A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. http://www.arizonatortoisecompound.com/Cactus-Pads.html, http://www.arizonatortoisecompound.com/Aloe-Vera-Leaves.html, http://www.arizonatortoisecompound.com/Mazuri-Tortoise-Diet-1lb-bag.html, http://www.arizonatortoisecompound.com/Timothy-Hay.html. If youre looking for a short-lived pet for your kid or yourself, a turtle or a tortoise isnt the way to go. I will definitely do business with Andrew again and recommend him to others. If you wish to jeep the Mojave desert tortoise as a pet, you may adopt one. Although URTD has been found in the Sonoran desert, it is not known what impact, if any, the disease may have on the Sonoran desert tortoise. He really cares for the animals. A.T.C. I would search for a simple answer and find 100 different answers, an unfortunate problem all too common in the world or tortoises. Despite their large size, these chelonians are easy to care for and are hardy. Because of their protective shell and thick scaly skin, the Mojave desert tortoise has next to no predators as adults with mountain lions being the main predator of adult specimens. Prior to 2011, this species was considered a member of Agassizs desert tortoise. February, March, and April hatch dates have already been reserved for the Sulcata hatchlings. Their needs can vary quite a bit depending on the breed that you choose! Turtles found in Arizona include mud turtles, ornate box turtles, the painted turtle, snapping turtles, and pond sliders. Become a supporting member today! If you wish to adopt a specimen, you can visit Tortoise Adoption Program (https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/nongamemanagement/tortoise/captivecare/). These tortoises require a lot of room to thrive. The species is under increasing pressure from landscape development, the construction of roads and other human activities. This is the only shipping day for that week. It provides a constant climate that keeps the tortoise cool when the weather is hot, and shelters it from freezing temperatures during hibernation in the winter. While the Mojave desert tortoise is located west and north of the colorado river, the Sonoran desert tortoise is found east of the colorado river. This type of defeat can determine territorial and mating disputes. However, they are quite rare. In the Sonoran desert, mountain lions are the main predators of adult desert tortoises. It can be found from South Sudan all the way to South Africa. As herbivores, these animals accept most plant matter you offer them. Plants provide both nutrients and most of the water needs of the species. Michael Skibsted presentation on Madagascar and his adventures there. Normally shipping will resume Tuesday the 26th! Also, avoid giving these tortoises dog and cat food. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. A.T.C. The conference attracts attendees from all over the United States, Europe, Asia, Canada, and South America. A.T.C.'s Last day of shipping before Christmas is Thursday the 20th for Friday the 21st receiving. A person who receives a desert tortoise that is given away under this Section is also exempt from special license requirements. Due to the abundant sunshine, edible landscape and short winters, we are able to provide for and house many species of tortoises successfully. Contact us for shipping rates for multiple shirts. Per Commission Order 43: possession limit is one desert tortoise per person per household. This is because they are huge. Some excellent plants to offer include alfalfa hay or pellets, bermudagrass, sowthistle, ryegrass, ricegrass, mallow, fresh clover, and clover hay. Got my Forsten's male from him last spring. Anyone looking to add a tortoise to their family, I would recommend going through Arizona Tortoise Compound. The thin pads for feeding are semi-spinless and the thick ones for planting are spineless, both listed on the site as. Another adaption that makes the desert tortoise suited for desert life is the ability to acquire almost all of its water from the plants that it eats. The sulcata tortoise is one of the largest tortoise species in the world. Shirt with international shipping at $50. As with the Mojave desert tortoise, the Sonoran desert tortoise is protected by Arizona State law. The Mojave desert tortoise doesnt drink much and can go an entire year without drinking. I bought a babcocki hatchling from Andrew and I couldn't be happier. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. The Mojave desert tortoise was listed as threatened by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in 1990. Turtles and tortoises tend to be healthy creatures, so if a breeder isnt willing to give some sort of health guarantee against genetic conditions, thats a red flag. When gifting tortoises, please do make sure the recipient is well setup for the new tort. Sulcatas have been successfully bred in North America. Turtles Mites How To Identify And Treat Them. Drone Footage over A.T.C. The two common captive tortoises found in Arizona include the sulcata tortoise and the leopard tortoise. In addition to weeds, flowers, scrubs, and hay, you can also succulents and dark leafy greens. Gopherus morafkai has tough scaly skin and a hard protective shell. Apart from the tortoise species native to Arizona ( that is the Sonoran desert tortoise and the Mojave desert tortoise), other tortoise species can be found in Arizona. a few of such foods include alfalfa hay or pellets, bermudagrass, sowthistle, ryegrass, ricegrass, mallow, fresh clover, and clover hay. Highly recommend. They use the gular scutes to ram and flip other males. To be particular you can offer them grasses, dandelions, hibiscus, nopales, mulberry leaves, grape leaves, cheese mallow, chickweed, nutgrass, rose petals, nasturtiums, alfalfa, bermudagrass, timothy grass, and many more. Since 1988, it has been against Arizona State law to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect this animal in any part of the state. Live arrival guarantee and a seven day satisfaction guarantee! The baby arrived with great care and packaging, well started and alert. They can also be found in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Here, we highlighted a few different turtles and tortoise breeders that you can check out in the United States. Petkeen advocates for adopting before shopping. He is very knowledgable about the tortoises he sells, and very good to deal with. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! !. As such the collection, and hunting of these two species is strictly illegal. There are two turtle species located in Arizona and these include the Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) and the Sonoran desert tortoise (Gopherus morafkai). These are the Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) and the Sonoran desert tortoise (Gopherus morafkai). Turtles found in Arizona include mud turtles, ornate box turtles, the painted turtle, snapping turtles, and pond sliders. Arizona Tortoise Compound - Quality Tortoises at Prices you can Trust! When youre trying to determine how much to spend on a turtle or tortoise, it all comes down to what youre looking for. Goldfish Aquaponics 101: Feeding, Stocking, & Care Guide, What Smells Deter Cats from Peeing? A desert tortoise may spend up to 95 percent of its life in shelters, only emerging to feed, bask and breed when the weather allows, mostly during the monsoon season, typically July October. Hope everyone has a safe and warm Holiday!! Please contact support. Double-check all the requirements for their terrarium, and get everything set up before you bring your turtle or tortoise home. For tortoises, even small ones, they need plenty of space to roam, despite their slow speed. Both tortoises belong to the genus Gopherus and as . As you can see this is a long-lived species. They can tolerate high temperatures as well as relatively low temperatures. The Mojave desert tortoise can be found to the north and west of the colorado river. Now accepting 2023 season deposits for Sulcatas, Instant Hatch Eggs, Double Het, and Het Ivory Sulcata Hatchlings. Two common nonnative species you can find within Arizona include leopard tortoises and sulcatas. Avoid canned foods, and foods high in protein or fats such as cat food and dog food. Our site offers Live Tortoises and Turtles for sale as well as caging, heating, lighting and feeding supplies. Andrew Hermes directly contacted me though email: he sent me pictures of the tortoises I requested (Ivory Sulcata Tortoise & Ivory HET Tortoise), explained their shipping details and reliability, and worked with me as I picked out my special tortoises. It is also illegal to hunt, kill, or harm any desert tortoise found in Arizona. Since the cactus pads and aloe leaves are living plants we do not bag them in plastic, but secure them with newspaper so they can "breath" and have a longer shelf life. There are few creatures as intriguing as the turtle and tortoise. In 1985, these groups formed the Arizona Interagency Desert Tortoise Team (AIDTT), which is responsible for coordinating research and management of the desert tortoise in Arizona. Desert tortoise adoption While you might not be able to get too much information about your turtle or tortoises genetic history, the more information that you can get, the better. I will definitely check with him in the future before buying a tortoise from anyone else. That Stuff, Before and After by Will Espenshade, The Big Turtle Year by George L. Heinrich, Christine Light speaking about her work with the endemic species of Sulawesi. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); AllTurtles.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon(.com, .co.uk, .ca etc) and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. The leopard tortoise is endemic to the arid regions of southern and eastern Africa. Our price: $1.00 Qty Add to wish list Bought my 80lb female Sulcata and my 13" Aldabra from ATC; used Southwest for shipping and everything was seamless and effortless. The TTPG Conferences amazing lineup of speakers includes turtle and tortoise experts from around the world. To protect itself from these extremes, the Mojave desert tortoise spends almost all its time in shelters. To adopt an Arizonian tortoise, you can start here Tortoise Adoption Program (https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/nongamemanagement/tortoise/captivecare/). Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. Picture History and Habitats by Chuck Schaffer, Galapagos Islands and Galapagos Tortoises by Jerry Fife. Try using Tortoise Adoption Program (https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/nongamemanagement/tortoise/captivecare/) to adopt a sulcata in Arizona. Gopherus agassizii is a herbivorous and terrestrial turtle, it has a brown carapace that is high-domed and has elephantine legs. These tortoises are so-called because of the appearance of their carapace which has a base color of yellow, tan, or brown with dark blotches. Of course, these tortoises are best housed outdoors. is focused on helping the worlds tortoises through captive breeding & education. Gift. Ensure that the food you offer them is healthy for them. Because of the high sugar content of fruits, they should never become a staple. Located in the Western United States, Arizona is home to many species including turtles. Arizona has two native species of tortoise, the Sonoran desert tortoise, Gopherus morafkai; and the Mojave desert tortoise, Gopherus agassizii. Yes they are an excellent place to do business with and Andew is a great guy ,honest and I purchased my pardalis pardalis leopard tortoise from him. Arizona Tortoise Compound has created this youtube channel to showcase tortoise videos to help educate!! I bought my Greek Ibera Hatching from them and I was having troubles with paying with the shipping so he sent it without me paying the shipping I sent him a money order to pay for it but I was glad he sent it. ATC is a great place to work with. This massive tortoise can reach an adult size of almost 30 inches. Therefore, we decided to highlight the three most common mistakes that new turtle or tortoise owners make. Hatchlings emerge towards the end of the monsoon season in September or October. Come check us out! Mojave and Sonoran desert tortoises are protected throughout Arizona. You can try to reach out to past customers to see if theyre having any issues if youd like. Many turtles and tortoises live well over 100 years, which means youll need to make arrangements on whos going to care for them after youre gone. 8 Potential Methods. Primary threats to survival of the desert tortoise are related to loss and degradation of the species habitat, through drought, wildfire, habitat destruction and fragmentation, and invasion of exotic plant and wildlife species. As you may already know, it is illegal to collect members of the species from the wild. In fact, it will get most of its food for the entire year during this period. These turtles only come out to bask, eat, and breed. Turtles and tortoises are lifelong additions to your home, so dont get one without the expectation that youll be caring for them for the long haul. Both tortoises are desert tortoises. This should only be offered as a supplement to the main diet. Additionally, their skin can absorb large amounts of water. Andrew is a great guy and I'd highly recommend him. These are captive tortoises. February, March, and April hatch dates have already been reserved for the Sulcata hatchlings. What may be healthy for a human may be unhealthy for the desert tortoise. Arizona Tortoise Compound is located in Phoenix, Arizona. Regardless of this, hatchlings, eggs, and juveniles have several predators such as badgers, Gila monsters, roadrunners, feral dogs, foxes, bobcats, and many more. The sulcata is particularly quite popular among tortoise enthusiasts in Arizona. Here they live in Sonoran desert scrub. b. They can also be adopted. Now accepting 2023 season deposits for Sulcatas, Instant Hatch Eggs, Double Het, and Het Ivory Sulcata Hatchlings. They can be found in western and central Arizona as well as northwestern Mexico. Ouch, sorry to hear about your finger Beth and thank you for the kind words. Everything You Need to Know About a Sleeping Turtle, https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/nongamemanagement/tortoise/captivecare/, Pet Sulcata & Leopard Tortoises Care Guide by Williams Clinton, Pet Leopard & Leopard Tortoises Care Guide by Williams Clinton. Customer or not, I'm always happy to answer questions and help anyone or any tortoise in need. This law makes it illegal to hunt, shoot, collect, harm, harass, kill, or trap members of this species. He was so active that as soon as I opened the box he popped the top of the foam box off with his head and started looking around. 14 were here. Field trips include visits to private breeding facilities, local zoological institutions, and other interesting experiences, and there are often special evening events addressing conservation concerns, updates on legal issues and the under 4 regulation, presentations from USARK, Q & A sessions, and of course, lots of fun social time is enjoyed by attendees. The leopard tortoise is herbivorous and feeds almost exclusively on plants. The good news is that many of the turtle and tortoise breeders on this list have multiple acres dedicated to their facilities, and this keeps their breeder turtles and tortoises happy and healthy. It is one of the six species of tortoises in North America. The desert tortoise and other North American tortoise species can become infected with a disease called Upper Respiratory Tract Disease (URTD), caused by a Mycoplasma spp. The Mojave tortoise inhabits Mojave desertscrub, where it is generally found in the flat inter-montane basins. Nothing came in a bag except for the Mazuri it was all just randomly placed in there, not knowing, I stuck my hand in there and a cactus pad stuck me. It is also illegal to attempt to engage in any such conduct. Adult desert tortoises are generally solitary animals and individuals of the same sex may engage in combat when they cross paths in the wild. You must log in or register to reply here. Most will even ship to you! Leopard tortoises can be adopted or acquired from reputable breeders. Since they prefer arid areas they cannot be found in the humid forests of central Africa. A person may possess, transport, or give away a desert tortoise (Gopherus morafkai) or the progeny of a desert tortoise provided the person possessed the tortoise prior to April 28, 1989 or obtained the tortoise through a Department authorized adoption program. My shopping experience with Andrew Hermes from Arizona Tortoise Compound was exceptional, and I am very impressed with his customer-oriented service. I would highly recommend them & continue to order from them! Arizona Tortoise Compound. We hope you find these helpful,interesting and infor. As an adult, it has very few natural predators because of its thick, scaly skin and hard shell. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Since it is illegal to trade in Arizonian tortoises, the only way to acquire one is through adoption. My goal is to properly educate respective tortoise owners so that their tortoises can flourish and truly last a lifetime! Which Ones? But keep in mind that health guarantees for turtles and tortoises arent as common as they are for cats and dogs, so its not the end of the world if a breeder doesnt offer one. Arizona I met Andrew in person to purchase a tortoise from him, and would highly recommend him. Ya, when they say spineless they mean half way spineless, so i had to get all the needles out which took for ever! Foods to avoid include iceberg lettuce, green and red-leaf lettuce, Boston lettuce, and romaine lettuce. Since 1988, it has been against Arizona State law to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect this animal in any part of the state. Over the years I've developed a spotless reputation for breeding the healthiest hatchlings out there. The Sonoran desert tortoise can be found to the east of the colorado river. The desert tortoise has many remarkable behaviors and traits that make it well-suited for life in the desert. The origins of Mycoplasma spp are unknown; it may be a naturally occurring pathogen in these populations and it has been suggested that it was introduced into the Mojave desert tortoise population through the release of sick captive tortoises into the wild. For information on desert tortoises in the wild, please contactturtlesproject@azgfd.gov. While you can find common turtle varieties for as little as $30 from PetSmart, there are other tortoises out there that can cost close to $2,000! Here they live in Mojave desert scrub. In addition to weeds, grass, and hay, they also accept leafy greens such as watercress, turnip greens, mustard greens, grape leaves, endive, dandelion greens, and flowers, and collards. Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group. I also ordered some cactus pads, aloe leaves, Mazuri, and Timothy hay from them. Per Arizona Game and Fish Department Rule R12-4-407(B) (1). You are using an out of date browser. It is also illegal to attempt to engage in any such conduct. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. They also accept succulents such as opuntia cactus pads and flowers. Updated 2/10/23. When kept in captivity feeding can be tricky as they arent picky eaters. Let me be your one top shop for education and tortoises for sale online shipped directly to your door. URTD has been implicated in large-scale Mojave desert tortoise population die offs in California, these population declines were considered in the federal decision to list this species at threatened under the Endangered Species Act. They don't offer turtles, but if you're shopping for tortoises, you're not going to find a larger selection. The longer the breeder has been in business, the more likely that theyre putting out quality turtles and tortoises. Percent Positive: No new ratings in last 12 months. There was an error while trying to use the location services. Andrew is friendly and helpful and shares knowledge, go ahead and ask questions. Captive desert tortoise care, Resources for Environmental Consultants They also accept flowers such as geraniums, hibiscus, rose petals, and nasturtiums. The species can go several months without drinking water as the species can store large amounts of water in its bladder and use this water over several months. Raising tortoises for me started as a hobby and developed into a way for me to pay my way through college while starting my family. The main threats to the species are loss of habitat and invasion of exotic plant and animal species. Healthy, active guy. Andy is a joy to do business with and I'm sure we'll do business again in the future. A person shall not: a. Propagate lawfully possessed desert tortoises or their progeny unless authorized in writing by the Departments special license administrator. Learn more. Their thick skin ensures that they lose little water to evaporation. I just received an adult male redfoot from Andrew at the Arizona Tortoise Compound today, the transaction went great with quick responses to all of my questions and extremely fast shipping. ****** This Thursday the 21st for Friday the 22nd receiving will be the finally day. The male desert tortoise on the left was flipped over during a battle with the other male. 95 percent of the diet should compose of hay, weeds, scrubs, and flowers. The species is endemic to the southern edge of the Sahara in countries such as Ethiopia, Eritrea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Nigeria, and even Senegal. By browsing our website without changing the browser settings you grant us permission to store that information on your device. Because desert tortoises live in an arid climate where most of the rainfall occurs during the monsoon season, it is able to store water in its bladder for use during drought and can go more than a year without drinking. Once a tortoise is infected with this pathogen it will be a carrier for life. In the wild, this turtle feeds on desert plants. It is important not to pick up a Sonoran desert tortoise as they tend to release the water in their bladder when scared. Housing and breeding multiple species requires constant upkeep and attention to each specific group's diet, habitat and temperate needs. Before you even consider adopting or acquiring one, ensure that you have the space to house them. The shelter protects the tortoise from the extreme heat or cold of the desert. Collection for the pet trade and vehicular accidents are also factors that threaten the survival of the species. A tortoise can become infected when it comes into contact with a sick tortoise. You can also offer fruits on the rarest of occasions. Located in Pheonix, Arizona we supply a variety of Tortoises and Turtles to hobbyists as well as professional breeders. MorphMarket's Default Store Policy An even bigger issue was the plethora of misinformation I found in doing research online regarding the tortoises overall care and husbandry. bacterium. I'm available to anyone needing guidance. URTD causes cold-like symptoms in tortoises. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. As such they are protected in Arizona. Each species favors different habitats because they have evolved separately across a large range. Both species are protected by law. Tortoises give out what you put in to them and as such I've always put the tortoise's needs first, never cutting any corners and producing the very best tortoises on the market. Mojave and Sonoran desert tortoises are protected throughout Arizona. Featured Image Credit: Onkel Ramirez, Pixabay, Why Chocolate Is Toxic To Dogs (Vet Answer). It may not display this or other websites correctly. One of six members of the testudinidae family in North America, the desert tortoise inhabits the desert ecosystems of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Healthy tortoises and happy customers! specifies any terms which have not been overridden by this Seller's stated policy. Since these tortoises prefer arid zones, they are well suited to live in Arizona. Similar to the desert tortoises, sulcatas inhabit arid zones. While theyre two distinctly different creatures, either can make a great addition to your home. If you wish to adopt a Mojave desert tortoise, you can visit Tortoise Adoption Program (https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/nongamemanagement/tortoise/captivecare/). If this happens the overturned tortoise must right itself soon, or it will die from suffocation, exposure to the sun, or freezing. Didn't find what you need? I decided to take things even further by offering the first and only full year health guarantee on all of my tortoises. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. Reserve yours today through the online store while they last! 2017-12-22 14:03:37 Andrew Hermes Arizona Tortoise Compound Exceptional Service!! This is only possible because this species can store water in its bladders for several months. Desert tortoise handling guidelines. ***** Last week of shipping before Christmas. He is very knowledgable about the tortoises he sells, and very good to deal with. Adoption comes with its challenges such as paperwork. Mojave desert tortoises are herbivorous and accept most foods offered to them. Free and open company data on Arizona (US) company ARIZONA TORTOISE COMPOUND, LLC (company number L22840978), 27424 N. 207TH AVE, WITTMANN, Maricopa, AZ, 85361 Tortoise Club members get a special banner on their posts, unlimited gallery storage space, special offers from our sponsors, upload videos, and more!