species for a begginner

[Greatsword]

Hey everybody
I am quite new to this forum and i was thinking of getting a tortoise.
I have done all my research and now have to choose between 3 species.
1.Russian tortoise
2.hermanns tortoise
3.Red foot tortoise
I live in london wich has a temperate climate.
I am veering towards a red foot but am afraid it miht grow to large.
Can anybody help?

 

[Laura]

What type of yard do you have?
If size is an issue.. then russian is a great choice.
and you could probably do a few..
..

 

[Weloveourtortoise]

Welcome to the forum. I am on my first tortoise, and did some research before we purchased Charlie, and chose the Russian Tortoise. We live in a condo building with little room and size was a factor for us. The RT's do not get very big at all, and like warm and dry. Look at what the tortoises would need and the actual set up of your place and then decide which is the easiest enviornment that you are able to maintain for your tortoise.

 

[jlyoncc1]

A Russian tortoise is a great beginner tort. They are easy to maintain and stay small. Good luck and welcome.

 

[bettinge]

I also think if ease is desired, an older tortoise should be considered. Seems there are many here on the forum, myself, that have had difficulty with a hatchling. Adults and sub adults seem to be a bit more robust.

 

[Jacqui]

Welcome! All three are wonderful tortoises and good for folks new to tortoise keeping. As to if the Redfoot will be to big for you, is that because of your space for him or because of what you think you can handle in your hands or some other reason(s)? Maybe with a little more information, we can make a more educated reply to your question.

 

[Crazy1]

Hi Greatsword, Welcome to the forum. I'm sure you will make a great choice.

 

[dmmj]

I would vote for a russian also, they are small, easy to take care of and IMHO are very very cute and personable.

 

[Isa]

Welcome to the forum,
Let us know what you decide

 

[bikerchicspain]

Hi Greatsword, welcome to the forum. I to would go for the Russian, I have greeks they also stay small and are quite easy to look after..The Redfoot is the prettier to look at tho,

 

[Greatsword]

Thanks everybody. I can't seem to find anywhere where you can purchase adults or sub-adults. All I can find are 1 or 2 year olds. I have found 4 year olds but they are way over my budget.
I am worried about size because I am not sure a red foot will thrive in a 24"x15"x18" vivarium and I don't have the climate to keep my tortoise outdoors.
Thanks again for your great advice and for welcoming me into the forum.

 

[Jacqui]

Because of where you live, I would suggest joining this group also:

http://www.shelledwarriors.co.uk

I would bet they could help you with locating tortoises, too.

 

[shelber10]

I think you should go with a hermam or russian they stay small and they are easy to take care of

 

[egyptiandan]

Welcome to the forum

I'm afraid that a vivarium that size wouldn't work for any tortoise once it got to adult size. Thats just fine fine for a hatchling or yearling, but thats it.

Danny