Sulcata tortoises (african spur thighed) are the huge ones - they get almost as big as a galapagos tortoise. They cost $100 and up as hatchlings but when they get big they are difficult to care for and the rescues are FULL of them. Some folks will still sell them for $hundreds or more, but I can put you in touch with somebody in every state of the union with one to give away or adopt to somebody truly prepared to care of one. They are particulatrly tough to keep in northern climates as the cannot take cold damp weather and do NOT hibernate.
Russian tortoises: There seems to be a conspiracy among every pet store in the country to tell you the ones they have for sale are just a baby to about 3 years old - but they are all wild caught adults. There are people who breed them and sell hatchlings but they are not the ones you see in stores. They are probably the easiest tortoise to care for, but again do some real research and do not give the diet or care the teenager at Pets Inc tells you.
Box turtles used to be in every pet store but they are becoming very rare and most eastern and southern states they come from now ban capture and keeping or export at all.
Red eared sliders are the water turtles that used to be sold as babies for about a dime at toys stores and fairs. Some times you still see them but these babies are illegal now because of fears of salmonella (wich they rarely actually have). They get about as big as a dinner plate and need eaither a pond or a 60+ gallon aquarium - they eat and poop LOTS. Escaped/released pet sliders are adaptable to many conditions and are invasive, they have taken over lakes and rivers around the world and in many places have displaced the native turtles.
People have always said turtles are tortoises are "easy pets" because you can keep them alive 2-5 years like a gerbil with no problem, but they are meant to live 100 years or more. That 2-5 years most people have them is usually a slow death. They really don't make good pets for kids because they usually get bored with them fast and then it's up to the parents to care for them. That said - I love them and if a person researches them and understands what turtles and tortoises are all about BEFORE getting one they can be fantastic pets.
There are many turtle & tortoise related yahoogroups I can direct anyone interested to.
Tom
CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com
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