Which species please?

[sweet Dee]

If you aren't going to buy a hatchling from a breeder I would recommend adopting a rescue. Sometimes they take a little more work, but most rescues are perfectly healthy and are just looking for a good home. I believe that Hermanns and russians are very popular in the UK and would be the mojority of what's availible for adoption. Some other UK members might have more information on availible rescues in your area, but you could always just look up reptile/tortoise sanctuarys in your area.

Thanks,I didn't even think of rescue as I didn't realize there would be any to be honest!

 

[JoesMum]

Great thank you. I am going to speak to a reptile specialist tomorrow to get a better idea of what species is best. I have a viv already from a friend,it's 3 foot and has a heat pad,timer and temp cage so that's a start!

Let's start with the heat pad. Torrtoises have evolved to get their body heat by basking in the sun. They need heat from above, not below. Heat mats are not recommended for tortoises.

A young tortoise can start in a vivarium. Indeed it isideal to keep it warm and humid as it needs. However, your tort will need a basking lamp, UVB source to mimic the sun and a Ceramic Heat Emitter (CHE) used with a thermostat to keep the ambient temperature steady day and night.

No coloured bulbs. Torts need complete darkness at night.

This is a really good guide to set up for young Testudo
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/b...or-other-herbivorous-tortoise-species.107734/

Be aware that your tort will need something much bigger than a viv after a 2-3 years

 

[sweet Dee]

Let's start with the heat pad. Torrtoises have evolved to get their body heat by basking in the sun. They need heat from above, not below. Heat mats are not recommended for tortoises.

A young tortoise can start in a vivarium. Indeed it isideal to keep it warm and humid as it needs. However, your tort will need a basking lamp, UVB source to mimic the sun and a Ceramic Heat Emitter (CHE) used with a thermostat to keep the ambient temperature steady day and night.

No coloured bulbs. Torts need complete darkness at night.

This is a really good guide to set up for young Testudo
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/b...or-other-herbivorous-tortoise-species.107734/

Be aware that your tort will need something much bigger than a viv after a 2-3 years

Super thanks.
I know about the lights etc and didn't think the heat pad was needed (it just came with the Viv) I'm planning on getting or making a big tortoise table to fill the spare room for when he grows. Still unsure of species! Won't be getting one until everything is ready and I have all the information.