If there is a possibility that you cannot care for them for this long, consider getting a reptile that has a shorter lifespan. or else!!!! The scutes on the shell has an attractive dark brown and tan pattern and the skin is mainly tan to yellow. Size: Between 7 and 11 inches. It is perfect for keepers who do not have a large area to be used as an animal enclosure. Russian Tortoise Speckled Cape Tortoise. Do not try to care for it bring it in its real habitat don’t be a jerk! They can live for more than 50 years and typically cost $150-$400 depending on their age. Certain species of both turtles and tortoises make great pets. You can also check your local animal shelters or rescue group as there are occasionally ones that have been dropped off by owners that can’t provide the proper care for them. you handle one breed of tortoise and then want to handle another. As explained above, each tortoise species is different from one another and require different care but it’s not uncommon to find tow different breeds that have the same temperatures and dietary requirements. Daytime temperature should be between 75-85 F on the cool side. We will respond and give you a way to send photos. Send us an email through our contact page. Native to Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and Southwest Asia, Greek tortoises are commonly kept as pets, and their affable personalities make them enjoyable companions. They have many common traits, but pet owners should know and understand how they differ regarding their needs. Tortoise Scientific name: Testudinidae. Adult Pancakes can reach up to 7 inches (18cm). Tortoise are placid and very slow moving, with an average walking speed of 0.2-0.5 km/h. This giant tortoise can reach a whopping 30 inches in length and weigh over 100 pounds. Additional lighting and heating might also be needed if you live in a cooler climate. You should provide a shallow water dish they can wade in. Me and my Friend, Layla (my twin) are thinking about getting a Russian. Thanks! Also, is there a breed of tortoise that doesn’t live for a long time? Me P Dixon. Which one in our list is your favorite? The Pancake tortoise gets its name from its flat carapace shell. Also known as African Spurred Tortoises they are loved for their unique personalities – many say they behave similar to dogs. Like most breeds, Russian Tortoises prefer not to be handled. Despite their armoured appearance, tortoises can be easily injured and should be handled with care. The following species are the most likely pet tortoises to be encountered in existing captive situations in Europe, or ones which are finding their way into the pet trade through recent breeding projects. view of content on habitat setup. I was told by pet smart it was a Russian tortoise, but a vet said it was a Desert Tortoise. send an email through our contact page. This tortoise makes an excellent pet because of their unique personalities and ease of care. However, this breed likes to burrow into the ground and they are also good climbers. They make a great beginner pet because of their general ease-of-care, and you can adopt more than one. Marginated Tortoises like to dig and spend lots of time outside whenever possible, especially when it is warm and sunny. The Greek Tortoise earned its alternate name, the Mediterranean Spur-Thighed Tortoise, from its characteristic “spurs” on either side of its tail. Send us an email and we can connect. These tortoises can live for more than 40 years and prefer to live in warm outdoor enclosures. How big should the aquarium be? ..can you give me more information on how to take care of him..I’ve read many articles and I want to be a good parent.. Don’t place any animal in an enclosure where it might be able to eat oleander. They’re generally easygoing pets, as long as owners meet their specific care needs. Pet Tortoise vs Pet Turtle | Pet Tortoise And Turtle Difference. Greek tortoises sport a shell that’s tan to yellow with dark brown to black. If the Tortoise is able to go in the garden during the daytime, this Tortoise Table can be used as night time housing to safely and securely accommodate your new pet. Tortoise tips; 4 things to know about turtles and tortoises. They are not as popular as others in this list because their export is heavily monitored and they do not always breed readily in captivity. Letting two species share a habitat even for just a brief time, say during cleaning time, is not recommended. One of the smallest tortoise breeds known to man, only growing to be about 5 inches long, they are critically endangered in the wild. The tail and cloaca should be free of fecal matter since that can be a sign of intestinal parasites or a bacterial infection. She wanted to help, to do what was best for the animal. Tortoise temperatures. Greek Tortoise. An enclosure of 8 square feet is suitable provided it is secure. Some are very friendly and personable, which make them that much more fun to have as pets, but the problem lies with proper care and their long lifespan. You may want to hold on tight as your tortoise may be a wriggler and they can be surprisingly strong. They have many common traits, but pet owners should know and understand how they differ regarding their needs. While this sight might not look serious, biting can occur which can lead to injury. The most common pet tortoise species are the Russian tortoise, Hermann's tortoise, the leopard tortoise, the red-footed tortoise and the sulcata tortoise. Hopefully we can help identify it. Thanks. The Hermann is known to live for more than 75 years and will cost $200-$800 depending on their age. Like many breeds in this list, Pancake Tortoises eat leafy greens and grasses and have fairly easy-care requirements. Pet Difficulty: Beginner.Hermann tortoises are great beginner tortoise pets. Lifespan: Around 50 years. Specific Species: Temp, Humidity, & Light Needs, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, 5 Winter Accessories You Didn’t Know Your Animals Need, Check the eyes for swelling or redness as this can be a sign of an ear infection or abscess. The flat shell allows this tortoise to climb well and fit into cracks within the rocks of its natural habitat. With that said, tortoises are unique looking animals which make them stand out among other animals at a pet store (the same can be said about aquatic water turtles). Some tortoises will tend towards being shy and will mostly only come out … Greek Tortoises do not grow more than 10 inches long and although they are small can live up to 50 years! Their flat shells do not provide much protection from predators, so they avoid them with speed and flexibility.Their speed makes them a very fun pet tortoise! To protect the endangered wild population they should only be purchased through authorized breeders. It’s clear your reading skills need help. Closed nares can be a sign of an abscess or a history of chronic infections. It was in the road. It is best to lift them with two hands, one firmly holding each side of the shell. Tortoises are calm, fun and entertaining pets. A mixture of top-soil, play sand and pebbles can all be included in their enclosure. A benefit to having this species is that it doesn’t hibernate so you can enjoy it year around and not have to worry about proper turtle hibernation care. Thanks to its active nature and unique appearance, this type of pet tortoise is quite popular among collectors and beginner reptile fans alike. The Marginated Tortoise. Also visit the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species for more useful information on the pet trade and endangered species. Turtles and tortoises are two different types of reptiles; They’re best for kids 12 and up; They like a warm environment; They can live for 30 years or more; If you want to quickly tell the difference between a turtle and tortoise, check out their toes. They are gentle and active tortoises who are great for any beginner. They must be housed in an outdoor warm, environment, and should have at least 16 square feet of space. Types of Tortoise for Pets – Find Your Favorite. Tortoise tips; 4 things to know about turtles and tortoises. Some tortoise species are known to be diggers but this one is not one of them other than to dig for breeding nests. These tortoises do better when they are well hydrated and have a varied diet of weeds, leaves, and flowers. Since most pet tortoises are herbivores, they feed primarily on leafy greens, flowers, grazing grasses and weeds. The nares of the nose should be open and free of discharge. Size should be one of the main considerations when choosing a tortoise breed. Despite their large enclosure requirement and burrowing behavior, they make great beginner pets because they are intelligent and like human interaction. This species is also known as the Horsfield’s Tortoise. From South America, the Red Footed tortoise gets its name from the red coloring on the scales of its feet but it can also have red coloring on its head. There is the lot of difference in the usage of common terms tortoise, turtle, and terrapin. Tortoises are becoming increasingly popular pets. When properly cared for, the Greek Tortoise is friendly and easy to care for! Native to the southern portions of Europe, the Hermann’s enjoys temperatures between 73*F to 99*F (23*C -37*C). The Hermann’s Tortoise is docile and gentle with a great temperament for a beginner pet. Took it to a vet who said it was a western pond turtle, but I have my doubts as to whether turtle or tortoise! Sure Dee – please send a picture via the contact form. Because of their large-size, they must be kept in an outdoor enclosure at least 80 square feet. When taken care of correctly they are very docile and friendly and typically cost $200-$500. If age is an issue, try adopting a mature tortoise. The shell should not be soft and not feel hollow. They also need to have a space and substrate where they can burrow and dig into, but not used to escape. ..I live in the desert ..I have a area in which he can live but there is olerander bushes there. How may I send a picture to see if you may help me figure it out? They should have a UVB light, a 90℉-95℉ basking spot, and humidity between 50%-70%. If the shell gets covered in mud or dirt, you can clean the shell with water and a toothbrush. 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