Sulcata or Radiata?

what do you suggest? both of them are rare tortoise,pls suggest..tnx,in terms of active tort,health,what do you suggest.

Sulcata or Radiata?
Sulcatas are not rare. They are the are always being surrendered to rescue centers because owners didn't realize they had purchased the 3rd largest tortoise of the world.





Radiated torts are protected on CITES I list as protected and endangered so you will pay a pretty penny for a captive bred one. You will also need permits to keep one.





At this point I'd say neither a tortoise is a big commitment especially one of those two species. You should not buy one because of how rare one is and how you will be envied. You should adopt one because you love tortoises.





Care Sheets: http://www.chelonia.org/Articles/Gradiat...





http://www.chelonia.org/Articles/sulcata...
Reply:Sulcata's are not rare. They are pretty common and plenty of them are available through reptile rescues as most people are not prepared for how big they will get, up to 200lbs..


What kind of climate do you live in? Is it warm year round or would your tortoise have to live inside all winter?


Radiateds stay smaller with a top weight of about 35lbs, however, they are a CITES 1 animal and are on the US Endangered Wildlife list, so the permitting to be able to own one will be ridiculous.


I don't really suggest either of them as it sounds like this will be your first tortoise. The sulcata will grow too big to live indoors, so unless you live in a place like Florida or southernmost Texas or California, you won't be able to keep it for long. You will have a hard time getting a permit for a radiated.





Other tortoises that are more appropriate as a first tortoise are Golden Greeks or Russians. If you must have a larger tortoise, the Red Foot gets to about the same size as a radiated. However, tortoises improperly cared for are at high risk of Metabolic bone disease characterized by pyramiding and respiratory infection from inappropriate temperatures.


They are challenging to care for and will need daily maintenance. They aren't like a ball python you can leave for a week if you have to.


Here's some info on the radiateds anyhow..


http://www.chelonia.org/Articles/Gradiat...


Here's another tortoise you might really like, they're very attractive too and a smaller relative of the sulcata.


Leopard tortoise


http://www.chelonia.org/Articles/pardali...


and finally, the red foot..


http://www.chelonia.org/Articles/redfoot...


Also, even more detailed info on the redfoot..


http://www.redfoots.com/redfoots1.htm





Tortoises live a very long time. A young tortoise properly cared for will outlive you. Ensure that any tortoise you buy is captive bred to prevent the loss of these animals in the wild..