Where to buy your tortoise?

Have you finally decided to get yourself a beautiful little turtle? But you don't know where to buy one?

Don't panic, because we are here to help you with our knowledge on the subject.

Buying a tortoise is not done at random, because it could represent the investment of your life. Despite its accessibility in specialist shops , it nevertheless remains subject to strict regulations depending on the species desired. Your land turtle can be found in specialist shops, from professional breeders or even in pet shops. 

As you read, you will discover: 

• The general characteristics of a tortoise terrestrial 
• Turtle varieties​​ terrestrial in the world 
• How to buy a land turtle : the case of the Hermann tortoise 

So let’s dive into the heart of nature!  

General characteristics of a land turtle

Land turtles (also called tortoises) are a family of reptiles belonging to the Testudines . Buying a land turtle must be a thoughtful act, because your investment in it will be carried out over the long term. The tortoise (like most reptiles) has an ectothermic organism . This means that it uses external heat sources to regulate its internal temperature. 

It is a diurnal reptile , meaning it only appears during the day, but hides from predators at night. The tortoise , as its name suggests, prefers dry land and can live without water. It is generally recognized by its domed shell (unlike the water turtle), and its massive legs. 

In general, tortoises are herbivores, although some species strongly prefer to feed on carrion. The tortoise has a large number of species distributed in regions with different climates: Mediterranean, tropical, etc. So each land turtle has its own own natural biome , some can hibernate and others cannot. 

The distribution of tortoise species in the world

There are many species of tortoises distributed throughout the globe. If you are considering adopting one, it is best to choose a species that is suited to the local climate . Some species are protected by CITES (the Washington Convention ) . 

On the African continent there are a variety of species of land turtle , some having longer lifespans than others. These include: 

• The giant tortoise of the Seychelles : It lives on a small, barren, uninhabited coral island. It is the largest land turtle in the world, and some scientists believe it could live for more than 150 years. 
• The spurred tortoise : this is a tortoise that lives in a part of Sahelian Africa. 
• The Madagascar star tortoise : also called radiated tortoise , its name comes from the star patterns on its shell. 
• The leopard tortoise : It is native to southern and central-eastern Africa . It feeds mainly on grasses. 

On the American continent, we discover: 

• The giant Galapagos tortoise : this is the animal symbol of the Galapagos Islands and can live up to 200 years. 
• The yellow-footed tortoise : Found in South America, it is considered the third largest land tortoise. 

Land turtle species are found on the Asian continent. It is in Asia that we find the illegal trade in turtles , which is slowly leading to the extinction of the species. These include: 

• The Indian star tortoise : this specimen originating from the Indian peninsula, is adopted as a pet. This species is exported illegally . 
• The Burmese star tortoise : This is an endangered tortoise that lives in Burma. Her business has been banned, but she is still being sold illegally to the Chinese . 

In Europe, we find : 

• Hermann's tortoise : It is seriously threatened by forest fires and the urban development that is fragmenting its land. It is the only land turtle adapted to the French climate. 
• The Greek tortoise : It is found mainly in the Mediterranean regions. If in the 19th century it was highly prized as an animal This is no longer the case today. Its excessive sale had endangered the survival of the species. 

How to buy a tortoise: the case of the Hermann tortoise?

Your tortoise, especially a Hermann tortoise , can easily reach sixty years old and possibly even more. So you understand that you need to be able to take care of it for a very long time. If you are not ready for such an investment, it is better to abstain. 

To buy a Hermann's tortoise , there are some questions you should ask beforehand. For example, you should know that the captivity of this species is subject to a law. Also, you must be able to take care of your tortoise. which implies knowing its lifestyle. We also offer you a great article on everything you need to know before adopting a turtle .

What should you know about Hermann's tortoise?

She was named Testudo Hermanni in a scientific manner, in honor of the naturalist Jean Hermann . It is the only species of land turtle residing in France , also known as the Moorish tortoise. Its shell is yellowish in contrast to the dark spots that cover it . 

If there is a difference between she and her congeners, it is indeed at the level of her breastplate spotted with a black band. It is a " near threatened" subspecies according to the IUCN conservation status . Also be aware that keeping a tortoise is more expensive , but it is easy to maintain. 

The Hermann tortoise is above all a wild specimen that prefers tranquility, so moderate your affectionate gestures. It is also not made to cohabit with other domestic animals that can quickly become a danger for it. Adopting a tortoise or putting it in captivity after having found it , requires precise documentation about it. 

Acquiring a suitable terrarium for your tortoise

A terrarium is an isolated place that tends to reproduce the biotope of certain species . It is a model opposed to that of the aquarium, generally intended for water turtles. The land turtle does not have need a source of water to live, we mainly add a substrate ( sand, etc.). 

To raise a tortoise , a terrarium is often recommended when the reptile is still young. This is because as it grows, the terrarium must also grow in size, which can quickly become overwhelming. It's best to create an outdoor enclosure in your garden, large enough to accommodate the size of your Hermann tortoise. 

Having a large space in your garden will allow your Hermann tortoise to flourish and feel at home . Cover the edges to prevent escape, and provide complete fencing to protect it . Remember that your enclosure should have hiding places that will help your turtle hide at night. 

Hermann's tortoise's food supply

Keeping a tortoise healthy requires a rich and varied diet that matches its natural environment . Your Hermann's tortoise is a herbivorous and frugivorous reptile , so refrain from providing it with a diet suitable for carnivores. This implies that 90% of its diet must be Mediterranean weeds , dandelions , etc. 

The remaining 10% will constitute a secondary dish based on fruits of all kinds , such as for example figs . As for the herbs that are your turtle's main meal, they should be planted in the enclosure. Certain foods are prohibited for Hermann's tortoise, so find out about it at a veterinarian . 

Such a diet should be rich in calcium, which is necessary for the growth of a Hermann tortoise's shell. Providing pellets as a supplement to your turtle will not help it and may even cause health problems. Prepare small water areas when the weather is dry, so your turtle can bathe and hydrate there. 

How does my Hermann's tortoise hibernate?

In its wild environment , particularly in the Mediterranean , the Hermann tortoise digs a shelter at the foot of a thicket in order to hibernate there . This generally happens from mid-October until mid-March . Hibernation causes a significant decline in your turtle's vital functions . 

In captivity, it's important to protect your tortoise because when it enters a state of lethargy, the slightest damage can be fatal. A Hermann tortoise should be placed in a hibernation box with a temperature between 5° and 10°C. Hibernation is of paramount importance for a tortoise , and interrupting it can lead to complications. 

Regulations to follow when keeping a Hermann tortoise in captivity

Keeping a Hermann's tortoise in captivity at home is legally permissible, even though it is protected. However, it is subject to strict regulations , whether it is a baby or an adult. As part of the NAC (new pets ) , it is governed by the decree of October 8, 2018, in France. 

You can have up to 6 specimens simply by requesting an Authorization for Approved Breeding . Beyond that, it is considered to be breeding and in this case, you will need a certificate capacity . Please note that the authorization request must be made before purchasing your turtle. 

The seller must provide you with all the certificates that attest to his right to sell a turtle . If you find a turtle in your garden or in the wild, you can report it to the competent authorities. You can go to the local prefecture to obtain approval. 

Where should I get my tortoise?

Be aware that anyone who sells a wild tortoise will be fined according to the law . So be careful about the classified ads you see online. Scams are becoming commonplace in this sector. 

If you want to buy your tortoise from a private individual, you can go to their home. This way, you'll be able to determine the living conditions of your future tortoise. A female tortoise costs more than a male tortoise , ranging from € 180 to €580 . 

Buying your turtle remotely through an online professional

On the internet, you will find online stores with several images of the turtles they sell. Sometimes, the images posted differ from what they actually are. when purchasing. So don't hesitate to ask the seller for pictures of your turtle from all angles . 

Turtles should be purchased before the hibernation period so that they are not disturbed. There are service providers specializing in the transport of these specimens , including France Express. Make sure that the service provider respects hygiene measures and the animal's well-being. 

Buying your turtle from a pet store or specialist breeder

When visiting a pet store, breeder, or specialist shop, make sure the seller is credible. Check the hygiene of the turtle's terrarium and whether it meets the characteristics of its biotope . The turtle must have had a spacious location that allowed it to thrive . 

Check that your turtle is healthy, breathing normally and that there are no superficial injuries on it. The seller must answer all your questions, and their answers must be consistent with your own research. They must provide you with a complete description of the specimen 's species . 

Ask the seller to show you the documents that authorize him to sell protected animals. Once this is done and the purchase process has begun , the seller will ask you for the permit to keep issued by the prefecture. Afterwards, he will give you a certificate of traceability because yes, the protected land turtle has a chip!

What to remember when buying a tortoise

Before buying a tortoise, be aware that your investment in it will be quite long. Indeed, tortoises have an incredible life expectancy . It should also be noted that some species are subject to a law of the Washington Convention. 

However, it is possible to keep species protected by law . You just need a certificate of capacity or a breeding permit issued by your prefecture. Before buying a turtle, get all the information you need about it . 

You should know its biotope, its living conditions , its eating habits, etc. You can buy your turtle remotely via a professional in the trade, provided that he provides you with images. Similarly, you can buy them in pet stores, specialized breeders for a price varying from 180 to 580 € depending on the species.