Newbie questions

Emma Yorkshire

New Member
Joined
Mar 28, 2020
Messages
6
Location (City and/or State)
Durham
I have wanted a tortoise for a while and figured I'd use this lockdown time to research them. I have done a fair bit already but have a few questions.
I am thinking of getting a Horsefield, there are two reptile pet shops in Co Durham selling them near me. Is it ok to go there or should I find a specialist breeder?
I was thinking I would make a tortoise table out of a bookcase. Is laminated ok? Like the ones in Argos? If not I'll buy wood from b&q and build it. The bookcase from Argos is 100 high 30 deep ish.
I'm ok with what they eat but how often do you feed them? I'd guess the ones in the shop are a few months old although when I'm allowed to leave the house again I will research this properly.
Its going to live indoors and go outside every day in the summer. But long term I might build a permanent outdoor enclosure in the garden. If it goes outside every day and has a cuttlefish in the table would the food be dusted less frequently?
 

Yvonne G

Old Timer
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Jan 23, 2008
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Clovis, CA
Hi Emma, and welcome to the Forum!

I just spent about 15 minutes telling another new member why all the 'stuff' he bought for his new tortoise isn't the right 'stuff.' So GOOD ON YOU!!! for coming here and asking your questions prior to spending money on equipment you can't use.

In the UK buying from a pet store isn't nearly as bad as it is here in the states. Our pet stores only get wholesale tortoises and those are wild caught. Chances are pretty good your pet store will be selling you a captive bred tortoise. So give the animal a close inspection. Watch it to see if it's eating. Are his eyes open? Bright and shiny? Is he alert and active? I see nothing wrong with buying a pet store tortoise as long as he looks healthy.

A four or five shelf book case is a good option for a Russian tortoise. It's big enough and easy to set up. Laminated is ok, but no matter, because you're going to have to line it with plastic to protect the wood anyway.

A Russian tortoise browses throughout the day, so you'll put a pile of food down in the a.m. and there should be enough there that he can leave it and come back at different times and eat some more. It should last all day for him.

I don't think you have the "4" rule" in the UK. Here in the states pet stores can't sell tortoises until they get to be 4" from front to back. By the time a Russian tortoise is that big, he's 'years' old, not 'months.'

I always add a tiny pinch (between thumb and index finger) of calcium powder twice a week to the food, plus there's a cuttlebone laying on the floor of the enclosure.

Here's some reading material for you (one is for babies and the other is for grown animals):


 

Emma Yorkshire

New Member
Joined
Mar 28, 2020
Messages
6
Location (City and/or State)
Durham
Thanks for your reply.

We live in the age of information so it seems a bit daft to buy everything without researching it first. I've been watching a few YouTube videos, the ones without any negative comments seem to be the way forward.

Hopefully some UK members will read this and advise about pet store suitability. There is a reptile store in Darlington and Newton Aycliffe.

What do people do in the winter if not planning on hybernating? Normally I'd have central heating on during the day in winter but not an evening, but then the house temp will drop well below 10°. Just leave a heater on in the room with the tortoise?
 
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