DocTortoise
New Member
I am enthusiastically looking to re-engage my love of exotic species after spending most of my veterinary career and investment in pets on dogs and cats. I have four very curious cats, two tiny dogs, and a couple of boys, 9 and 14 who would not be reliable to keep doors shut, so I am unable to have birds or rats anymore. I have given up on carnivorous reptiles since I am too much of a softie and hate the feeding process. I had a baby snapping turtle once for a couple of years as a kid, but I remember turtles not smelling very good.
So now I am thinking about a tortoise! I fell in love with one at the local pet store. She walked over and let me rub her head. She walks around free there.
I have read that it’s best to get a baby for the purposes of taming. Is that true? Is it preferable to get male or female or doesn’t it matter? I need one that doesn’t get too big. I am prepared to purchase everything it needs, and also prepared to provide a very long term home. I think a tortoise would fit very well into our lifestyle.
I would appreciate advice and guidance of any kind. I am particularly worried about how big the tortoise needs to be before it is safe to interact with cats and dogs. Or is it ever totally safe?
Also, I live in Wisconsin, very cold and dry in the winter. What special accommodations do I need for the tortoise in light of that?
Thanks!
So now I am thinking about a tortoise! I fell in love with one at the local pet store. She walked over and let me rub her head. She walks around free there.
I have read that it’s best to get a baby for the purposes of taming. Is that true? Is it preferable to get male or female or doesn’t it matter? I need one that doesn’t get too big. I am prepared to purchase everything it needs, and also prepared to provide a very long term home. I think a tortoise would fit very well into our lifestyle.
I would appreciate advice and guidance of any kind. I am particularly worried about how big the tortoise needs to be before it is safe to interact with cats and dogs. Or is it ever totally safe?
Also, I live in Wisconsin, very cold and dry in the winter. What special accommodations do I need for the tortoise in light of that?
Thanks!