Introduction and advice please

[janeianmiller]

Hi
This is my first post on here so many thanks to anyone that takes the time to advise me.
If anyone has any time I would really appreciate some advice on owning a tortoise.
My little boy (7) has wanted one for a year, and as he has not changed his mind we are now happy for him to have one as a pet.
But I seem to of entered a world of confusion and complicated information.
It maybe that Im just that worried that I may not care for a tortoise correctly, but it seems the more shops I visit the more contradicting information I receive.
Apparently some hibernate, some don't.. Some will live in a vivarium, others are happy in a wooden open topped cabinet with heat lamp and UV.
I have also been advised not to get from a pet shop as may have many medical issues.
Also I have just read never to hold them with their head pointing up at you as not good for them.
can anyone please assist me in anyway.
Im certainly not going to rush into now just buying one from a pet shop, without knowing 100% I can care for it property (not sure also what sex to get), but I have given my little man my word he can have one. and we will get one, just have no idea now what sort and where best to house one.

Many thanks

Jane

 

[Jacqui]

Hi Jane!

The problem with tortoises to start with, is there are so many species and each has their own speacilized needs with some very basic common needs. Then to make it more confusing, what works well for one keeper may not work well for the next even, if they live in the same general area, keep the same type of tortoise and keep them pretty much the same way. Plus there is the fact that our knowledge of their needs are still not really known at this point. Thus you will get different answers and suggestions from everybody. What a keeper ends up doing is applying the information which seems to be the best bet and then keep tweaking that until you find what works for you, your tortoise, and your situation. It sounds complicated and complex when you first start, but soon a pattern will emerge and you will become less confused.

It will help, if you can narrow down your focus to a few species based upon your expectations and abilities to meet their needs. Like what size tortoise sounds like what you can handle? Something smaller like a Russian, Greek or Hermanns? Or a bit bigger like a redfoot? Or even bigger? How much room can you give it? What age will it be to start with (hatchlings have more needs to be met such as higher humidity, take less space, but are also not quite as hardy as older animals). Can you house it outside atleast part of the year? Do you care if it's diet should only be greens like a Russian or have some fruit like a redfoot? Is money of big importance? Do you live where it is really hot and dry or is your part of the world more humid? Hibernation/burmation happens in some species such as the Russian, but not in some like the redfoot. Even those species who do sleep away their winters, do not HAVE to do so. Other things to think about is if there are iny laws in your area regarding what you can keep. Also would you like something that happens naturally in your area.

Then there is the where to get it question. Some folks only want to buy from a breeder thinking they may offer healthier animals and certainly that is where you will find more hatchlings. Some like pet stores so you can see the animal hands on before buying. Some like the feeling good part of getting one from a rescue. Do you care if your animal needs to be shipped to you? All places have their good and bad points and none are "worse" then the next, it's more about what is important to you and finding the right place to buy for your needs.

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Jane, and welcome to the Forum!

Here are a couple links to articles that you might find helpful:

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread-22635.html

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread-45180.html

 

[janeianmiller]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. Following g my post I saw on pre loved an advert for a four year old needing a new home. We went to visit and I now have in our sitting room a four yet old horsefield tortoise. Female. She is in what I would describe as an open rabbit hutch. Plastic solid bottom and caged wired top area. 4x2 feet I have bought pellets for the floor stated ok for tortoises. A uv right across the back and ceramic heat lamp. Also a cut out upside down plant pot for somewhere to hide and plastic ivy to hide in. Really worried as the ceramic light although brand new is approx 7inch from the ground. It came with red heat lamp bulb but I worried as she needed night and day so would need light on all time. My worry is that the heat is not reaching her as cannot feel it on my hand when place it at her height. Are they more sensitive to heat or if I cannot feel it. Nor can she. I also do t have heat mat at mo. I was thinking of putting cardboard round one side to keep the heat in.

Thanks again for time.

I just want her to be perfectly happy and healthy. I have all correct food and also some pellets that I soak to give her and placed her in water earlier for while

Jane

 

[Steve_McQueen]

The pellet substrate is not ideal for tortoises. Russians, in particular, are burrowers. Getting something like coconut-coir and mixing it with dirt or sand (20%, tops) will much better facilitate burrowing. You'll want it several inches deep, at least, which the rabbit cage probably won't allow for.

Check out the care sheet at RussianTortoise.net. Just ignore that they have a picture of hay in the example enclosure... Hay tends to mold if it gets wet.

Also, post some pictures. We love pictures.

 

[Minority1]

Purchase a thermometer/hygrometer probe to check temperatures. Many people are getting rid of their sand altogether because of the risk of impaction. substrates like coconut coir, topsoil and cyress mulch seems to do well. RussianTortoise.net should have the appropriate height distances. Make sure you get her a checkup with a veterinarian to be sure everything is fine.