Best age

[GotTort]

I am planning on getting an RT as my first tortoise. What is the best age to get ( or what are the reasons for choosing one over another)?
Thanks.
Dave

 

[wellington]

Hatchling are more delicate then older ones. Also, I believe hatchling RT are hard to come by and the older ones are always for sale on Craigslist or in pet stores. That's all I can help with RT

 

[lynnedit]

That's about right.

As with any tortoise, it is probably easier to start with a sub adult or adult.
Quite often there will be Russians tortoises on Craigslist (although some can have poor care and thus issues). Yet with the help and advice on this forum, most are able to restore minor health issues and end up with an active tortoise that they have saved.

Also, there are some members of this forum who sell them occasionally; check the For Sale section.

 

[GotTort]

Thanks. Newbie question: what ages define adult or subadult?

 

[Yvonne G]

From hatch to one year - hatchling
for the first to second year - yearling
After that sub-adult and then full grown or adult at about 5 years.