First time owner debating a tortoise

[Sergeimosin]

So, I'm totally new to owning tortoises, but I find the creatures fascinating and I'd love to get one for my back yard (I have an acre and a half), because they're unique and interesting to observe and interact with. That said, I have no idea where to start in terms of species and care requirements.

I live in North Texas just a bit north of Dallas, so I'm trying to start by figuring out which tortoises are most closely suited to the local environment to minimize the environmental stress on the animal and allow them to live comfortably in the back yard (and partially indoors as necessary to protect them from the cold).

I'm passably familiar with the dietary requirements (70% dark green plants and vegetables, with fruit every now and then as a treat), and I've seen a lot of pictures of various caves folks construct, but... let's just call it what it is: I'm trying to figure out if I'm biting off more than I can chew ahead of time, because I don't want an animal to suffer for me not knowing what I'm doing.

 

[TechnoCheese]

Welcome to the forum! What sized tortoise are you looking into? Any specific species?

The diet depends on the species.

 

[Sergeimosin]

I'm hoping to find one that gets no bigger than about 30-35 pounds, and I'm not sure on the species yet. I've heard good things about red footed tortoises, but like I say, I'm interested in what tortoises would adapt easiest to the local Texas climate.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Redfoot are very adaptable.
And constructing an enclosure within an acre and a half of land would be VERY doable. Ot could have all sorts of fun features.
The one good thing about Redfoot is that with the relatively large plot you have, you can generally ad more than one later on.
Other species are much more anti social.
And its difficult without at least several hundred square feet of room.

 

[TechnoCheese]

Leopards and Sulcatas might be a good choice.

Here’s a care sheet
How To Raise A Healthy Sulcata Or Leopard, Version 2.0 https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php...ealthy-Sulcata-Or-Leopard,-Version-2.0.79895/

You For Those Who Have a Young Sulcata... https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/For-Those-Who-Have-a-Young-Sulcata....76744/

Beginner Mistakes https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Beginner-Mistakes.45180/

And this is a redfoot Care Sheet I put together, but be sure to do research elsewhere on the forum as well-
http://aminoapps.com/p/m9tcj0
(I update it frequently, so if anyone thinks I should make changes, please tell me!)

 

[Tim Carlisle]

Leopards and Sulcatas might be a good choice.

Here’s a care sheet
How To Raise A Healthy Sulcata Or Leopard, Version 2.0 https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/How-To-Raise-A-Healthy-Sulcata-Or-Leopard,-Version-2.0.79895/

You For Those Who Have a Young Sulcata... https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/For-Those-Who-Have-a-Young-Sulcata....76744/

Beginner Mistakes https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Beginner-Mistakes.45180/

And this is a redfoot Care Sheet I put together, but be sure to do research elsewhere on the forum as well-
http://aminoapps.com/p/m9tcj0
(I update it frequently, so if anyone thinks I should make changes, please tell me!)

Naw... leopards and sullies NEVER get more than 35 lbs. Lol

 

[Tim Carlisle]

Naw... leopards and sullies NEVER get more than 35 lbs. Lol

I'm only picking on you BTW.

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

Naw... leopards and sullies NEVER get more than 35 lbs. Lol

Good point about sulcatas always staying on the smaller side. LOL

 

[Cheryl Hills]

View attachment 258394
Good point about sulcatas always staying on the smaller side. LOL

That is just to cute. I love that photo.

 

[surfergirl]

If you don't want to play musical patio chairs or have your grill relocated daily better stay away from the sulcatas.

 

[daniellenc]

Red foots or leopards would do well and be within the size you’re after. Redfoots don’t burrow so no cave needed and can eat the widest variety of food. Keep in mind hatchlings need to be mostly indoors so you’ll need an 8x4 indoor space to accommodate them until they’re bigger and in bad weather of course. Then a well protected outdoor space which can be done with minimal cost if you’re handy. Do you want a hatchling or adult?