25/11/2018
TORTOISE 101🐢
WHICH ARE “BEGINNER” TORTOISE AND WHICH ARE “ADVANCED”?
Tortoises For Beginners
I get asked this a lot.
Short answer: Sulcata, Star, Elongata, Redfoot, and Cherryhead Redfoot because these species are hardier than others and are in the lower-end of the price spectrum.
1) Elongata: For beginners with limited budget and want a tortoise species that fits the Philippine climate perfectly. Price range for a baby is around Php 6,000 and it is actually endemic to our neighboring countries here in Southeast Asia. So Elongated tortoises actually do well here in the Philippines, whether kept indoor or outdoor. This is the perfect tortoise if budget is an issue.
2) Sulcata: For beginners who want a tortoise that grows big. Typical selling price is around Php 8,500 for a 2.5-inch Sulcata. Sulcata tortoises have one of the fastest growth rates for tortoises. It can grow from 2.5 inches to around 10 inches in 2 years and around 16 inches in 4-5 years. It also increases its value as it grows. The Philippines has not yet reached a point where there are too many Sulcatas in captivity. In the US, when owners can no longer accommodate their big size, they offer them for adoption for a minimal fee. This is not the case here in the Philippines. Full-size adults may cost more or less Php 175,000, depending on the s*x.
Sulcatas are also very hardy compared to other species but this doesn't mean they don't get sick due to improper care. Same goes for all species. Beginners usually think that when a species is hardy, they can neglect some of their basic needs. They can still easily get sick and eventually die when exposed to incorrect care.
3) Indian Star: For beginners who want tortoises that are hardy, have a beautiful pattern and stays small. Typical price range is around P12,000 for a 2.5 to 3 inch Indian Star. They do well here in the Philippines and was once the most popular tortoise pet in Asia. Back in 1999 they only cost P750. Each year the price keeps on increasing. Stars don't grow big. Full size males are around 5.5 to 6 inches and full size females are around 8.5 to 10 inches, which they usually reach in around 5 years.
4) Redfoot and Cherryhead Redfoot: Also at around P8,500 for 2.5 to 3.5 inches. Very hardy just like Sulcatas. But they do require higher humidity so that their shells can grow smoothly. They are more prone to pyramiding when kept in a dry enclosure. Research more about "Effects of Humidity on Tortoise Growth and Pyramiding" and also "Closed chamber setup for tortoises". Once properly setup, Redfoot tortoises are very tough and can easily tolerate temperature drops in Manila (this is assuming that the tortoise is healthy).
Advanced Tortoises
Fellow Filipino hobbyists who are successful in taking care of these newbie species usually take their hobby up a notch by trying more challenging or more expensive tortoise species. When you see your first few tortoises getting bigger, healthier and friendlier, you will definitely want more! Tortoises have that effect. Unfortunately, a lot of beginners never graduate from that stage because most of the tortoises they get are either already sick or eventually get sick due to wrong information, neglect, or incorrect care.
But those who are successful find great joy in taking care of these misunderstood animals. These keepers then proceed to the next level:
-Leopards: More senstive to temperature drops. Prone to RI (Respiratory Infection). We don't have a lot of locally bred Leopard tortoises here in the Philippines. A lot of the imports die! But those that survive have proven to acclimate successfully and are strong and stable tortoises. Plus they grow to be very beautiful! Leopards get more white as they get bigger and the marbling of the shell gets prettier.
-Radiata: Tortoise enthusiasts in the Philippines either have one or dream of having one! It is a consistent favorite of tortoise hobbyists. Radiateds have a classic tortoise shape with beautiful patterns that are unique from each one. They are the friendliest species because they actually let you pet them. They literally stop what they're doing and stand still when you do. This exact behavior can be seen in Yniphoras, Aldabras and Galapagos tortoises. They are the biggest of the "starred" species but are smaller than Sulcatas. In the long run, their size makes maintenance a lot easier and more practical. Full grown Rads can be carried and moved by older folks when needed. You can't do that for Sulcatas or Aldabras. Radiateds also acclimate well to Philippine weather and can handle cold nights in Manila, the same way they do when it gets cold in Madagascar.
-Aldabra: Also a favorite! A classic tortoise in every aspect. All-black beauty. A majestic giant! Who wouldn't want a tortoise that gets big in just 1-2 years? They're giants in 5 years, or at least 19 inches in 3 years to give you an idea. One must have the budget and space for this species. Ironically, they grow larger than Sulcatas but seem to require less space because of their gentle demeanor. Adult sulcatas can get restless and rowdy and require bigger space.
The list just goes on and on. There are a lot of wonderful tortoise species! Each successful experience with one makes you want to try the next. Tortoises as a hobby is surprisingly addictive really. Plus they're easier to maintain than other pets in the long run.
