Where can I find russian or greek tortoises?

[Dani33]

I have been considering a red foot tortoise. After researching, I am also interested in either a greek or russian tortoise. I just wanted to see if anyone knew of breeders and prices. Any help is appreciated. I do love the red foot tortoises, I am not sure that I want to keep an animal that requires so much space. I have room, just wanted to see what the availability of the others are. Thanx!

[Linds]

Russians can be purchased through pet stores and people that receive imports (these are very difficult to breed, and pretty well all available are imports). I haven't seen many greeks around so I cannot be of much help. Sorry.

[Dani33]

Thanx very much Linds, you are always sooo helpful. I certainly will not purchase anything that is not captive bred, (by importing do you mean wild caught?) I feel there is no justification, as I only want them as pets. I haven't ruled out the redfoot, just wanted to know. I have lots of time to think about it.

[johnnym1972]

Hello there everyone! Russians are NOT that hard to breed, they just do not produce big clutches. Therefore the hatchlings are not just sold to the first person that inquires about them. There are a small number of dedicated breeders in Canada, including myself, who absolutely love to work with them and strive to produce healthy captive bred offspring every year. I would NEVER buy a Tortoise or Turtle from a Pet Store, that is the last place that you should look!!! You can generally find hatchlings and older ones available if you are willing to put your name on a list and wait for up to a year at the most. If you are serious about wanting a captive bred Russian or Greek Tortoise, send me a PM or an email and I will talk to you privately.
Take care, Johnny.

[Scotty Allen]

Being as turtles and tortoises cannot be imported into Canada for commercial purposes, where do you think the few that are in pet stores come from?? Don't be so quick to condemn all pet stores, breeders have to sell their offspring somewhere.

[johnnym1972]

Captive bred and wild caught Appendix II, Appendix III and unprotected Turtles and Tortoises are being imported into Canada every day. To do so, you have to be able to prove competency and also get the appropriate permits. That is why most people think that they are not able to import them. It has nothing to do with being impossible, but it does have everything to do with being very time consuming and costly. I know this from first hand experience and personal involvement. By the way, I don't know of any ETHICAL Tortoise breeders that sell Tortoises to pet stores, and I know most of the ETHICAL Tortoise breeders in Canada. The few Tortoises that are available in Pet Stores generally come from "Wholesalers" or "Importers", not from breeders!!!!!
Johnny.

[gfisher2002]

johnnym is right. Breeders sell there offspring to people., not pet stores. If they do they shouldn't be breeding. A breeder of russians would have no problem selling off the offspring to knowledgable retile keepers. Seeling to a pet store, you don't know who's getting the poor thing. It's a little unhumane on the breeders part if he breeds just to sell them off to stores.

[johnnym1972]

Thank you gfisher2002 for your comments!!! It's nice to hear from someone who cares about the animals and the care that they should receive, rather than referring to them as being sold off as inventory!!!! Best of luck to you and your critters!!!
Take care, Johnny.

[gfisher2002]

Thanks Johnny. I have seen, like I'm sure many others here have, FAR too many animals kept in unhealthy and cruel conditions. Red-eared sliders are a perfect example,. There are thousands of them living in tiny tanks, no lights no basking area, 2 inches of water. And yet they still show up in pet stores. How can you knowingly sell someone an animal without telling them how large they will get, what they require or how many there already are out there in DESPERATE need of a good home. It's bullsh*t!! If you want to make a living selling **** and running a business, open a Tim Hortons. No offence to loyal pet lovers that own stores. I know an awsome reptile lover who has a petstore. But he's informative and selective with his customers. If your ignorant and incompatant, he won't sell you that $200 Chameleon to make the sale. Those other retards selling animals to make money without regard to the animals needs, are stupid heartless F**king MORONS.
Sorry for getting so pissed. I can't stand not having room for an animal that needs a home. And people like us are always cleaning up after the results of these careless pet store owners. Making room for more animals(not that I don't want more) and putting heart and soul into nursing an animal back to health only to have it die because of unreversable damage done by some useless tit. The careless owners are also to blame.

'me grinds teeth and takes a deap breath'

[chalmers]

Hey Johnny, looks like you found your match! Good on ya gfisher2002! With you an Johnny in the forums...there will be no messing around!!

Take care,

Nicole

[Turtle Matt]

I have some russians for sale...Email or PM me for more details..
Matt

[gfisher2002]

chalmers, What does that mean?

[johnnym1972]

Hello again gfisher 2002, she's a friend of mine so don't worry. She's referring to our shared passion regarding Turtles and Tortoises, and our propensity to tell it like it is... you know, without the sugary coating!!! It's definately a compliment in my books!!! LOL

Hello Nicole, it's good to see that you joined the site. Say hi to your little Russian buddy for me!

Take care, Johnny.

[gfisher2002]

Thanks for clearing that up Johnny. Wasn't sure. Thought she was dissing you and me. Sorry for sounding defensive.

[johnnym1972]

Hey, no problem gfisher2002. I've felt the same way myself sometimes. :P
Take care, Johnny.