Want to adopt a desert tortoise? (Phoenix, Tucson: new home, buying, living)

[Ponderosa]

I received an email from Az Game and Fish that they are looking for people who want to adopt a desert tortoise. They have about 100. Here's the details.

PHOENIX – Nearly 100 desert tortoises will soon awaken from their winter slumber and the Arizona Game and Fish Tortoise Adoption program will be once again be looking for good adoptive homes. There is no charge to adopt a tortoise.

The desert tortoises up for adoption are a wide range of ages and sizes. AZGFD is accepting applications for those willing to provide a special home. Adoption application packets and general information can be found at www.azgfd.gov/tortoise.

Adopters need to have a securely enclosed yard or separate enclosure in their yard, free from potential hazards such as a dog, fire pit or unfenced pool. The enclosed area must include an appropriate shelter for the tortoise to escape Arizona’s extreme summer and winter temperatures.

All of the desert tortoises eligible for adoption will be given health checkups before going to their new homes. Tortoises are only available for adoption to residents living within the species’ native range, which includes the Phoenix, Bullhead City, Kingman, Prescott, Lake Havasu, Tucson and Yuma areas.

Desert tortoises offer a unique alternative to more traditional family pets and can teach many of the same life lessons to children, including responsibility, compassion and commitment. Contrary to many assumptions, desert tortoises can be interactive and provide companionship without as many demands as a cat or dog.

[Vision67]

Please be aware:

"The desert tortoises live about 50 to 80 years"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desert_tortoise

We made a mistake of buying a 9 year old child a box turtle. Took care of that dang thing for 20 years.....then gave it to a pet shop.

[Burning Madolf]

Originally Posted by Vision67

Please be aware:

"The desert tortoises live about 50 to 80 years"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desert_tortoise

We made a mistake of buying a 9 year old child a box turtle. Took care of that dang thing for 20 years.....then gave it to a pet shop.

Holy ****! I'd have to account for it in my estate plan.

[Vision67]

Originally Posted by Burning Madolf

Holy ****! I'd have to account for it in my estate plan.

Yeah, and talking birds can also live to be about 70 years old.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by Vision67

Please be aware:

"The desert tortoises live about 50 to 80 years"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desert_tortoise

We made a mistake of buying a 9 year old child a box turtle. Took care of that dang thing for 20 years.....then gave it to a pet shop.

They said they will take them back if the owner dies (among other things). I guess it is more like fostering than adopting.

[ElleTea]

How cool would that be? I'd do this in a heartbeat but I already have furbabies that would likely pester it.

[Vision67]

Originally Posted by ElleTea

How cool would that be? I'd do this in a heartbeat but I already have furbabies that would likely pester it.

When we had that box turtle, it would bury itself in the garden and we couldn't find it.

But that was no problem for our mini-dachshund. She could sniff it out and dig it out in about 10 seconds.

[BIG CATS]

I hope they do background checks on potential buyers. That way these awesome creatures don't end up in the hands of incapable idiots who will neglect it, or not have enough space for one. I'd hate to see one couped up in a small backyard. ugh

[locolife]

Originally Posted by BIG CATS

I hope they do background checks on potential buyers. That way these awesome creatures don't end up in the hands of incapable idiots who will neglect it, or not have enough space for one. I'd hate to see one couped up in a small backyard. ugh

I wish it worked that way with dogs as well, so many terrible owners out there.

[stevek64]

Originally Posted by BIG CATS

I hope they do background checks on potential buyers. That way these awesome creatures don't end up in the hands of incapable idiots who will neglect it, or not have enough space for one. I'd hate to see one couped up in a small backyard. ugh

Originally Posted by locolife

I wish it worked that way with dogs as well, so many terrible owners out there.

Agree. I always thought we should do the same for people wanting kids given there's so many horrible parents out there. Check out their means of support, background checks, etc.

I'd guess the backyard size wouldn't mean much to the turtle as long as they can munch down lots of food.