It looks like you have a very informed and helpful group. I am thinking of getting my son a tortoise of some sort. He wants one that gets bigger than the box turtles we currently have. I know some make better pets than others and I want some personality as well. I live in eastern Virginia and we keep the box turtles out side all year. He also has a B/W Tegue that is over 3 feet long so taking care of a large tortoise is not much of a concern to me other than picking a species that can stand the humidity outside during the summer months and have a personality that will keep the attention of my son. Overwintering inside is not an issue and a baby would be raised inside until it was large enough to safely go outside in its own pen. He thinks he need a Silcata and I am leaning towards a Leopard or Redfoot. Thanks in advance Eric