Russian "or hermans" tortoise, or musk turtle, please answer!?

Question

I asked a simillar question but not many people answered.. anyway, I know a lot about these animals I just need help deciding wich one to get. please help!

Answer 1

I suggest russian, I have had quite a bit of experiance with them and love 'em! they have such big personalties and and are very simple (well i guess most turtle/tortoise species are) to care for. However i do know about musk turtles and they are wonderful too. either way you'd be sure to get a good pet, however i prefer the russian tortoise.

Answer 2

I'd say russian they are way cooler and i think the musk turtle got that name for a reason..their stinky!

Answer 3

Cleaning an aquatic turtle tank is a HUGE chore compared to a tortoise's land-based enclosure.  If you get the musk turtle, you'll have to haul buckets of water and vacuum the tank.  If you get the tortoise, there's a lot less heavy lifting.  

And you can't slack off on the tank cleaning, because foul water can make the turtle sick.

Also, my experience with musk turtles is that they are cranky.  Tortoises are friendlier.

Answer 4

You are actually listing more than three different animals- the Russian Tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii), the Hermann's Tortoise (T. hermanii) and the Musk Turtle, which has seceral species around the world.

Question 1: Dry or wet habitat? Would you rather run a dry land habitat, or a water tank?

Question 2: Tortoises are best outside. Is this a possibility, at least part time?

Question 3: Pellets alone are not a good diet for any of these animals. Would you rather feed plants to a tortoise, or bugs and small fish to a turtle?

Question 4: Space. An adult Russian or Hermann's Tortoise wants an indoor space of about 8'x4'. The Musk Turtle usually will be OK in a 75 gallon tank.

Mostly, however, it is a matter of personal taste.