Tortoise Breeders
Things You May Not Know About Tortoise Breeders
When choosing tortoise breeders, it is crucial to only buy from those that deal with captive bred turtles as well as tortoises. Removing any of these creatures from the wild is an insulting form of vandalism on wildlife. To take an animal out of its wild habitat to earn a profit is completely unethical. Choose only tortoise breeders that do not in any way support wildlife commercial trade and do not purchase any wild caught turtles or tortoises under any circumstance.
Before consulting with tortoise breeders you should also consider adoption. There are many tortoise and turtle rescue groups across the country that have a numerous number of species that are in great need of adoption.
Why Choose Captive Bred Tortoise Breeders
Two thirds of the entire world's turtle population find themselves endangered or threatened and many species have had such a massive exploitation to be used as pets that these animals are not becoming a serious conservation issue. Legitimate tortoise breeders that only participate in captive bred breeding but also are not contributing to the massive decline of the world's tortoise and turtle population.
Additionally, when you choose tortoise breeders that only sell captive bred reptiles you are assured of receiving a healthy animal. A high number of wild tortoises and turtles that have been captured in the wild come with a heavy population of various diseases and parasites.
Issues With Non-Legitimate Tortoise Breeders
There are many tortoise breeders selling wild captured animals as captive bred ones and many of these animals are being brought in from foreign countries that are labeled as captive bred when they are absolutely not. Many of the reptiles are not only captured from the wild but many are eggs that have been removed from a turtle before it is butchered for food.
There are also commercial tortoise breeders that are breeding these animals in mass amounts that usually become disposable pets, often being dumped off somewhere. Turtles sold from these sorts of places usually end up receiving inhumane treatment because the breeders do not care about what kind of home the animals is being placed in.
There are many legal issues currently with wild caught turtles and tortoises. Purchasing your animals from private, reputable tortoise breeders will remove any question of legality of your purchase, should one ever arise.
What To Look For In Tortoise Breeders
You should always, when travel allows, visit the tortoise breeders and inspect the living conditions that they provide for the animals. Make sure they are clean and offering humane conditions. A reputable breeder will give you a guarantee of health for your reptile. They will also know in detail any shipping regulations and how to properly pack the animal to guarantee safe travel and arrival for the reptile.
Russian Tortoises, Greek Tortoises And Box Turtles
Almost all of these tortoise and turtle species that are available either on the internet or in pet stores are captured in the wild. Many states aim to protect native wildlife but they often fail to honor the protection laws of other states.
If you are looking for one of these species you should contact a reptile rescue or adoption type of organization. They have plenty available and these animals really need good homes.
When looking for tortoise breeders, do your homework and research them thoroughly. You can often contact local adoption agencies and they can tell you if the breeder is reputable. Do not support tortoise breeders who do not care enough about the animal to respect that the ones that live in the wild must remain in their natural habitat.