Which 1st Tortoise to get?

[HighlanderLC]

Hi there, my wife and I (after much research and preparation) are getting our 1st tort this January and are deciding which species to get. It's come down to either a Hermann's or a Cherry Head. We live in a cool but very humid environment here in N. Cal and are confident we can provide whatever indoor climate this little guy will need.
I would love to hear some feedback and especially from people who own Cherry Heads and Hermann's.

Thanks

 

[JoesMum]

Hi there, my wife and I (after much research and preparation) are getting our 1st tort this January and are deciding which species to get. It's come down to either a Hermann's or a Cherry Head. We live in a cool but very humid environment here in N. Cal and are confident we can provide whatever indoor climate this little guy will need.
I would love to hear some feedback and especially from people who own Cherry Heads and Hermann's.

Thanks

Hi

The care of these two species is very different. I can't really comment on your outdoor climate as I have no idea what it's like where you are, but indoors you also need to take into account the drying effect of air conditioning or central heating.

Cherryheads, like Redfoots, benefit from a closed chamber. They don't really bask; they need steady heat day and night and they need a tube UVB. They cannot hibernate.

Hermann's are probably a more straightforward species as a first tortoise. When young, they too benefit from the high humidity of a closed chamber. They must be able to bask at 95-100F and they can hibernate.

Both species need lots of space (minimum of 8'x4') as they grow and will benefit from time outside once they stop being babies.

Don't get talked into buying two. They're not social and don't want or need a friend.

If you haven't already, I really recommend that you read the following thoroughly

Beginner Mistakes
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

Care of Cherryheads/Redfoots
http://www.tortoiselibrary.com/species-information-2/chelonoidis/

Care of Hermann's
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/sticky-hermanns-tortoise-care-sheet-updated.101410/

Care of Baby Hermann's
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread...or-other-herbivorous-tortoise-species.107734/

 

[HighlanderLC]

Hi

The care of these two species is very different. I can't really comment on your outdoor climate as I have no idea what it's like where you are, but indoors you also need to take into account the drying effect of air conditioning or central heating.

Cherryheads, like Redfoots, benefit from a closed chamber. They don't really bask; they need steady heat day and night and they need a tube UVB. They cannot hibernate.

Hermann's are probably a more straightforward species as a first tortoise. When young, they too benefit from the high humidity of a closed chamber. They must be able to bask at 95-100F and they can hibernate.

Both species need lots of space (minimum of 8'x4') as they grow and will benefit from time outside once they stop being babies.

Don't get talked into buying two. They're not social and don't want or need a friend.

If you haven't already, I really recommend that you read the following thoroughly

Beginner Mistakes
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

Care of Cherryheads/Redfoots
http://www.tortoiselibrary.com/species-information-2/chelonoidis/

Care of Hermann's
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/sticky-hermanns-tortoise-care-sheet-updated.101410/

Care of Baby Hermann's
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread...or-other-herbivorous-tortoise-species.107734/

good info thankyou

 

[Stuart S.]

Hi

The care of these two species is very different. I can't really comment on your outdoor climate as I have no idea what it's like where you are, but indoors you also need to take into account the drying effect of air conditioning or central heating.

Cherryheads, like Redfoots, benefit from a closed chamber. They don't really bask; they need steady heat day and night and they need a tube UVB. They cannot hibernate.

Hermann's are probably a more straightforward species as a first tortoise. When young, they too benefit from the high humidity of a closed chamber. They must be able to bask at 95-100F and they can hibernate.

Both species need lots of space (minimum of 8'x4') as they grow and will benefit from time outside once they stop being babies.

Don't get talked into buying two. They're not social and don't want or need a friend.

If you haven't already, I really recommend that you read the following thoroughly

Beginner Mistakes
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

Care of Cherryheads/Redfoots
http://www.tortoiselibrary.com/species-information-2/chelonoidis/

Care of Hermann's
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/sticky-hermanns-tortoise-care-sheet-updated.101410/

Care of Baby Hermann's
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread...or-other-herbivorous-tortoise-species.107734/

Good luck and welcome!!

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Welcome.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Hello, and a very warm welcome to Tortoise Forum.
Good luck with your choice.

 

[Yvonne G]

Here's a link to a thread where this question was asked and answered:

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/best-tortoise-for-my-environment.126894/

 

[Gillian M]

A very warm welcome to the forum!

And good luck in your choice.

 

[Carol S]

Welcome to the Forum.

 

[MPRC]

I love my redfoots. They are very inquisitive and friendly. The fact that they don't hibernate is a blessing and a curse. I have to provide winter accommodations indoors for 6 tortoises and it gets crowded here, but if you have the space and the time they are very rewarding.

 

[HighlanderLC]

Thanks everybody, I appreciate it!

 

[Kaliman1962]

I have an Ibera Greek tortoise, she is awesome