There are many places you can buy a Russian tortoise. It can be daunting as to where to start looking – pet stores, forums, classifieds, etc. There are also places you want to avoid buying a pet tortoise from. And, of course, there’s always the option to adopt a pet Russian tortoise. No matter where you get your new pet tortoise, it’s important to do your research. You want to bring home a healthy tortoise.
Buying a Tortoise from a Pet Store
Many pet stores sell reptiles. You’ll find tortoises for sale at Petsmart, Petco, and Petland. You’ll may also find reptiles, including tortoises for sale at small, local pet shops. If you have an exotic pet store in your area, check there before going to Petsmart or another big chain pet store. Often times, exotic pet shops will have more understanding of proper care of reptiles, including tortoises.
Buying a tortoise from a pet store is not always the best place to buy a Russian tortoise, but it’s typically the most common place people buy tortoises.
When shopping for a Russian tortoise at a pet store, make sure to look for signs of illness and give your assessment of the enclosure and food/water that is available. Use your best judgment.
Buy a Russian Tortoise Online
Another option is to buy a tortoise online. You will find classifieds, forums and breeder websites that offer tortoises for sale. Once purchased, the seller will ship the tortoise overnight with an early delivery.
Generally, buying a reptile from a breeder is safer. You’re more likely to get a healthy tortoise with a 14 day or more health guarantee. Some breeders offer a health guarantee up to a year. Do your research so that you buy your Russian tortoise from a reputable breeder. There are plenty of “breeders” selling sick animals, hatchlings that shouldn’t be sold yet, etc.
Three top of mind, good Russian Tortoise breeders/sellers include Tortoise Supply, Tort Stork and Arizona Tortoise Compound.
You can also shop online classifieds, like FaunaClassifieds and Kingsnake. You can also check Facebook Market and Craigslist, but be leery and make sure to see the tortoise in person before exchanging money.
Buy a Russian Tortoise from a Reptile Expo
Reptile expos and shows are fun events where breeders, hobbyists and other vendors showcase and sell reptiles and supplies. Sometimes rescues will attend in attempts to find homes for their lesser sought after available animals – the reptiles.
Before you go to a reptile show and try to buy a pet Russian Tortoise, do your research. The reptile show will often post the list of vendors ahead of the show. Find those vendors who sell tortoises and research ahead of time. This way you’ll know which vendors to avoid and which to make sure you stop to talk to.
Select a Healthy Tortoise
No matter where you decide to buy a tortoise, it’s important to look for signs that the tortoise is sick.
- Discharge
- Bubbles from the nose or mouth
- Trouble breathing
- Swelling
- Swollen eyes
You should also look for other criteria before purchasing a new pet.
- Is the habitat clean?
- Are there multiple animals in the habitat? Is it overcrowded or house different species?
- Is there available food and water?
Assess the actual tortoise.
- Does the tortoise appear active?
- Check the shell for hardness, white spots and shell health
- Check the weight
- Assess the face and eyes for signs of illness
- Look at the tortoise’s skin for dry flaky skin, missing scales or abrasions
- Check the that the tail area is clean
In the end, trust your gut when selecting a healthy tortoise. Unless your intent is to save the tortoise, don’t buy an animal that you think could be sick. Bringing home a sick animal can potentially end up costing hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Adopt a Russian Tortoise
The alternative to buying a Russian tortoise is to adopt a tortoise. You can find tortoise rescues. Depending on where you live, you may be close to a rescue or an educational sanctuary that often finds themselves with animals that need homes.
