I remember when we bought a hatchling and it only lasted for a week. After that we bought a yearling and he's doing great. I always suggest if its a first time tortoise, go with onr that is established.
Ordered mine in August. I received it in December and was DOA. Just received my replacement on 1/7/11 and it just died this morning. Luckly I have a T-Rex as a back up. I'm starting to loss faith in the Qaulity Control that they have.