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What Species?

C

connorrm

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I am new to the idea of keeping a tortoise. I have been reading a lot but I still can't think of what species to keep. I live outside of atlanta GA in a small town I would like to make a very nice and attractive outdoor enclosure. Any ideas what could survive well in this climate? Or would I have to bring them inside for the winter (depending on species)? Any thoughts/ideas/tips would be great.
 
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Hey, how goes the new life, Ryan? Hopefully, you are just busy enough, lol.
The first Holiday season in a new world can be rough; but you are a pretty likeable guy, so I am sure you have been making friends.

As for the choices, if you want to keep it outdoors year round, the simplest considerations would be native species (provided it is legal to keep them). After that, you'll want to factor in size limits (how much of your yard do you want to give it?...and remember, you MIGHT have to bring it inside at some point, lol).
I had only peripheral involvement with tortoises, and that was a good 10 yrs ago, so I won't be too much help on that subject, but I wanted to chime in and :wavey: anyway
 
I agree with Harald, your best choice for something that can stay outdoors year-round is a native species. I'd check Georgia's Fish&Game website to see if they list native species and/or any restrictions on keeping them.

Besides any native species, all the common tort species in the trade are tropical or sub tropical species. You would be able to house any of them outside during the summer, but you'd either have to bring them in during winter, or provide them with a heated outdoor shelter. I know several people here in Phoenix who have converted Rubbermaid ToughSheds into outdoor shelters for their adult Sulcattas by installing those oilfilled heaters and a "tortoise door".

Redfoots, which are pretty common, along with the closely related Yellowfoots, are rain forest species, so they'd do extremely well during a humid Georgia summer. They also don't get too large, adult males can get up to maybe 18" in shell length, and have wonderful personalities. That's what I would recommend you start off with. Yellowfoots have basically the same care requirements, but tend to be a little pricier.

I don't have much experience with Leopards, but I believe they come from a drier climate than Redfoots, and get a bit larger, so you might want to hold off until you've got more experience.

I would stay away from sulcattas as a starter tort. Their care isn't that difficult, but their size can make them a challenge. Although they start off tiny, they get big fast. Adult males can get up to 250 pounds, so they require a great deal of space.

Also, no matter what anyone says, there's no way to sex baby torts, so don't plan on getting a female just because they tend to be smaller.
 
Hey H!
Thanks for the replies. Well I have 5 acres so an huge enclosure won't be a problem. I really want to get breaking ground this winter and make a fairly large gardenesque type of enclosure. I have been looking through the local game laws. There aren't many species that aren't legal to have (gotta love these redneck states). BTW yeah GA is nice. Got a good job teaching at a private school (Summers off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). Basically I am slowly trying to build up a collection that I can enjoy. I spent a lot of time out in the yard last year and I got to thinking while clearing out under the house how neat it would be to have a habitat in my yard :D

I have been checking out the red footed tortoises. Basically I can bring them inside for the winter its not a problem, however, thanks for the mention on the sulcuttas. That would be far to large to properly house in the colder months. Let alone lift and carry into the house. I'll keep reading up and searching the web.
 
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