SonLovesTort
New Member
My son has been fascinated with tortoises for months and we're finally going to get one. After reading about them at great length, I was thinking a Hermanns tort sounded best - but just the quickest read on this forum has me wondering if we should get a Russian instead? I saw many strong suggestions for Russians when another newbie asked what to get.
We are in virginia, so tort will need to be inside much of the time.
Also, should we start off with the wooden box I see everywhere or use a 30 gal tank? I will not be building anything for the tort to live in anytime soon, so I have to buy it. We are getting a very little tort .... My son envisions a baby and I don't want anything that will get big. The box looks practical - at least for a couple of years - but how will I heat it? I don't think aquarium is ideal, but I like the set up someone showed me, including a heating pad under half of it.
I want this as simple as possible - I'm alone with 2 sons, ages 9 & 11 - my plate is already quite full but I do think we can handle a tortoise.
Thank you all in advance!
We are in virginia, so tort will need to be inside much of the time.
Also, should we start off with the wooden box I see everywhere or use a 30 gal tank? I will not be building anything for the tort to live in anytime soon, so I have to buy it. We are getting a very little tort .... My son envisions a baby and I don't want anything that will get big. The box looks practical - at least for a couple of years - but how will I heat it? I don't think aquarium is ideal, but I like the set up someone showed me, including a heating pad under half of it.
I want this as simple as possible - I'm alone with 2 sons, ages 9 & 11 - my plate is already quite full but I do think we can handle a tortoise.
Thank you all in advance!
. Tortoises are expensive and not the throw them food a couple days a week and they will be fine like some people think. They need fresh food daily and expensive heat/uvb lighting and depending on the species, night time heat. Also substrate hiding places, etc and babies need daily warm water soaks. Both the Hermanns and Russian are good beginner torts. Many have waisted money on those premade wooden boxes, and we're sorry they bought them. Buying two of them and connecting them together would give good space for a couple years or so. The trough suggested is a good idea, also,Christmas tree storage boxes that are available now is another option for the cold months with an enclosure for summer months. Good luck.
