Hi, all!
I just signed up for the forum and need advice on whether to become a tortoise owner. It's a decision only I can make, I know; but I'm interested in what you think. Please read to my questions at the bottom.
I have fallen in love with a local breeder's young red-foots. I think all kids should have pets, and I am allergic to anything with fur or feathers. These are three sister red-foots, almost 3 years old, home-raised by loving and knowledgeable owners. One sister is active, one serene, and one a bully. They like people. They're gloriously healthy. The owner wants to sell by Oct 15, before an extended overseas trip.
I'm a busy writer & mom of two kids, 8 and 9, with a husband who works long hours; the burden of care would fall on me. I am the only person in my family without ADD, so I am the one who makes schedules, teaches people to manage time, checks that chores are done, etc. It's a strain sometimes.
We live in New England, have no other pets besides fish, have yard and house space. I have read up on red-foots everywhere I could find (including here!), and I think they'd be cute, friendly, easy pets--but of course any pet takes care.
My questions:
-Have any of you ever had a "drop-everything" tortoise emergency? If yes, how frequently do these happen?
-If I decide to go ahead with these little torts, how many do you recommend I bring home? (I've read conflicting advice about red-foot numbers.) Do you have any opinion about which one(s)?
Thanks for all insight!
-Debbie
I just signed up for the forum and need advice on whether to become a tortoise owner. It's a decision only I can make, I know; but I'm interested in what you think. Please read to my questions at the bottom.
I have fallen in love with a local breeder's young red-foots. I think all kids should have pets, and I am allergic to anything with fur or feathers. These are three sister red-foots, almost 3 years old, home-raised by loving and knowledgeable owners. One sister is active, one serene, and one a bully. They like people. They're gloriously healthy. The owner wants to sell by Oct 15, before an extended overseas trip.
I'm a busy writer & mom of two kids, 8 and 9, with a husband who works long hours; the burden of care would fall on me. I am the only person in my family without ADD, so I am the one who makes schedules, teaches people to manage time, checks that chores are done, etc. It's a strain sometimes.
We live in New England, have no other pets besides fish, have yard and house space. I have read up on red-foots everywhere I could find (including here!), and I think they'd be cute, friendly, easy pets--but of course any pet takes care.
My questions:
-Have any of you ever had a "drop-everything" tortoise emergency? If yes, how frequently do these happen?
-If I decide to go ahead with these little torts, how many do you recommend I bring home? (I've read conflicting advice about red-foot numbers.) Do you have any opinion about which one(s)?
Thanks for all insight!
-Debbie