We're on the slowest path ever to bringing home a leopard tortoise, so it's time to start asking questions instead of just reading!
I live in northern IL. I've been interested in having a pet tortoise for a few years, starting really looking into it about 6 months ago, and now think we're ready. But I'm not sure where to start!
We've decided on getting a GPP. Perhaps it's @Tom extolling the virtues - but I'm hooked. But we have a couple of questions.
First: So many of you have multiple tortoises, but I've read over and over that having just one is the way to go. I've read never EVER get a pair, if you want more than one - get three. But... is it really just better to have one? We anticipate the tortoise having full roam of a nearly fenced in acre once big enough, but as we live in IL, it will need to be overwintered indoors. In my head, I know that I'm just projecting human emotions on a non-human, but... wouldn't they want some contact with their own species?
Second: Any good books out there regarding the rearing of a healthy tortoise that you would recommend? I've read the care sheets - but I'd love to learn more, and hopefully not have (many) beginners mistakes! (And yes, I read the post!)
Third: Male versus female? Or does it even make a difference? I've read the female may grow a bit larger. Are they friendlier? Less aggressive? What are your general observations of gender?
I'm a dog person - so anything regarding tortoises is well outside my comfort zone. Any tips you might have are appreciated!
I live in northern IL. I've been interested in having a pet tortoise for a few years, starting really looking into it about 6 months ago, and now think we're ready. But I'm not sure where to start!
We've decided on getting a GPP. Perhaps it's @Tom extolling the virtues - but I'm hooked. But we have a couple of questions.
First: So many of you have multiple tortoises, but I've read over and over that having just one is the way to go. I've read never EVER get a pair, if you want more than one - get three. But... is it really just better to have one? We anticipate the tortoise having full roam of a nearly fenced in acre once big enough, but as we live in IL, it will need to be overwintered indoors. In my head, I know that I'm just projecting human emotions on a non-human, but... wouldn't they want some contact with their own species?
Second: Any good books out there regarding the rearing of a healthy tortoise that you would recommend? I've read the care sheets - but I'd love to learn more, and hopefully not have (many) beginners mistakes! (And yes, I read the post!)
Third: Male versus female? Or does it even make a difference? I've read the female may grow a bit larger. Are they friendlier? Less aggressive? What are your general observations of gender?
I'm a dog person - so anything regarding tortoises is well outside my comfort zone. Any tips you might have are appreciated!