New England Tortoise Help (2024)

Im interested in purchasing a tortoise as a pet, although the main issue that seems o be affront is financial issues and the fact that I live in New England. I would need a tortoise that doesn't cost an extreme amount to purchase and give shelter but I would also need a breed that would be able to withstand New England weather. Now fare in mind I'm interested in a semi large to large tortoise that will live at least a decent life span, I can house indoors, but obviously would love to have him be outside quite alot, although with the weather that can be an issue, I have an old dog cage still up that is about 40x40 feet with a small dog house in the center and is surrounded by a chain fence, but I was unsure if this would be suitable or if there is a way I could make use of this and possibly refurbish it to be habitable, the two breeds I was looking at we're Sulcata and Red Foot, but was unsure about their survivabolity and financial costs, those were some ideas I stumbled upon while looking for larger tortoises with a lifespan behind them but am open to reccomendations Thank you in advance for any help.

Hmmm ... I personally wouldn't get either of those tortoises because they both need the warmer weather. You could try to heat them and keep them in the house in the colder months, but in the end, the tortoises really suffer because they can't be outside as much as they should. Maybe you should think about a marginated tortoise. They get semi-large (about the size of a redfoot) and can hibernate in the winter. You wouldn't have to heat him through the coldest months and he could be outside in the warmer months. Of course he would need a yard to graze in ... etc. Just a thought - good luck!!!

Champagne, email me at Anthony@theturtleroom(dot)com. I would love to discuss this with you, as I am a fello New Englander and deal with the same issues with my animal keeping. Please let me know if I can help.