Before you buy a tortoise...

[spud's_mum]

Hello guys!
If you are here, you are most likely looking into buying a tortoise.

Here are some things to think about before you get one.

Have you thought about the future?
If you are younger and have still got college/university to come, have you given any thought to what you will do with the tortoise while you're away?
And have you given any thought to who will care for him/her when you pass on?

Are you prepared?
Are you prepared to provide a large inside and outside space?
Are you prepared to buy new uv bulbs every 6 months?
Are you prepared to pay the heating bills?
Are you prepared to spend potentially £100's on an enclosure and lighting?
Are you prepared to give up your time to look after your tort?
Are you prepared to go outside in rain, frost, snow, sun and wind to get fresh weeds every day?
And finally....

Are you prepared to look after this animal for potentially the rest of your life?

Please research the animal before you buy one and make sure you are able to care and provide everything this animal needs.

 

[wellington]

Love your effort. It's been done several times in the years past. Unfortunately, most have already bought their tort before they found us. Never hurts to try though. Hopefully some will see this before they buy.

 

[Sandy Martinez]

Good to put the word out there periodically...
Maybe put where it would be visible from the homepage...just my thoughts as I have come across many many people who have absolutely no idea....

 

[cecely]

I actually found TFO before buying my tortoise which is why my join date is from 2013 but I'm still a new member. I was interested in keeping a tortoise and the pet store variety care sheets made it sound like a breeze. However, once I found TFO and saw how much care and maintenance tortoises required, I decided I wasn't ready for the commitment just yet (I was still in school doing my undergrad). Fast forward two years, and I am now a happy and informed owner of a hermanns tortoise hatchling named Nanu.

 

[Gillian M]

Hello guys!
If you are here, you are most likely looking into buying a tortoise.

Here are some things to think about before you get one.

Have you thought about the future?
If you are younger and have still got college/university to come, have you given any thought to what you will do with the tortoise while you're away?
And have you given any thought to who will care for him/her when you pass on?

Are you prepared?
Are you prepared to provide a large inside and outside space?
Are you prepared to buy new uv bulbs every 6 months?
Are you prepared to pay the heating bills?
Are you prepared to spend potentially £100's on an enclosure and lighting?
Are you prepared to give up your time to look after your tort?
Are you prepared to go outside in rain, frost, snow, sun and wind to get fresh weeds every day?
And finally....

Are you prepared to look after this animal for potentially the rest of your life?

Please research the animal before you buy one and make sure you are able to care and provide everything this animal needs.

Wise words. However, I have a feeling that a large majority had their torts before finding then joining the forum.