I have wanted a tortoise ever since I was small, finally I am able to get one, I have until August to do my research and get things ready, I know thats ages away but I want to be prepared beforehand.
I would need a small breed of tortoise as he/she would live indoors, there will be access to outside in the warmer months, I am interested in either a horse field tortoise or a Hermann tortoise, in your opinion which of these would be best for a first time owner? Or are there any other smaller breeds that would be more suitable?
As I said in my title I have 2 cats, would I be able to use an indoor animal cage as an enclosure? or is there anything I can do to cat proof a tortoise table? My cats will never ever be left alone with my tortoise but I don't want any split second accidents either. I also have 2 dogs but they have never bothered with any of the other small pets we have so I don't think they would bother with a tortoise, again though they are never left unattended with any of my pets or children.
I have read up about the heat and lightning needs, can any one help with the best way to ensure these needs are met, I am getting confused with the talk of all in one bulbs, and seperate basking and lighting bulbs and thermometers etc. I want to make sure I get it right.
I have read up about what they can eat and whats poisonous but again what is the ultimate diet? Which foods should they have daily and which should be treats only, can anyone give an example of a weekly diet they feed? (again I want to get it right)
Also would I be better getting an hatchling or an older tortoise? Whats the best age to buy one at?
If anyone can help I would be very grateful, I will of course be continuing to put my own research in, i'm just hoping to narrow it down to one breed and read as much as I can between now and when I get my baby. Thank you for reading x
I would need a small breed of tortoise as he/she would live indoors, there will be access to outside in the warmer months, I am interested in either a horse field tortoise or a Hermann tortoise, in your opinion which of these would be best for a first time owner? Or are there any other smaller breeds that would be more suitable?
As I said in my title I have 2 cats, would I be able to use an indoor animal cage as an enclosure? or is there anything I can do to cat proof a tortoise table? My cats will never ever be left alone with my tortoise but I don't want any split second accidents either. I also have 2 dogs but they have never bothered with any of the other small pets we have so I don't think they would bother with a tortoise, again though they are never left unattended with any of my pets or children.
I have read up about the heat and lightning needs, can any one help with the best way to ensure these needs are met, I am getting confused with the talk of all in one bulbs, and seperate basking and lighting bulbs and thermometers etc. I want to make sure I get it right.
I have read up about what they can eat and whats poisonous but again what is the ultimate diet? Which foods should they have daily and which should be treats only, can anyone give an example of a weekly diet they feed? (again I want to get it right)
Also would I be better getting an hatchling or an older tortoise? Whats the best age to buy one at?
If anyone can help I would be very grateful, I will of course be continuing to put my own research in, i'm just hoping to narrow it down to one breed and read as much as I can between now and when I get my baby. Thank you for reading x