What place is better to get a tortoise?

[LupusCantus]

Reptile convention vs. Online vs. other places that is not petsmart/petco

I heard people say not to go to petco/petsmart. Opinion, advice, something? Trying to find a place where I can find tortoises that are (most likely) healthy and happy.

I live in Maryland in the Baltimore county.

 

[Millerlite]

I say online or straight from the breed as in going and picking up where the Toetoises are housed. I know some people say expos and stuff because you can choose it and they are "less stressed" but honestly they probably are just as stressed or more stressed then a animal shipped. But you do get to "inspect " your new friend and choose. Petco an pets smart I would stay way from just cuz they usually have wc species, they can be loade with parasites, they are behind stressed, and they can go down hill real quick with health problems.

What species were you thinking
Kyle

 

[wellington]

Forum member best. Reptile show is okay, as long as you buy from again a forum member, like Tyler Stewart of tortoise supply, or another highly recommended vendor. Pet shops some will do, I would rather not, but if its all you got close, and they have what you want, then go for it. Just be sure you are getting one that looks and acts healthy. After all, the poor pet shop torts need a good home too. Unfortunately, they won't stop selling them, as much as I would love it if they did. Rescues would actually be a good place to start.

 

[n3rdchik]

As a new tort person, I heavily would consider a rescue, or "rescuing" a older tort off of Craigslist or fauna classifieds. When researching, I thought "how hard can keeping a humid environment be?" and I am learning very. I am so, so, so glad I have an older tort. He is much more forgiving of my newbie moments.

Rumple was twice as expensive as a Petco tort, and worth every penny.

 

[Tyrtle]

I like the idea of a rescue. Here in Colorado there is a specific Reptile Rescue group.

But to be honest, we got ours from Craigslist. It worked out well for us. The person who had them before had all the basic necessities to pass them along to us and lots of helpful advice, including giving us this website as a reference.

 

[theelectraco]

I work for PetSmart, and I would easily purchase another tort from PetSmart....but it just varies store to store. My store takes great care of theirs, has multiple decals done upon arrival and deworms. We spare no expense at the vet if needed. But not all stores will do that for their tortoises. Some stores are overflowing with tortoises right now, mine currently has two we can't sell, so although you are supporting wild caught /) and it will be replaced with another one...you are still sort of saving it and they need a good home just like any other tortoise.


0.0.1 Red Foot
0.0.1 Crested Gecko
0.1.0 Dachshund

 

[IRTehDuckie]

I got a russian from petsmart, only reason i did was because that poor tortoise was miserable, his cage was pathetic excuse for a habitat. That was just my store though, others might not be like that. I ordered a monitor from a reptile store specialist place, and it was a overall bad experience for me. You dont get to pick and choose which one you think looks good, which sucks. I got one that wasnt so healthy. My Sulcatas on the other hand, I purchased from a reptile shop, when they got the new babies in.. i would definitely suggest doing that, you can pick and choose the best of the best, or what suits your wants for the little guys.

I guess i havent had the best run with my reptiles, but me being a nurturing person, I flipped it around. Anyways, its really up to you and what you'd rather go for =]


Good luck! and happy hunting!

 

[LupusCantus]

I'm trying to get a tortoise from a rescue but the one I know of said that they don't have any. I'm going to keep! (Just need to know where it is). I'll try the repticon but I don't think tortoise supply does maryland since it's at the other side of the country. Does anyone know of people that are reliable that go to the repticon in the Timonium FairGrounds?

Also I'll try Craigslist next and if I tried all of that I'll buy one from petsmart or petco but I don't think the ones I know does a good job caring for the animals... (but again I don't like them too much when it comes to buying animals)

---

Actually... rescue maybe harder for me since the ones if found are way too far... (just found out the one I talked to is in the DC area).

 

[Maggie and Torie the Tort]

Good luck on finding a tortoise!

 

[bannana]

I got a very healthy and nicely shipped yellowfoot online at tortoise supply I recommend them if you choose shipping one

 

[Tom]

Tortoisesupply.com ships anywhere in the country.

Best place to get your tortoise is directly from a breeder who has extensive experience with that species and produces good results when growing young ones.

What species are you interested in? We have lots of good breeders right here on this forum.

 

[FLINTUS]

1. Private Breeder who does it as a hobby and you pick it up
2. Private or commercial-the latter has to be very good and use courier
-not shipping!
3. Reptile Show if it's a good one.
Of course then you have things like preloved over here and craiglist over there. Although you have to be careful, this is often a better, cheaper option. Oh and will say this if you can buy from a rescue that is top priority

 

[bigred]

Ditto on tortoise supply, good place to buy a tortoise. What kind of tortoise are you looking for

 

[Zabbi0]

tortoise supply most definitely. Otherwise yes, any breeders on here would be great. They are very educuated seem to have a great rep on here.


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[LupusCantus]

Tortoisesupply.com ships anywhere in the country.

Best place to get your tortoise is directly from a breeder who has extensive experience with that species and produces good results when growing young ones.

What species are you interested in? We have lots of good breeders right here on this forum.

Russian tortoise I have been doing so much research on them. Been wanting a reptile like a tortoise or turtle for a while. I just couldn't find a perfect match.

 

[TommyZ]

I didnt get my first from a breeder on TFO, but what I can tell you is anything else in my life going forward for any tortoise need I will get right here from the forum, so I would suggest finding a breeder here. Anybody here that's been around for awhile can definitely point you in the right direction..

 

[Jlant85]

im sorry but.. F**K petsmart! But if it wasnt for them i wouldnt have my tort! My wife came home one day w/ her and give her all this wrong information on how to raise her! When i noticed how she seems off, i did my research and i told my wife that she did everything wrong! aside from that she's ok now and im the main care taker of our tort. Since then i fell in love w/ her! I recently bought a tort from a breeder! if you can find one at your place that would be my recommendation! You get to look and choose! best part! And also, you can ask for ideas on how to raise them.

 

[theelectraco]

Research should be done before getting an animal, as well as after. Can't solely blame the pet store.


0.0.1 Red Foot
0.0.1 Crested Gecko
0.1.0 Dachshund

 

[LupusCantus]

I would love to get more tortoise from a breeder, does anyone know one that is in Maryland or is there a list of breeders in this website?

 

[Zabbi0]

Try contacting Tyler Stewart on here. He is a breeder and works for tortoise supply as well
There is also a breeder list under Tort topics> Tortoise breeding> breeder list.

Good luck!


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