Newbie!

[JamboJones]

Hi Everyone!
My names Jamie and I live in the NW of Scotland. For my 17th Birthday I am getting a tortoise (I don't have the breed but I'll inform you once I know). I have some general knowledge about tortoises which I've read about but I'm more nervous about the fact that the tortoise will be a baby!

Basically, I just need a few basic tips to help me make sure the little tyke is happy and well looked after.. Even just bring basic mistakes made by first time owners to my attention, thanks!

(Sorry for the lack of info, I'll update as soon as I know)

 

[johnandjade]

hello from paisley! have a read at this link for some advice http://www.tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Beginner-Mistakes.45180/

this is a great place to learn and everyone is really helpful and will answer and questions or concerns you have. welcome to the forum

 

[johnandjade]

I advise checking on here before buying ANYTHING from a pet store, be it a big chain or a small reptile 'specialist' .... we got sold the wrong stuff and given the wrong care advice from a 'specialist'

these guys here are pros and have the results to back it up, dont fall into the trap like we did . pet stores go on outdated care advice and are just after a sale

 

[JamboJones]

hello from paisley! have a read at this link for some advice http://www.tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Beginner-Mistakes.45180/

this is a great place to learn and everyone is really helpful and will answer and questions or concerns you have. welcome to the forum

Thank you! It's actually a pet shop I was buying the tortoise from but planning to buy the accessories for the breed of tortoise separate so that they were customed to the tortoise breed, is that a good idea?

 

[johnandjade]

definitely. the best way to go seams to be build your own table... 8x4ft is advised for an adult (babys dont like as much room) the 'starter kits' sold look like a great package but in all honesty ... yeah buy separate.

your doing the right thing researching first, once you decide what species your going to get check out the care sheet in the 'species specific' section and that will guide you as to what suits you best.

there is a weath of experience and knowledge in the form of the experts here, dont be afraid to ask them!

i'll post a link for some enclosures for you to look through for insperation

 

[johnandjade]

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Ideas-for-Indoor-Enclosures.65798/

 

[JamboJones]

definitely. the best way to go seams to be build your own table... 8x4ft is advised for an adult (babys dont like as much room) the 'starter kits' sold look like a great package but in all honesty ... yeah buy separate.

your doing the right thing researching first, once you decide what species your going to get check out the care sheet in the 'species specific' section and that will guide you as to what suits you best.

there is a weath of experience and knowledge in the form of the experts here, dont be afraid to ask them!

i'll post a link for some enclosures for you to look through for insperation

Thanks a lot! The link was a lot of help! As for the enclosure.. I was thinking along the lines of a dog cage whilst the tortoise is a baby then a book shelf exterior with the shelfs in it removed when it's an adult

 

[johnandjade]

young torts need high humidity and heat, a cage wont hold it in, your best having a closed chamber.... it makes it easyer to maintain as well as a good start for your baby.

good rule of thumb is;
hot+wet=
cold+wet=

if you start your tort right you've won half the battle, if not you'll end you with a pet pineapple ( pyramiding ) as well as the risk of respiratory infections and shell rot...

another link to steal ideas from

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Closed-"Chambers".32333/

 

[JamboJones]

Oh right! So say a tank would be better? I just panicked incase the little tyke would get stressed over the glass!

 

[johnandjade]

Oh right! So say a tank would be better? I just panicked incase the little tyke would get stressed over the glass!

glass is an ongoing debate.. your right about causing stress as torts just don't understand it and will try bulldoze throught it. a solution is to cover the exterior up above their level with paper (if you choose a viv)

we replaced the front wood panle of our table with glass and after say a month, no issue at all he seams to be used to it, no more constant trying to get through it. I wouldn't want to advise either way, as i say it's debatable if its good or bad :/

 

[JamboJones]

glass is an ongoing debate.. your right about causing stress as torts just don't understand it and will try bulldoze throught it. a solution is to cover the exterior up above their level with paper (if you choose a viv)

we replaced the front wood panle of our table with glass and after say a month, no issue at all he seams to be used to it, no more constant trying to get through it. I wouldn't want to advise either way, as i say it's debatable if its good or bad :/

Oh so you made your enclosure out of a table?

 

[johnandjade]

we made the mistake of buying a 'starter table kit' and had to adjust as best possible but yeah, just changed out front panle and added a plexiglass top ( cut out for bulb as it block rays)

next project is to use the dinner table the tort house is on for a base and expand and build up

 

[JamboJones]

I was considering buying a table starter kit but after reading the horrible reviews I'm glad I didnt! I like what you've done with the glass though!

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Hello Jamie

 

[johnandjade]

the table severed its purpose when he was younger but gotta provide more room now.

it was easy enough to fit, just added a lenth of floor beading at the bottom and nailed into place, heavy duty velco on vertical ends but its starting to fail . we also cut an insert from an old bit of laminate floor to drop inside glass suported by a couple of dowels at top of either side... was ideal just to 'pop in' when we were out etc.. tention rod to support the plexi top.

it was project than needed constant tinkering! £200-£300 for a set up that would have cost around £100 if we just built from scratch lol

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Hello, Jamie, and a very warm welcome to Tortoise Forum.
You are asking all the right questions and getting some cracking advice from johnandjade.
Remember that glass, plastic etc blocks UVB, so the light must be inside the enclosure, or the chamber closed around it.
Tortoises come in species and subspecies not breeds.
When you know what you're getting we will be able to give you the exact requirements for your tortoise.
Good luck and you will so fall in love with your new tort.

 

[JamboJones]

Hello Jamie
View attachment 140225

Thank you, aha!

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Welcome from south Florida, USA

 

[JamboJones]

Hello, Jamie, and a very warm welcome to Tortoise Forum.
You are asking all the right questions and getting some cracking advice from johnandjade.
Remember that glass, plastic etc blocks UVB, so the light must be inside the enclosure, or the chamber closed around it.
Tortoises come in species and subspecies not breeds.
When you know what you're getting we will be able to give you the exact requirements for your tortoise.
Good luck and you will so fall in love with your new tort.

Yeahh very helpful advice from johnandjade, it's much appreciated! No, I didn't actually know that plastic blocks UVB! yeah, I understand that knowing the exact species would help and I'll post it as soon as I know. Thanks for the great help!

 

[JamboJones]

Welcome from south Florida, USA

Hey there, haha^_^