How to get a tortoise?

To begin with, you should know that depending on where you acquire a tortoise, regardless of the desired species, the legislation differs depending on the country you are in. This is why the free sale of these species is not authorized on the market . However, it seems possible to keep these animals. What is important is to find a legal place of sale and to comply with the regulations.

In order to provide you with support and more information on this subject, we invite you to read this section.

Before purchasing a tortoise, you must meet certain criteria. You must obtain permission from the prefecture. Once this step is completed, you can go to pet stores, private homes, breeders, and other retailers.

Our article will allow you to gain more knowledge, in general, about:

• The place of purchase
• Requirements for detention
• How to buy a baby
• Risks associated with purchasing
• The budget
• The necessary preparations

Where to buy a land turtle?

Of all the land tortoises , the Hermann's tortoise is the most well-known and most adopted. It is true that keeping such a species is strictly prohibited. However, keeping it in captivity or adopting it is not. Hermann's tortoises can be found in pet stores. You can also go to a retail store or a farm. No matter where you go, you are likely to find this species of tortoise.

It may happen that you do not find the subspecies of Hermann's tortoise at a breeder. These cases are explained by the fact that the breeder has decided to specialize only in breeding a specific subspecies. In France, you will have the opportunity to meet several breeders who take care of various species.

What are the requirements for keeping a turtle?

Although the sale of Hermann's tortoises is legal, the offspring of this species require legislation. This means that there are certain rules and regulations that must be followed to obtain this authorization. If you insist on purchasing a juvenile Hermann's tortoise , you must follow your seller's instructions. There is no escaping this process. It is imperative.

In the era we live in, all you need to do is go to a government website to make a declaration. This declaration represents the authorization you need to keep this baby. It is with this authorization granted by the prefecture that you can make the purchase.

How to buy a baby turtle?

This purchase requires choosing the sex of the turtle. However, you should wait until the turtle's fifth year before being sure of its sex. It's often difficult for a novice to determine a turtle's sex. But if you want to learn more, we invite you to read our dedicated article !

You may come across a tortoise in your garden or in the wild. In this situation, it is your duty to notify the authorities . At the very least, this is the only way you can hope for an adoption permit.

What are the risks associated with buying a turtle?

There are plenty of sellers who have no permission or right to sell. So, if you don't insist on official permits or certificates , perhaps because the offer seems more attractive to you from a financial point of view, you risk getting into trouble with the law. In fact, checks carried out by sworn individuals are quite common among private individuals.

You must therefore be on your guard so as not to get involved in the trafficking of rare species . It is therefore wise, as mentioned above, to always refer to the legislation in force in the country where you are. Such sellers can unfortunately turn out to be incompetent or even malicious and put sick and stressed turtles on the market...

What is the selling price of a turtle?

The selling price of a turtle is closely related to the species, size, and sex. Of all the turtle categories, tortoises are the most expensive. Similarly, females in this category cost more than males. This is because females are capable of reproducing babies.

Keep in mind that it will be more difficult to find a Hermanni subspecies. If you want tortoises at a cheaper price, you can opt for a steppe tortoise . On the other hand, if you have the means, then you can opt for an adult sulcata specimen for example. Indeed, these are very expensive.

In any case, the selling price of a turtle always depends on the breeder and, again, on where you are located.

What are the preparations for properly raising land turtles?

The habitat and diet of animals have always been a key point in breeding, regardless of the species. It is therefore important to understand that a turtle necessarily needs an environment conducive to its proper development.

When keeping turtles indoors, you must prepare a terrarium. For this reason, it must have a large space that allows it to move around as it pleases. Don't forget that you must also provide your turtle with enough heat and ultraviolet radiation to meet its needs by using a UVB lamp for lighting and heating that matches the species you want to keep.

Whereas if your breeding focuses on turtles that you can keep outdoors, you can then put an enclosure in your garden. In any case, you must provide for your turtle's vital needs.

When it comes to diet, tortoises are primarily herbivores. Therefore, all you need is well-maintained, fresh plants . You should treat your tortoise's food as if it were your own. It's also possible to provide supplements such as slugs, insects, and small snails.

To conclude

As you hopefully know, buying any pet isn't something you should do on a whim. While the task may seem easy at first glance, it's actually a long process that will allow you to acquire all the information you need to own and care for your turtle.

You must have permission before purchasing a tortoise. Hermann's tortoise has subspecies. Keep in mind that your purchase depends on the sex, size , and type of species. You should therefore prepare a budget that perfectly meets the needs of the tortoise species you are going to adopt. We hope you enjoyed reading our article as much as we enjoyed writing it!

While you wait to have your turtle home, we can offer you turtle articles to help you wait!