Adopting a tortoise...

[Cbow]

Hi, we found a Horsfield tortoise in the garden last week. I called out the SSPCA, who have been looking after it since. I had hoped he would be reunited with his/her owner, but they have not come forward

We were told that we could apply to keep him/her after a week had passed if not claimed. It's now time to decide and we would love to adopt, but have never had a tortoise before. Are they easy enough to look after? We have space in our home for a table and a large garden. Also, we had been considering getting a cat. Would they get along? I don't know how old he/she is yet, but size is about 7inches long.

Any help/advice appreciated

 

[JoesMum]

Hello and welcome

You need to do some background reading and we can provide it.

Beginner Mistakes
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

Horsfield (Russian) Tortoise Care Sheet
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

You will need to provide an enclosure of at least 8' x 4'. They're active tortoises, great climbers, diggers and expert escape artists - and this one clearly has the knack! So you need to take care with security by capping the sides and corners.

Russians are great little tortoises with plenty of personality. The links above wil tell you what you need to know about there care.

Feel free to come back with any questions

 

[Pearly]

Welcome to the forum. I've always had cats and recently got into tortoises, never seen any issues. I think the cats are too cool to care

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Hi

I feel torts are like a child ! They make you happy . They make you think . And when things aren't great they make you hurt . But all in a good way! My grandpa always said a child is just one more cup of water in the soup . But with a tort it's just one more weed in the yard !

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi, and welcome to the Forum!

 

[Speedy-1]

Hi and welcome !

 

[TortoiseWarrior]

Hi. Welcome

 

[8james8]

Hello and welcome. A little bit of research and some willingness to put in some effort and your time is all you need. Tortoises/turtles are not difficult to care for. Being a keeper has been one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences I've had

 

[Gillian M]

A very warm welcome to the forum!

 

[Lyn W]

Hi and welcome, there's lots of information here to help you decide if you can provide the correct care or not.
I was completely unprepared when I took in my lost tort but thankfully found this place. The initial cost for equipment may be a bit steep but gets better once you have it all. If you decide to take him then check here before spending your hard earned money at the pet shops. They often sell unsuitable or unsafe equipment such as coiled bulbs, steep sided dishes or wrong substrates etc. for the sake of profit and this place can not only save you money but make sure your tort will have a safe home.
There have been stories about cats harming baby torts if given the opportunity but at 7 inches he should be OK apart from possibility of scratches, and some have had problems with cats using the enclosures as litter trays so you will need to keep an eye on things.
Hopefully this poor lost explorer will find a loving home with you - they are fascinating!

 

[Cbow]

Thank you for your warm welcome and advice

The owner has not come forward, however the SSPCA have let me know that the tortoise has lesions on either side of his neck and tail. They don't know if this is due to infection or being in a fight but will keep me informed. They are going to carry out a specialist check, fingers crossed he's ok...

 

[Lyn W]

They are tough little things. Mine has a foot missing, possibly rats or an injury but he copes well in spite of his limp. They always try to get through small spaces if they can see through boundaries, so maybe he hurt his neck on a fence trying to get out. I'm sure he will be fine with the right care.