting and caring for pets with major health issues but at the moment, my tortoise knowledge is limited.
Also, I am trying to plan ahead for an outdoor enclosure. I live in Frostburg, MD which is in the 6a/6b planting zone. I thought about building the enclosure against the foundation of my house to discourage predators and block some of the occasional strong winds we have here. I am not sure there would be enough direct sunlight with this option. How many hours of direct sunlight should I shoot for? Or would it be better to plan something in the middle of the yard to have as much direct sun as possible and create partially shaded areas?
