Tortoises in WA?

Question

We have been owning and researching reptiles and turtles for quite some time and would like to venture into the world of Tortoises.

We would love to own one but don't want it to be kept inside. We would like one that could have the entire yard to live in and be happy.

The problem I dont know which is best for our climate. It kind of sucks out here.

We live in south western washington.... give you an idea of the climate

Two days ago: 96F sunny

Yesterday: 75F Sunny

Last night: 60F TONS of rain and lightning

Today: 80F Sunny

We tend to have rain storms all year round. Winters can get pretty cold usually in the southern part of the state where we are it doesnt get too bad during the winter.

Sulcata is the biggest we can go (I know its one of the largest... just saying....)

Dont really want a small one.

Dont really want to take it inside during winter unless we have forecast for a bad storm.

So can we keep a tortoise here? Sulcata would be best but can we do it

Answer 1

sulcatas do not like really wet areas but it is possible to keep one in your climate but it will take a lot of work for you in the winter as they do not hibernate, you will need to install a large shed or green house for them in winter and keep it really warm, sucatas are from Africa so you can imagine the temps they will require, sucatas are kept in Britain  so it is possible but they will need heated sheds for colder months or to be brought in and housed where it is warm, i will be honest they are not the best tortoise to start with but they are great to watch when they reach their adult weight of  up to 200lbs but this can take up to 15 years to reach this impressive size, you need to make sure your garden is tortoise proof they are good diggers so lots of secure fencing is required  here is a site with lots of information on sulcata's  http://africantortoise.com/ you will be able to see if owning a tortoise of this size will fit in to your ideas of keeping a tortoise best of luck honey  hope you find a tortoise suitable for you

Answer 2

I wouldn't suggest a Sulcata tortoise. You know they grow to be absolutely huge giant tortoises. A red or yellow foot tortoise is still larger than a Russian or Greek tortoise and but is more suited for a tropical environment.

Russian tortoises; however, may be the most apt to survive in your type of environment, being that they are from the Arid regions of asia they are used to changes in weather patterns, and will eat almost any type of food--yard included. The Sulcata on the other hand requires temperatures above sixty degrees all year round. If you were to get a Sulcata tortoise you could under no circumstance sixty degrees or it would develop resperatory problems.

That being said every night when the temperature dips below  60 degrees you would need to bring your darling tortoise inside. Moreover, Sulcatas do not naturally hibernate and cannot be expected to. I know for a fact that every November through March in Maryland it is below sixty degrees all day. And I doubt that in Washington state, which is so much farther north, that the circumstance is any better.

In short, you cannot under any circumstance expect to raise a Sulcata in washington without killing it. But, I strongly suggest trying out a Russian tortoise or two. They'll mow your grass and hibernate to boot.

Answer 3

If they don't live there naturally it's probably for reason. Bet it's too wet.Probably get a fungus or something.