Tortoises are one of the most easily found reptiles that can inspire curiosity and fascination in reptile keepers young and old alike. Whether it’s their slow yet determined nature or their built in defense/house that they carry on their backs, tortoises find their way into our homes and hearts. We are going to take a look at the top five tortoises for sale on the market today and some of the reasons why they are there.
The African Spurred Tortoise
African Spurred tortoises also known as sulcate tortoises are one of the most commonly kept pet tortoises. They are one of the mid to large sized tortoise that are easy to keep and rather inexpensive to purchase. Adult males will get to a very impressive size of fifty to eighty pounds and for keepers that have access to an enclosed parcel of land, they can be a very impressive pet to have. They are grassland tortoises so a diet of hay and vegetation along with a mixture of prepared tortoise food will keep them happy and healthy for years.
The Red footed Tortoise
Red foots are one of the most exotic looking mid sizes land tortoises due their name sake red scaled legs and head as well as a nicely colored shell that is normally black and yellow. They are also one of the less expensive tortoises on the market which along with their looks makes them a highly sought after reptile pet. They originate from the northers parts of South America and live on the edges of forests where they feed on a varied diet of greens, fruits, small insects, eggs and carrion. In captivity they can be kept indoors in a large tortoise enclosure or kept outside in a shaded parcel of land. Red foot tortoises and their close relatives the yellow footed tortoise are a large part of the reptile experience.
The Russian Tortoise
Russian tortoises are one of the smallest tortoises found in the wild and live in the arid low mountain regions of Pakistan all the way through Southeast Asia. These hardy creatures can handle a wide variety of temperatures and can survive on a steady diet of vegetation, hay and pre blended tortoise food. Due to their ability to handle a harsh climate they can adjust to most indoor areas and acclimate to the humidity as well. Russian tortoises rarely exceed eight to ten inches in length making them a very likely candidate for an indoor pet tortoise.
The Mediterranean Tortoises
The Mediterranean countries are host to a number of beautifully patterned and small sized pet tortoises. These include Greek tortoises, Herman’s tortoises and Marginated tortoises. These lively little creatures have more specific temperature and humidity requirements than the Russian Tortoises but are far more attractive and sought after in many ways. The price reflects this and these small sized tortoises are in the next bracket for cost of obtaining.
The Star Tortoises
Star Tortoises are a small sizes tortoise that get their name from the brightly colored yellow and black shells that are covered with multi-faceted star shaped designs. They come from a number of countries including India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar and Burma. These beautiful animals are highly sought after by keepers in the United States as well as china and Japan and it’s because of this that they are one of the most expensive pet tortoises on the market.
