Getting my first tortoise

[tortgirl123]

Hi guys!
I'm really new to owning a pet tortoise, in fact I don't even have one yet. I want to make sure I have all of the information I need to keep my first tortoise alive and healthy. I know that when I do get one it will be a Greek. I have done a lot of research already, but I still have some unanswered questions.

- It seems that there is a lot of variety to choose from when it comes to feeding your pet Greek. What is a good balanced diet that you feed your pet?

- My house doesn't allow for a huge enclosure, but I don't want to be unfair to the tortoise by not giving him the size he needs. Do you recommend glass aquariums? I do plan on getting a male if that effects the size tank he needs. How do I regulate the temperature and humidity?

- About how much money did you spend on getting everything for the tortoise? How much do you spend weekly/monthly?

- Hibernating. Do I need to do it? How long? How?

- What substrate should I use?

- Anything important I should know?

- I don't know if this helps any of your answers, I live in Texas it's really hot in the summer and can get really cold in the winter.

Thank you for taking the time to answer! Your answers are greatly appreciated!

- Soon to be owner!

 

[canicke]

Welcome to the forum! Im a newbie too so cant really give you much advice except to tell you to read through here a LOT. I thought i was pretty well set to go. Then i found the forum and realized how not ready i was. My one recommendation for now would be to not get a hatchling. I did. Silly me. Older will be easier for now oh - and : this is addicting!

 

[tortgirl123]

Thank you! : ) how old should I go?

 

[Cozl86]

I am new to this as well. I wasn't as smart as you. I never planned to own a tort. I walked into petsmart to buy a dog and walked out with Mikey, the Russian tort. Lol. This, however is the place to be, I just got on here yesterday and have already learned a lot. Good luck on your journey! And welcome.

 

[Yvonne G]

Here's a link to a basic care sheet for Greek tortoises. If you still have questions after reading it, we'll be happy to try to answer them.

 

[tortgirl123]

How much do you think you guys spent when you first got your greek?

 

[144 Grandpa Turtle]

Your making a good choice I love my Greeks as far as baby or adult please
Make your own dession a younger tort
Will learn you a older one has to forget
What he has learned be for he can learn
What you want .
Let's say the older one has been eating pellets and you choice to feed greens you have break the adult tort
To forget pellets then feed it greens
The baby you cut up the greens and start feeding the greens
So make your own choice and read
Everything you can about Greeks
Have a great day and good luck

 

[tortgirl123]

Thank you that helped a lot!!!

 

[tortgirl123]

New Tort

Still haven't bought mine yet. I won't until the end of this coming summer, so a lot of research to be done!
No one is answering my question about how much money you spent on everything together. And how much you pay weekly/monthly. I know it depends on vet visits and much more but I just need to know how much to save up for.
If you could please tell me what you spend that would be greatly appreciated!
Pics of your enclosure would be cool too!
- Soon to be owner!!

 

[Yvonne G]

Big plastic tub - $40
Two ceramic-base reflector lights - $20
Mercury Vapor Bulb - $50
Ceramic heat emitter - $25
substrate - $10
hiding place or 2 - $10
plant saucers for water/food - $5
decorator plants - $10
Timer (optional) - $10
temp gun - $25
2 light stands - $50

Did I forget anything?

This is a baby enclosure:

 

[mike taylor]

You forgot happy tortoises priceless .

 

[tortgirl123]

Thank you!