Tortoise reptiles for sale | Pets4Homes (2024)

FAQs

Should I get 1 or 2 tortoises? ›

Tortoises tend to be solitary by nature, but keeping two tortoises together in one enclosure should be fine provided you stick to the gender rules and monitor them regularly during their first few weeks together. Ideally, you should keep two tortoises together only if they are both females.

Where you buy your tortoise: You can buy from a breeder, retailer or a private seller looking to find a new home for their pet tortoise. Many private sellers also offer to sell tortoise kit items along with the pet, which could help reduce the costs of your tortoise setup.

Also known as the Greek tortoise, the Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise is a recommended choice for first-time tortoise owners. Commonly found in nature, they possess soft spurs on their tails. These tortoises are excellent beginner pets due to their ease of care.

These are the Sulcata (also known as African Spurred) and the Indian Star tortoise. The Sulcata (African Spurred) tortoise are easily available at very inexpensive prices because they are commonly bred throughout the world.

Tortoise expert and breeder Ed Piroj on the other hand said he himself leaves his tortoises alone when he goes away for less than ten days: “They are reptiles. If they are well fed and well hydrated they can go months without food or water. Dropping the temperature will help.”

They also are a very gentle and intelligent animal that will bond with their whole family. African spurred tortoises, specifically, are often referred to as “heirloom pets” because their long 100+ year lifespan means they have to be willed to family members.

The most interactive tortoises include red-footed and African spur-thighed tortoises and will often seek out their owners for positive interactions. Red-footed and Hermann's tortoises are also known for their curious and docile natures which make them great for first-time tortoise owners.

The average lifespan of a turtle or tortoise is highly dependent on the species. Some species may only live 10 to 20 years in captivity, while others can live up to 150 years. In general, most turtle and tortoise species can live well into their 50s if provided appropriate care.

Hermann's Tortoise

These tortoises are also docile and rarely bite—however, they don't like being handled. One thing to keep in mind is that this pet does best when housed outdoors in a secure enclosure.

Some common pet tortoise species, such as Russian tortoises or red-footed tortoises, can cost anywhere from $50 to $300. More rare or exotic species can cost several thousand dollars. Additionally, the cost of a baby tortoise will generally be less than that of an adult.

What is the best house for a tortoise? ›

These tropical tortoises prefer high levels of heat and humidity therefore a vivarium is a much more suitable enclosure for them. However, they have been known to be very adaptable pet tortoises so do well in a tortoise table as well, as long as you provide a suitable temperature gradient and regular misting.

Everything to do with tortoises requires heat to function properly – demeanour, appetite, digestion, locomotion and healing processes. Tortoises are cold-blooded and, therefore, require an external heat source to raise their body temperature to an acceptable level. A tortoise's preferred temperature is about 30˚C.

We often get asked by customers and tortoise keepers if their tortoise will get lonely on their own or if they should get a friend for their tortoise and the simple answer is: Tortoises are solitary animals in the wild, so they are fine on their own.

As wild animals that are predominantly solitary creatures, they do not get lonely and are perfectly happy to live a life of solitude. Tortoises are not social creatures and do not need the same social interactions that other animals may need to develop and survive.

It can be OK to house multiple turtles in the proper space, but turtles as a species should live alone and not interact with other pets. Your other pets can risk contracting Salmonella and other diseases from turtles, so they should not be allowed to interact.

Provide the largest possible enclosure for your tortoise. At a minimum, provide an area that is 6 times as long and wide as your pet. For example, a 6-inch tortoise should have an enclosure that is at least 3 ft by 3 ft.