Is a tortoise right for me?

[VeggieMom]

I have been looking into getting a tortoise for over a year now, but I'm still not quite sure that my situation would be ideal for keeping them. I live in Washington, in the Puget Sound area, so outside time would be extremely limited to occasional brief periods during the summer. Also, they couldn't be left out overnight as there are way too many predators here for me to feel comfortable doing so. I would be able to provide a 4' x 2' inside enclosure, but at least for the near future that would be it (someday a larger enclosure would be possible, but not for a few years). I also want to make sure the daily upkeep isn't too excessive, since my spare time is limited due to my family situation. In my household we provide the absolute best care for our pets, and I want to make sure that I am capable of doing so for a tortoise before I get one. Thanks for any advice/suggestions!

 

[wellington]

A 4x2 will work for a hatchling for maybe a year depending on the type of tortoise you get. Tortoises don't take a lot of time for their needs every day, but they do take time. In my opinion, they take more time inside then outside and they are happier outside. I have cold, snowy winters here in Chicago. My leopard and Russian will be living outside in a heated shed for winter. It all depends on how much your willing or are able to spend for housing a larger species in cold climates. The Russian or hermanns may be better to look into as they stay smaller. They still should live outside when possible.

 

[clucey]

Its great to hear you being thorough. While I am not as experienced as most on the forum I can provide my opinion. I personalkybwould consider the species....size and growth rate. Thinking over the long term, what is the likelihood of outside time in the future. Natural lighting is always a better option and consider an in door set up can cost some. Many here have in door torts so its nit impossible, screened in housing can also accomodate outside time. Good luck. I hope others can offer more specific suggestions.

Sent from my GT-P3113 using TortForum mobile app

 

[JoesMum]

A 4' x 2' enclosure won't last long... and it is only for a hatchling. If you cannot get mpre space within the next 18 months then maybe now is not the time to get a tort? They live for 50 years easily and it could be up to 100... we have had ours for 43 years already. That's a lot of care and planning. They really do need time and space outdoors as they grow

 

[FLINTUS]

Looking at your climate data, you could probably keep a Russian/Horsfield outside April to October with no heat all the time. Then hibernate in winter and the month or two either side of hibernation keep indoors.

 

[Mgridgaway]

I think, given the right setup, smaller tortoises can thrive indoors very well. Outside time is great and recommended, but I don't consider it a prerequisite for every species, despite what other forum members believe.

With that being said, I don't think a medium or large size tortoise would be a good fit for you. I would look into Russians, Greeks, or even box turtles. All can be very personable and enjoyable animals to own. Though many are claiming that a 4' x 2' won't last you very long, I think it's fine (though I would consider 4'x3'). The general rule I've always heard is Length = x10 Shell Length, Width = x4 Shell Length, so a 5" Russian would fit that measurement pretty well.

Once you get everything setup, upkeep for the tortoises is surprising low, especially compared to typical animals like dogs. Feed, refresh water, spot clean. I only actually spend about 15 minutes a day taking care of my 7 tortoises and turtles. Of course, I spend a lot more time "playing" with them, but that's more fun for me than anything else.

Do note that upkeep costs aren't super cheap, mostly because you have to buy UVB bulbs. Expect to spend ~$45/year on a mercury vapor bulb, plus a combination of heating rope, heating pads, and ceramic heat emitters (I use ropes and emitters). Luckily, these heating elements can last a very long time. I have a CHE that's at least 7 years old, and it's only $20.

Fresh food costs for a smaller tortoise should be fairly minimal, and I generally recommend supplementing with Mazuri to round out any nutrition you missed.


That's all for me. Good luck!

 

[VeggieMom]

Well the problem with keeping them outside (besides weather/predators) is the fact that I don't have a yard. Once I move sometime in the next year or two I should, but I have no idea when exactly that would be or how much space I would have. If I ever did get a tortoise I know it would definitely be a Russian, since that is the only species I feel like I could adequately provide for. I'm aware of and prepared for the costs involved, so that shouldn't be an issue. But since it sounds like the consensus I can't provide what they need, I guess I'm going to have to wait or forgo the idea altogether.

 

[JoesMum]

I beg to differ ... Russians are very active tortoises and a 4' × 3' enclosure would drive 5" specimen nuts in no time at all. It would be constantly pacing the boundaries.

I agree that they are hardy torts and can be kept outdoors for April to Octiber period.

 

[FLINTUS]

I do agree with JoesMum, Horsfields are very active and most torts that size would be fine in it, they would not. If the OP has a lot of money and time to spare, an Egyptian would fit the bill nicely but they do have specialist care requirements.

 

[jjsull33]

I also think that 4x2 is too small for an adult russian.

 

[Tom]

I have been looking into getting a tortoise for over a year now, but I'm still not quite sure that my situation would be ideal for keeping them. I live in Washington, in the Puget Sound area, so outside time would be extremely limited to occasional brief periods during the summer. Also, they couldn't be left out overnight as there are way too many predators here for me to feel comfortable doing so. I would be able to provide a 4' x 2' inside enclosure, but at least for the near future that would be it (someday a larger enclosure would be possible, but not for a few years). I also want to make sure the daily upkeep isn't too excessive, since my spare time is limited due to my family situation. In my household we provide the absolute best care for our pets, and I want to make sure that I am capable of doing so for a tortoise before I get one. Thanks for any advice/suggestions!

I applaud you for asking this question and considering this! Your situation is not ideal for every species, but it can certainly be made to work. The more unsuitable someone's climate is, the more work and expense it requires to provide adequate conditions for the tortoise to live in. I agree with most of the other posters that 4x2' is too small for anything other than a hatching. With the right set up and a little bit bigger enclosure, you could be a great home for a tortoise. Russians, Greeks and Hermanns would probably be the best choices for your situation, but if you want to create a more elaborate set up, you could keep any species you want.

Some species of lizards or snakes could live quite happily in that size enclosure. Have you ever considered one of those?

Good luck to you, whatever you choose.

 

[JoesMum]

Another way to create space is to have a two tier enclosure. With creative building and a safe ramp, you can double the space available. Take a look at the enclosures forum for some ideas

 

[FLINTUS]

Just a thought, what about a two levelled enclosure. 16 sq ft would give you enough space for a Russian for the brief periods of inside time, and they are great climbers so would enjoy it. I have a partial second level in my red foots' viv which they use all the time. If you want to see a really good 2 level enclosure I can give you a link to someone who did a two tier table for their pancakes, it is very cool!

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Another way to create space is to have a two tier enclosure. With creative building and a safe ramp, you can double the space available. Take a look at the enclosures forum for some ideas

lol. Posted at the same time with the same idea. Great minds think alike eh?

 

[JoesMum]

Re: RE: Is a tortoise right for me?

Just a thought, what about a two levelled enclosure. 16 sq ft would give you enough space for a Russian for the brief periods of inside time, and they are great climbers so would enjoy it. I have a partial second level in my red foots' viv which they use all the time. If you want to see a really good 2 level enclosure I can give you a link to someone who did a two tier table for their pancakes, it is very cool!

Beat ya to it FLINTUS

 

[VeggieMom]

Thank you all for your honest opinions. It seems like a tortoise isn't going to work out for my situation, as I would rather give them the perfect home than just barely meet their needs. Hopefully one day I will be able to accommodate them, but now is obviously not the time.

And yes, I have considered other animals but I won't do bugs, and snakes are not something I could handle. So my options are very limited unfortunately.

 

[Tom]

Look into blue tongue skinks. No bugs, very personable and will fit nicely in a 2x4' enclosure . Or uromastix. They are vegetarians.

 

[VeggieMom]

We actually own a Uromastyx, a Moroccan named Daisy. And I have looked into the Blue Tongues Skinks, which I find quite cute, however they get fairly big and I would be concerned about a bite from one of those guys.

 

[Tom]

The Northerns are generally very personable and inquisitive and very rarely aggressive. Mine rides around on my shoulder and will actually walk down my arm to eat out of a bowl. I have pics of my daughter when she was four handling him. If you like uromastix, you will LOVE BTs. Let me see if I can find my old thread. I'll come back and link it here if I can find it.

Anyway, Just a suggestion. Thought you might find it interesting.


Here it is:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread-30188.html
Looks like some of my pics have gone away though...

 

[VeggieMom]

Oh wow! I'll look forward to reading your thread if/when you find it.

 

[Andrea M]

Hi Flintus, can you post that link anyway please, I'm always interested in getting new ideas