Looking for a tortoise!

maisiejb

New Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2021
Messages
18
Location (City and/or State)
Michigan
Hello everyone! I used to have a Sulcata tortoise but unfortunately she got too big for where I was living; I had to rehome but I am very glad that she has way more space. She left about a year ago and I have been really wanted to get another tortoise. I'm obviously looking for one the smaller species of tortoise like Russians, Greeks, and Hermanns; I just don't have the space for a 100 pound tortoise. Out of those 3 species, does any one have any suggestions? I do live in Michigan so they will be able to go outside in the summer, but I will put them in a big table top habitat in the winter. I am also wondering what the best place to purchase one is; I'd rather go pick one up somewhere the west Michigan area, but I am open to buying one online. Any thoughts or suggestions? :)
 

KarenSoCal

Well-Known Member
Tortoise Club
5 Year Member
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Jul 8, 2017
Messages
5,749
Location (City and/or State)
Low desert 50 mi SE of Palm Springs CA
Whichever species you choose...are you looking for a hatchling, a well-started baby, a sub-adult, or an adult?

If you're looking for a hatchling (or an egg for you to hatch?), by far you are best served by ordering from a breeder who starts the babies properly. The care they receive from the moment they exit the egg sets the stage for the rest of their lives. We have great breeders who are members here. When you choose your species, we can suggest breeders for you.

If you're seeking an adult, Craigslist is a good place to look for torts that need to be rehomed. You can start a thread on here under the 'adoptions' sub forum. Occasionally shelters have torts for adoption.

The care for each of these species is mostly the same. There are a few small differences mostly in the details, like slightly different temp requirements.

Here is the care sheet that covers these species, so you know what is needed for any of them.

 

Tom

The Dog Trainer
10 Year Member!
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Jan 9, 2010
Messages
63,265
Location (City and/or State)
Southern California
Hello everyone! I used to have a Sulcata tortoise but unfortunately she got too big for where I was living; I had to rehome but I am very glad that she has way more space. She left about a year ago and I have been really wanted to get another tortoise. I'm obviously looking for one the smaller species of tortoise like Russians, Greeks, and Hermanns; I just don't have the space for a 100 pound tortoise. Out of those 3 species, does any one have any suggestions? I do live in Michigan so they will be able to go outside in the summer, but I will put them in a big table top habitat in the winter. I am also wondering what the best place to purchase one is; I'd rather go pick one up somewhere the west Michigan area, but I am open to buying one online. Any thoughts or suggestions? :)
All three of those species have similar care and diet requirements. All are great torts.

Don't buy "on-line". Many of the big sellers are nothing more than flippers who sell poorly started hatchings and don't care for them correctly. Buy directly from a breeder who starts them correctly. I've bought Russians form @Carol S in the past and highly recommend her.
 

maisiejb

New Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2021
Messages
18
Location (City and/or State)
Michigan
Whichever species you choose...are you looking for a hatchling, a well-started baby, a sub-adult, or an adult?

If you're looking for a hatchling (or an egg for you to hatch?), by far you are best served by ordering from a breeder who starts the babies properly. The care they receive from the moment they exit the egg sets the stage for the rest of their lives. We have great breeders who are members here. When you choose your species, we can suggest breeders for you.

If you're seeking an adult, Craigslist is a good place to look for torts that need to be rehomed. You can start a thread on here under the 'adoptions' sub forum. Occasionally shelters have torts for adoption.

The care for each of these species is mostly the same. There are a few small differences mostly in the details, like slightly different temp requirements.

Here is the care sheet that covers these species, so you know what is needed for any of them.


I've been looking for a hatchling or younger tort, and I will make sure to look for a good breeder! Thanks so much!
 

maisiejb

New Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2021
Messages
18
Location (City and/or State)
Michigan
All three of those species have similar care and diet requirements. All are great torts.

Don't buy "on-line". Many of the big sellers are nothing more than flippers who sell poorly started hatchings and don't care for them correctly. Buy directly from a breeder who starts them correctly. I've bought Russians form @Carol S in the past and highly recommend her.

Thanks so much! I definitely will make sure to find a reliable buyer and wait for the perfect tort to become available!
 

Yvonne G

Old Timer
TFO Admin
10 Year Member!
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Jan 23, 2008
Messages
93,405
Location (City and/or State)
Clovis, CA
I would consider getting a species that hibernates. That way you won't need to set up a VERY LARGE indoor habitat during the cold months. Most species of tortoise, even the small species, require a lot of room to walk. This aids digestion, and keeps their mind busy.
 

Maggie3fan

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Jun 30, 2018
Messages
8,046
Location (City and/or State)
PacificNorthWest
Russians are tough little tortoises. They have big Sulcata personalities I get one of them
 

wellington

Well-Known Member
Moderator
10 Year Member!
Tortoise Club
Joined
Sep 6, 2011
Messages
49,658
Location (City and/or State)
Chicago, Illinois, USA
I second what Yvonne said, well wgat everyone said, but specially Yvonne. Even though they remain small, they still need a large area. Indoor space is minimum of 4x8 for russian larger outside space.
What part of west michigan? I was born and raised in muskegon.
A member who is no longer active but possibly still reads thru the threads is in Cadillac. She might have something.
@Kristina
 

maisiejb

New Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2021
Messages
18
Location (City and/or State)
Michigan
I would consider getting a species that hibernates. That way you won't need to set up a VERY LARGE indoor habitat during the cold months. Most species of tortoise, even the small species, require a lot of room to walk. This aids digestion, and keeps their mind busy.

I have no research much how about hibernation, do you know which species do hibernate?
 

maisiejb

New Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2021
Messages
18
Location (City and/or State)
Michigan
I second what Yvonne said, well wgat everyone said, but specially Yvonne. Even though they remain small, they still need a large area. Indoor space is minimum of 4x8 for russian larger outside space.
What part of west michigan? I was born and raised in muskegon.
A member who is no longer active but possibly still reads thru the threads is in Cadillac. She might have something.
@Kristina

I definitely have plenty of room outside, and I have been looking into getting a heated outdoor area for it. I won't be getting a tortoise for a few months so I it will be warm when it ships, so I have time to do more research and figure out whats best. I am not too far from Cadillac; I would love to talk to her about her set up! Thank you!
 

wellington

Well-Known Member
Moderator
10 Year Member!
Tortoise Club
Joined
Sep 6, 2011
Messages
49,658
Location (City and/or State)
Chicago, Illinois, USA
I definitely have plenty of room outside, and I have been looking into getting a heated outdoor area for it. I won't be getting a tortoise for a few months so I it will be warm when it ships, so I have time to do more research and figure out whats best. I am not too far from Cadillac; I would love to talk to her about her set up! Thank you!

Kristina is the founder and director of Northern Michigan Reptile and Amphibian Rescue.
You can try to find her there. Not sure if she will check in here or not as I can't seem to give her an alert. She hasn't been on in quite a while.
 

maisiejb

New Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2021
Messages
18
Location (City and/or State)
Michigan
Kristina is the founder and director of Northern Michigan Reptile and Amphibian Rescue.
You can try to find her there. Not sure if she will check in here or not as I can't seem to give her an alert. She hasn't been on in quite a while.

I will look her up, thanks so much!
 

New Posts

Top