It’s not always an easy decision to give up a pet. Even a shelled tortoise that doesn’t play fetch or snuggle on the couch while you watch a movie. However, there are times when a family may need to rehome a tortoise.
Reasons People Rehome Russian Tortoise
There are many reasons that a person or family may need to rehome a pet Russian tortoise. Some of the common reasons people get rid of a tortoise include:
Moving
Moving to an area where they may not be able to supply time outside. Although Russian tortoises do not need to go outside due to their smaller size, having a safe space for an outdoor enclosure is something many keepers find a must for a healthy tortoise. So, it’s possible the owner is moving to an apartment, to college or even to a notoriously cold climate where it just may not be suitable for a pet tortoise.
Multiple Males
Housing more than one male is not always the best housing situation. You run into bullying, fighting and overall stress and injury. If appropriate housing cannot be made to separate the males, the “extra” may need a new home.
Male and Female Pairings
Some people don’t want to breed. It’s actually pretty common. Not everyone wants to deal with a gravid female Russian tortoise, incubating eggs and caring for hatchlings. So, if it turns out that the female and female pair the owner thought he had turns to a male and female pair, one of the tortoises may need a new home unless there is adequate space for two enclosures.
Cannot Afford Veterinary Care for Sick Tortoise
It’s possible to tortoise is sick and the owners just can not afford to take the Russian tortoise to the vet for diagnosis and medications. Some reptile rescues will take on the animal, get it the care it needs and help find it a new home.
Cannot Afford the Care or Upkeep Any Longer
Financial situations change all the time. Just because the indoor enclosure is already built or the outdoor enclosure is set up, that doesn’t mean that food, new UV bulbs, new heat bulbs, replacement substrate, etc. isn’t at a cost. That doesn’t mean that veterinary care still isn’t expensive, if/when needed.
Adult Russian Tortoise for Adoption
Regardless of the reason behind having to rehome a Russian tortoise, it can be a blessing for someone looking to adopt a Russian tortoise. And just because the tortoise needs a new home, that doesn’t mean it won’t be a great pet for you.
Find adult Russian tortoises for adoption at reptile rescues, on Facebook or Craigslist. Sometimes your local dog/cat adoption facility may have a reptile or two turn up needing a home. If you’re able to talk directly to the foster parents or previous owners, do it.
Baby Russian Tortoise for Adoption
Baby Russian tortoises aren’t as common to find up for adoption. However, you can check websites like Petfinder.com, American Tortoise Rescue and AdoptaPet.com for baby tortoises for adoption.
