Aldabra Tortoise?

[Danimal]

Anyone keeping one of these giants?

[poison123]

I've always wanted to ride one.

[jarich]

If they dont live far down south and are part of an institution, I really hope not. Theyre awesome creatures, but again one I really wish wasnt part of the animal trade. Any animal that can outlive two generations of humans shouldnt really be a common pet, in my opinion. Luckily they are expensive, unlike sulcatas so they arent as common.

[KORBIN5895]

SCAM!!!!! If you are referring to any current ads there is a aldabra tortoise scam going on.

[poison123]

Only breeder I'm aware of is ALDABRAMAN off of TFO. But I'm sure theres a few others.

[jarich]

Ya, he is the only one Im aware of as well, though Im sure there must be others. I think he sells his for around $1500 or so.

[Danimal]

My wife wants one. Not buying yet just learning. I am reading all over was just asking here since this is this is where I spend some time.

[NBLADE]

We have a group at work, Got 9 altogether, they are great, but eat a lot and take up a lot of room.

[Danimal]

We have a group at work, Got 9 altogether, they are great, but eat a lot and take up a lot of room.


How do you compensate for climate? Do you see any significant effect on growth and over all health as it relates to a colder climate?

[jarich]

My wife wants one. Not buying yet just learning. I am reading all over was just asking here since this is this is where I spend some time.

The further question you should think about is do your kids and grandkids want one? Because its going to outlive you and them.

[NBLADE]

How do you compensate for climate? Do you see any significant effect on growth and over all health as it relates to a colder climate?

We keep them indoors in an artificial environment, in the summer months they can go out for natural UV, but otherwise our climate is too cold for being outside all year round and growth and health would be affected.

[Danimal]

The further question you should think about is do your kids and grandkids want one? Because its going to outlive you and them.

Yes ole buddy, quite aware. I agree your concern is warranted, however that is not the only option and a little short-sighted. Although I would rather one of my children or grand children take it along with everything else, they may not. In that case they should not have any problem selling it to a breeder or another enthusiast at my direction. What is the difference between a giant tortoise and all the other animals that one may possess at the time of their demise?

We keep them indoors in an artificial environment, in the summer months they can go out for natural UV, but otherwise our climate is too cold for being outside all year round and growth and health would be affected.


I assumed that you were keeping them inside for a significant stretch, sorry for not being more clear ( I knew what I was thinking in my head :),
I meant do you see any effects from housing them inside like that? I am in a much milder climate, so I am interested in any successful husbandry under harsher conditions.

[jarich]

Yes ole buddy, quite aware. I agree your concern is warranted, however that is not the only option and a little short-sighted. Although I would rather one of my children or grand children take it along with everything else, they may not. In that case they should not have any problem selling it to a breeder or another enthusiast at my direction. What is the difference between a giant tortoise and all the other animals that one may possess at the time of their demise?




I assumed that you were keeping them inside for a significant stretch, sorry for not being more clear ( I knew what I was thinking in my head :),
I meant do you see any effects from housing them inside like that? I am in a much milder climate, so I am interested in any successful husbandry under harsher conditions.

Sorry man, I didnt mean to come off overly aggressive with you there. I know you do a good job of providing for your animals and I never meant to suggest otherwise, but I cant hope enough that you dont get one of these awesome creatures. The larger tortoises have a soft spot for me if for no other reason than they are, in my opinion, the most difficult of the reptiles to keep successfully. Im not being funny when I say that Id honestly recommend a nile crocodile as a pet before an Adalbra. Crocs are far easier to take care of.

If there is one type of reptile that requires the most care, concern, and attention, it is the large tortoises. Thankfully Galapagos tortoises are not allowed, so that is one less worry. I cant tell you how many utterly depressing situations Ive seen here in the city where some boob got a sulcata. Please dont help this animal make any bigger inroads into the industry. I dont think Im the one being short sighted when thinking that this animal does not belong in the pet trade.

Its different from the other reptiles we keep close to our demise because all a snake takes is a reasonably small enclosure (the biggest snakes can be kept in an 8-10 ft tank), all the biggest lizards available can be housed in a 12 ft cage in your house, and all are relatively easy to care for by comparison. This animal will get to be 500-600 pounds, have highly specific nutritional requirements, lighting requirements, need a small field as a minimum and live long enough to see at least three generations of your family. They are so smart, have such a personality (yes, a real personality! ) and will slowly whither in anything but the best environment and care. How can you be sure you'll be able to find another person like that when you are older? Aside from Aldabraman, can you think of any other private keeper doing right by these animals? Even most zoos cant do right by them.

There is a refuge FULL of sulcatas just outside the city here. They will ship these animals to the right people because they are so desperate to find good homes for them. Please, consider this instead. If you have the means to keep an Aldabra, then consider a sulcata or two to rescue first. There are so many now that need a good home. Id really love to put you in touch with the rescue if you are looking into the big tortoises.

[poison123]

Actually jarich I don't believe galapagos torts are illegal to own with a permit though it is illegal to export them. At least that is what I've heard. There are a few on tfo that have them.

[jarich]

Sorry, not illegal I guess, but I did think they were only allowed with a permit as they are an endangered species. I know I have seen a couple times where one was available, but I thought that they were like komodos where they were only sold to permitted institutions.

[Danimal]

I am not prone to impulse bud, I have been thinking, rethinking, searching, researching, and reading the same little bit of stuff about tree monitors over and over and over for the last couple of years. It took me that long to decide to build an enclosure and get a pair. I've wanted some for a long time but I did not decide to actually do it until very recently. I would not consider any species that I did not have the means or the time to take care of properly. I have 150 acres and I can build anything. For me, it usually comes down to the husbandry, whether or not I can and will take the time do it properly.

My wife was reading about tortoises and fell in love with this species by its description. That's where I step in and remove the impulse and emotion and take a hard look at the business end of it. That's all this is. All of this happened over a question. It kind of hurts that you disqualified me so quickly without really knowing me, my means or really anything about me other than I am long winded. :) I mean Aldabraman started in the same place everyone else starts right?

Speaking of long winded, I am happy to debate and converse and about all aspects of the ethical paradox that is herpetoculture. I have lots of thoughts and observations. :)

[jarich]

Again, totally not a disqualification of you personally at all man. Sorry if it came across that way at all. Like I said, I totally respect the time and care you take and I understand you are just researching right now.

I just really don't think these animals should be available in general. Totally just my opinion though.

[StudentoReptile]

Neither Aldabras or Galapagos tortoises are illegal to own. They are simply illegal to transport across state lines without proper documentation and the Galaps do require a permit to possess/breed/sell, etc. I do not think one requires a permit to possess an Aldabra, as long it was obtained legally.

For anyone really interested in keeping them, I would definitely recommend contacting Greg, aka "Aldabraman" from TFO and other tortoise forums. I have his email, if anyone would like it.