Is a tortoise a good idea?

Question
My husband and I live in Southeast Louisiana with our five children, their ages ranging from 7 years to 18 months.  We're interested in getting a nice sized tortoise to be kept outside in the summer, and indoors in the colder months.  We'd like to know if there is a tortoise out there that would be a good fit as the next addition to our family.  Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you so much.

Shay Courville

Answer
Sounds good!

AVOID the big tortoises (like Leopard and Sulcata) and hard to care for species like Hingebacks.

My suggestions would be:
- Mediterranian species- Greek/Spur-thighed or Hermanns
- Russian tortoise (not exciting, but usually cheap and pretty easy)
- South American Red-foot tortoise

I might also suggest trying something like an Eastern (or Carolinian) Box turtle- cheaper and well-adapted to your locale. You might even be able to keep it outside all year.

Check out http://www.tortoise.org