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#2088831
Zes
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Indecisive at the last minute 
Suggestions wanted from advanced Tortoise owners. My husband and I are turtle fanatics, our house is decorated with turtles and after years of research we are finally ready to make an addition to our family with a tortoise. We have read every book at our local library and Book store, but I feel like i have conflicting advice. We have adequate space to house a tortoise indoors (my husband is an engineer and is so excited to build the facility) and we would also like to have an adequate outdoor facility. We want a medium sized tortoise, but not as large as the Sulcata. We were all set to purchase a Red Footed Tortoise, because we live in St Louis, high humid summers. However, after reading other forums I am kind of scared. We have also considered Leopord (but they dont seem to do well in humidity), yellow footed and marginated (but they seem too small). Please provide feedback! Also, please note, we are responsible caring and loving people who have been waiting to do this for over a year. We are very capable of raising and nurturing a healthy tortoise, we are just trying to gather as much information as possible and who better to ask than actual owners. Any information will be greatly appreciated. thanks, The Zes’s
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10/26/09 06:22pm
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#2089534
Jamberry
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Message To: Zes In reference to Message Id: 2088831
Indecisive at the last minute
Humidity really isn’t an issue unless it’s pouring rain frequently. Tortoises like leopards will burrow into the cool, humid earth. As long as they are getting the sun and heat they need, they’ll be fine outdoors. So leopards are definitely best kept outdoors, considering the amount of space they need. And you can always use a dehumidifier in a structured part of the pen. But I’m willing to bet they will be out and about all day long and as healthy as can be even with the local humidity.
If you’re going towards a red-footed, I doubt you get the humidity needed to provide completely outdoor accommodations. The best outdoor set-up for them would be a sort of green house enclosure, with a sun roof, basking light, or an opening to the outside to bask.
Both of your tortoise choices come with pros and cons, which is why they should be considered intermediate tortoises to keep. Just keep researching until you figure out what you really want and can house correctly. As you know, tortoises live a long time, so in my opinion all the stops should be pulled out for them from the beginning, for the benefit of both the tortoise and the owner.
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10/28/09 09:48pm
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#2090074
Zes
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Message To: Jamberry In reference to Message Id: 2089534
Indecisive at the last minute
Thank you for the information. We decided on a Marginated Tortoise and couldn’t be more excited. We will be spending all weekend turning one of our spare rooms into a tortoise enclosure. Our new guy joins us this Tuesday!!!! I will probably be posting pictures and asking for advice as we move ahead. Can’t wait!!!
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10/30/09 04:14pm
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