Tortoises for Sale | Reptiles for Sale (2024)

FAQs

How much is a tortoise to buy? ›

The cost of one tortoise starts at about £40 and can go over a £1000 for certain breeds. The prices of tortoises vary tremendously depending on breed, age and where you buy. Age: Older tortoises tend to be more expensive. You can buy a baby tortoise for an average of £50.

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.

Tortoise Laws

Only Gopher Tortoises and Desert Tortoises are found native in the United States and they all protected by either State or Federal laws. Collection, possession, sale or transportation is illegal without very special permits.

Although from the same scientific order as sea turtles – Testudines – tortoises have longer life expectancy than sea turtles. According to Pet Keen, the average life expectancy of tortoises is anywhere from 80 to 150 years. Some species are known to live even longer, up to 250 years.

Some tortoises may not like being handled as much as others, while others will get too big to be handled at all! The most interactive tortoises include red-footed and African spur-thighed tortoises and will often seek out their owners for positive interactions.

Housing your tortoise outdoors can work if you are able to provide the right climate. The enclosure must be fully prepared beforehand. If there is extreme weather where you live, prepare an indoor area where you can put your tortoise when needed.

Under authority of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it is legal to have a pet desert tortoise as long as you didn't take it from the wild.

Absolutely. Like every animal a pet tortoise can make an amazing life companion as long as you understand the needs of your new best friend. Tortoises are mostly land dwelling as compared to their turtle counterparts, but they still need plenty of water in their enclosure.

The benefits of free-roaming include: Lots of space to move in, which allows the tortoise to find good hides and a variety of micro-climates. Lots of opportunity for enrichment and things to do. Heightened socialization.

Mediterranean Spur-Thighed Tortoise

These tortoises are excellent beginner pets due to their ease of care. Setting up an enclosure with UVB lighting is necessary, but they don't require a large tank due to their small size. With an average lifespan of 50 years, they are herbivores and known for their friendly demeanor.

What is the easiest tortoise for beginners? ›

The most commonly available and the easiest to care for is the Spur Thighed (Greek) Tortoise. These are readily obtainable through many of the outlets mentioned below.

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.

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.

A tortoise should only ever be handled with two hands, they hate being picked up, it is not natural to them. Have you considered its environment? Is your garden large and secure enough - a tortoise will escape if it possibly can. They are expert climbers and have been known to climb walls, fences and even trees.