beginning turtle/tortoise?

[skadiwolf]

hey guys, i'm looking for a good beginner's turtle/tortoise, preferably btwn 6-8 inches fully grown. looking at striped mud, box turtles, greek tortoise, or wood turtles. let me know what you think, thanks!!!
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Box turtle. Aquatic turtles are high maintenance. Box turtles can also be kept in an outside pen for most of the year too, espically where you're at. Plus they can pull all their appendages in their shell and "box" up, thus the name. Cool [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]
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[JuliusSqueezer]

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[skadiwolf]

is that a box turtle brett? awww...what a CUTE little guy/girl!!! |) turtles are just so sweet-looking! well, most of them. (grin)

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[JuliusSqueezer]

nope....that's a golden greek tortoise
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[skadiwolf]

um...so...you posted the picture because that's what you recommend or just to be annoying? (grin) [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_razz.gif[/img]!!!

i've had those recommended to me by two people now.

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[JuliusSqueezer]

As long as you can provide space and food for potential size ...no land tortoise/turtle makes a bad pet. They all seem to do well in captivity. The only problem with the larger tortoises stems from their size only. Need more space...need more food....make bigger poops...too hard to pick up a 245 lb tortoise......box turtles, wood turtles, greek and russian tortoises...any of those are easy to keep. Bed them on timithy hay....it's kinda cool that they can graze on their bedding.
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[skadiwolf]

well, i know they're easier to keep, that's why i'm looking at those. however, i cannot decide which one i want. :/ they all have unique little things about them that endear them to me. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img] however, i am a snake enthusiast...i merely like turtles a lot. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img] so, no more than one for me...perhaps two in later years. but i've never had one and want to 'try one out' as it were. i am really, really enthused about semi-aquatic as i think they are so graceful and adore watching them swim. however -sigh- i think i'll go with a box, wood, or greek. yes, i'm aware that the last is a tortoise and not a turtle. opinions on these?

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[JuliusSqueezer]

I think the wood turtles are kinda ugly....box turtles are pretty....especially males with big red eyes. But if ya happen to get a shy one...you don't have much to look at except the shell because anytime ya get near....they suck it in and lock up tight. Some get over it and are pretty relaxed when handled though. They are pretty common here in Georgia and while the easterns that are native here are not actually legal to keep....many people do quietly in their homes. They are all over the roads in the summer time. Tortoises by far have the best personalities I think and do the best with human interaction....but that's just my opinion....another option is the various subspecies of hingebacked tortoises...they are pretty neat in a weird kinda way....kind of like reversed box turtles. I think they are really ugly but at the same time...really interesting.
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[skadiwolf]

hmmm...i find myself leaning more and more towards a cute little greek tortoise. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img] i've heard they're personable and everything. now, if i really had my way -sigh- and TONS of space and money, i would get an african spur-thighed tortoise. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img] those are awesome!!!

say, where do you get timothy hay? also, how much did you offer your tortoise for? and is that the turtle? how old? sexed? size? any details, diet, etc.? [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

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[JuliusSqueezer]

40 bucks...male....eats timothy hay now and then but usually fills up on carrots, kale, collard/mustard greens,squash, snow peas (just pretty much wipe out the produce dept but avoid gassy stuff like broccoli and go easy on fruit and lettuce has no food value other than roughage so they can fill up on that and still starve)...I have no idea on age...and yes...sulcattas/african spur thighs are awsome...I have a female approx 4 year old about the same size as the greek - for now lol...she is a sweety.

You can get Timothy hay at petco...it isn't very expensive. Look back where the furry critter supllies are sold. use a shallow water pan ...they rarely actually drink but will get in and soak and poop...most of the fluid intake comes from the veggies. I use the little plastic things you put potted plants on to trap water that leaks out. They work perfect. You can cage them in a small kiddy pool or a good size rubbermaid with a clamp light and a heat pad for basking and warming....then like to burrow in the hay to hide but will make use of a hide also. In warmer weather, I spend countless hours watching them graze in the clover patches in my back yard...they seem to love this time out. And they seem to really enjoy soaking up the sun. 15 minutes of real sun equals about a weeks worth of UVB lighting so it's really good to let them out now and then.
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[JuliusSqueezer]

Actually...before I sell him...I need to talk to Megan...she is highly attached to him. If she shows any dismay...I can find you another one...there are plenty around for at or near that price. I think she's more attached to the Sulcatta though....I dunno...I'll ask her tonight what she thinks.
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[skadiwolf]

actually, no need. especially if megan is attached. you can keep him, i'm keeping this RES. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img] thanks though.

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[JuliusSqueezer]

Yah She informed me that if I sell him she was going to go buy another one so what's the point? lol
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