What are the top five tortoises on the market today?
Turtles are one of the easiest reptiles to find that can inspire curiosity and fascination in reptile keepers, both young and old. Whether it’s because of their slow but determined nature or their defense / house built on their backs, turtles find their way into our homes and hearts. Let’s take a look at the top five turtles for sale on the market today and some of the reasons they are there.
The African Barbed Turtle
African spiked tortoises, also known as sulcate tortoises, are one of the most commonly kept pet tortoises. They are one of the medium to large sized turtles that are easy to keep and quite inexpensive to buy. Adult males will grow to an impressive fifty to eighty pounds in size and for keepers who have access to a closed plot of land they can make an impressive pet. They are grassland turtles, so a diet of hay and greenery along with a mix of prepared turtle food will keep them happy and healthy for years.
The red-footed tortoise
Red-legged are one of the more exotic-looking medium-sized tortoises due to their name, red-scaled legs and head, as well as a pleasantly colored carapace that is typically black and yellow. They are also one of the least expensive tortoises on the market, which along with their appearance makes them a highly sought after reptilian pet. They originate in northern South America and live on the edges of forests where they feed on a varied diet of vegetables, fruits, small insects, eggs, and carrion. In captivity, they can be kept indoors in a large turtle enclosure or kept outside on a shady patch of land. Red-footed tortoises and their close relative, the yellow-footed tortoise, are a big part of the reptile experience.
The Russian tortoise
Russian tortoises are one of the smallest tortoises found in the wild and live in the arid low mountainous regions of Pakistan throughout Southeast Asia. These hardy creatures can withstand a wide variety of temperatures and can survive on a constant diet of vegetation, hay, and premixed turtle food. Due to their ability to handle severe weather, they can adapt to most indoor areas and also acclimate to humidity. Russian tortoises rarely exceed eight to ten inches in length, making them a very likely candidate for an indoor pet tortoise.
Mediterranean tortoises
Mediterranean countries are home to a number of small-sized and beautifully patterned pet turtles. These include Greek tortoises, Herman’s tortoises, and margined tortoises. These little living creatures have more specific temperature and humidity requirements than Russian tortoises, but they are much more attractive and sought after in many ways. The price reflects this and these small-sized turtles are in the next rank for cost of obtaining.
Star turtles
Star tortoises are a small-sized tortoise that gets its name from the brightly colored yellow and black shells that are covered in multifaceted star-shaped designs. They come from various countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Burma. These beautiful animals are highly sought after by keepers in the United States, as well as China and Japan, and that is why they are one of the most expensive pet turtles on the market.