Chapter THREE: Choosing a Tortoise
A shy, but healthy, young Red-footed tortoise.
In the 1970s and 1980s, thousands of Red-footed tortoises were imported from Guyana, Suriname, and Colombia. Although Red-footed tortoises are protected under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (C.I.T.E.S.), they are still imported from farms in Venezuela, Brazil, and the Suriname/ Guyana area. I of course recommend that anyone wanting a Red-footed tortoise for a new pet should search for and purchase a captive-hatched Redfoot. These captive-produced tortoises will be less stressed, are less likely to harbor dangerous internal parasites, and they promote the work of tortoise breeders across the country.
Wild-caught Red-footed and Yellow-footed Tortoises
Red-footed tortoises and Yellow-footed tortoises are hunted for food. They are often kept for long periods of time without food or water until they are slaughtered or shipped off to the pet trade. It is not advisable to start out with a wild-caught Redfoot or Yellowfoot for a pet. This has proven to be quite a challenge even with the most experienced keepers. Tortoises captured for the pet trade are often not given the best of care before importation. Recently imported tortoises often arrive dehydrated, anorexic, stressed, and heavily loaded with parasites. Complicating matters is the fact that they are not likely to immediately acclimate to their new surroundings especially if being kept indoors. Some wild-caught specimens may never adapt to life in captivity.
Two young Red-footed tortoises, both produced from parents with pure Colombian stock, showing the variety of specimens within an area. Photo by Bill Love.
Never mix a wild-caught tortoise with tortoises you already have. They will need a quarantine period of at least 90-120 days. Soak them in tepid water each day to make sure they are hydrated properly. Wild-caught tortoises should be checked by a veterinarian for parasites and other medical issues.
The Yellow-footed and Red-footed tortoises will benefit from captive-breeding to reduce pressure on wild populations. Once abundant in their native land, their numbers are dwindling due to frequent capture. Tortoises are easily caught by hunters who sometimes use dogs to find them hiding in vegetation. Dry season vegetation is also burned to aide in capture. Some are sold as pets and many others are eaten. Further complicating the situation are the years it takes for a Red-footed tortoise and a Yellow-footed tortoise to reach sexual maturity.
Preparing for a New Family Member
It’s best to have your new tortoise’s enclosure ready for it before you bring it home. This will avoid stress on everyone. If you have other pets in the home you must consider safety issues for your tortoise.
Dogs and tortoises do not mix! Even the sweetest of dogs that has never hurt a fly will usually instinctively chew on a tortoise. It’s your responsibility to keep them safe! Be sure your tortoise’s enclosure is secure and away from any pets. Keeping them out of harm’s way will help avoid any costly veterinary bills down the road.
Supply Check List
___ Enclosure appropriate for the size of your new tortoise (see Indoor Enclosures) for help with this decision.
___Substrate that holds humidity
___Light fixtures (can be purchased at home supply stores). You will need a basking lamp fixture and a strip-light fixture if housing indoors.
___Proper lamps (one for heat and one for UVB emission)
___Hide area
___Shallow water bowl
___Decorations
___Calcium, calcium with Vitamin D3, and mineral supplements
___The phone number of a qualified reptile veterinarian (check www.arav.org to find a reptile veterinarian in your area).
Things to Consider Before Acquiring a Tortoise
Before making the decision that a tortoise is the right pet for you, several factors must be taken into consideration. Please remember tortoises are more of a “watch me” pet. They do not enjoy cuddling in the bed with you, sitting in your lap, or fetching sticks. You must consider the needs of the tortoise and your ability to house, feed, and care for it properly. Tortoises live much longer than most pets. You will have to plan for their future even after you are gone as they can live over 40 years. If you feel you can keep a tortoise in the right way, including the ability to pay any unforeseen medical bills, you are on the right track.
Tortoise breeder Linda Putnam created this outdoor Red-footed tortoise enclosure with landscape timbers. Photo by Russ Gurley.
Choosing a Species of Tortoise
When choosing a species of tortoise as an addition to your family you will also need to consider several factors. Does your climate allow for the tortoise to spend most of its time outdoors? This might not be possible if you live in an apartment.
People living in hot and dry areas may consider a species that would do better in that environment. Individuals living in cold northern states may consider obtaining a smaller species that is easier to house when being kept indoors the majority of the year.
Red-footed and Yellow-footed tortoises do wonderfully in the humid southeastern United States. However, African Spurred Tortoises and Leopard tortoises do much better in the more arid southwestern United States.
If you decide on a South American tortoise, your next consideration is choosing between a Red-footed or a Yellow-footed tortoise.
When choosing between a Red-footed or a Yellow-footed tortoise, it is helpful to know as much as you can about each species. While their care is almost identical, Yellow-footed tortoises are not quite as hardy, need more shade, and more stable temperatures. They also eat a bit more fruit than Red-footed tortoises. Yellowfoots also spend more time in the water. Red-footed tortoises may be more personable and they stay a bit smaller.
Where to Buy Tortoises
Perhaps one of the most important considerations in acquiring a tortoise is where to purchase them.
Tortoises can be purchased from breeders, specialty pet stores, expos, and reptile shows, and even the internet. In some cases tortoises can be adopted from rescue organizations.
Pet Stores - Large Chain
More and more tortoises are being offered for sale in pet stores. The benefit in purchasing a tortoise from a pet store is you can physically examine the tortoise. Many employees in the larger pet chains are not as knowledgable about these specialized pets. It will be important for you to do your homework to make sure you pick out a healthy tortoise.
Specialty Pet Stores
Specialty pet stores usually have a much larger variety of tortoises for sale. In some cases they may breed their own or at least be able to answer questions about age, what the tortoise has been through, what it is eating, etc. There are some very good specialty reptile stores that have a wonderful reputation and dozens of repeat customers.
At times breeders may sell their hatchlings to specialty pet shops. Ask questions to find out as much as you can about where the tortoise came from. In some cases, tortoises may be imported from breeding farms in South America. While this is not a choice as positive as buying captive-hatched animals, these farms still take pressure off of the wild populations.
Reptile Shows and Reptile Expos
In recent years, reptile shows and expos have become quite popular. Some of these expos are attended by breeders from around the United States. Prices are often competitive and choices are abundant. I would suggest that you don’t buy the first tortoise you see. Walk around and visit with some of the vendors. Some may have larger, well-started tortoises instead of small hatchlings. If the tortoises still have their caruncles, or egg teeth, that means they are quite young. Ask lots of questions.
Another good part of expos and shows is they generally have vendors that sell supplies too. In addition, many breeders proudly display tortoises they have hatched themselves.
Breeders that claim to know the sex of a hatchling are pulling your leg. It may be necessary to find a more truthful breeder, as the sexing of hatchlings is nearly impossible, though hatchlings with odd or irregular scutes invariably turn out to be females. (Irregular scutes are usually the result of higher incubation temperatures which also produces a higher number of female tortoises.)
Tortoise breeders such as Richard Fife and Jerry Fife (pictured with Jerry’s daughter Dani) are often displaying at reptile shows and expos. Questions about captive care, housing, and parentage can be answered.
A beautiful, well-planted Red-footed tortoise enclosure in Florida. Photo by Erich Krausse.
Breeders
Breeders are one of the best sources for tortoises. After all they keep their adults healthy enough to breed. Breeders will be able to give you the exact age of the tortoise you are considering purchasing. They also may be able to give you other tips or suggestions pertaining to their care. Another advantage is the tortoise will not have to be shipped which can be stressful.
The Internet
There are websites that allow dealers, breeders, and private individuals to sell their tortoises to the public. Often there is no health guarantee as once the tortoise is in your hands the seller cannot be responsible for poor husbandry that leads to an early demise. Some Internet sellers will guarantee live arrival and maybe a week health guarantee but that’s usually as far as it goes. Some disadvantages of...
