Can you buy tortoises at pet stores?

Question

I may buy one but need to know if they can be bought at stores?

Answer 1

Well, I know from my personal experiences that only in some states can they be sold due to a disease that can be carried through them. I live in NJ, but bought mine (I have 3, my grandma has 2, and 1 of mine, 1 of hers layed eggs and they're about to hatch!!! Sorry.) in NY. I know it's illegal to buy/sell in NJ, but not own.

Answer 2

yes you can but they are not always the best looked after, if you want a tortoise it is better to find a reputable breeder who feeds them a correct diet you are less likely to get a sick tortoise than if you get it from a pet store

Answer 3

Most pet stores carry tortoises. Mainly redfooted and russian. They are usually $100+ so be prepared for that.

Also be prepared for their long life expectancy. They will live, with the proper care, over 100 years.

Please do your research before making this HUGE commitment. :)

Answer 4

no u cant they are going to be extinct in 1 day so u better find urs

Answer 5

Please consider adopting one.  Find a local tortoise rescue - there are so many that need homes.  It is easy to adopt a Russian tortoise from most rescues.  Most pet stores sell wild caught tortoises - which is becoming a major problem.  When you buy - you encourage more of this.  Good luck to you and your future tort!  :)

Answer 6

Yes you can.

Some times pet stores do not give the correct info on caring for them, (the reason I have so many rescues)

If you do research and make a choice on which species you want...

The sulcatas get over 100 pounds, the russian maybe 4 pounds. Many species in between.

Red foot, leopards, even box turtles.

There are also yahoo groups you can join and ask questions.

If you decide you can do a search for turtle rescues and put in an app. You might be able to adopt one.

Here are a few of my favorite sites

http://www.africantortoise.com/

http://www.turtlerescues.org/

http://tortoiseyard.com/

http://redfoottortoise.com/

http://www.chelonia.org/

http://www.boxturtlesite.info/bxbook.htm...

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/

http://www.empireoftheturtle.com/

good luck

you can get in touch if you have questions

Answer 7

Some chain pet stores sell tortoises and you can usually find them in privately owned pet stores or from breeders. Tortoises can get large and require a lot of space. They also can live a very long time when cared for properly. Each species is very different so make sure you read up on which ever species you decide to get.

Answer 8

Yes!

Answer 9

Yeah, but I've only seen Russian Tortoises for sale.  Just be aware that unless you go to a reptile specialty store (from time to time you'll find these stores actually breed the animals they sale), most of them are wild caught.  As a rule of thumb, captive breed are a lot easier to care simply because that's all they've known.  The majority of wild caught tortoises are stressed out (which means a lowered immune system) and don't adjust well to the indoor cages.  I agree completely with an above post about not buying for Turtlesale.com.  You see people suggest it from time to time and they do sale their turtles for cheap, but I've heard plenty of horror stories about people receiving nothing but dead turtles and the company giving them the run around.  I suggest googling tortoise rescues (you can usually find them for pretty cheap as long as you meet the requirements) or looking for a breeder.  You'll be paying about the same price with a breeder that you'd be paying at a pet store anyway, especially during the spring/summer time.

Answer 10

at most pet stores you can or you could try www.kingsnake.com.

But DO NOT buy from turtlesale.com they send sick turtles and tortoises and die in a couple of days.