caring for a tortoise
- Thread starter kieran
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- May 23, 2009
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you're better off comparing pricies of petshops near you because they would most likely be you sources for tortoise care in the future, unless you are going to consider online purchasing. I know my lamp was like $20.00 and don't forget bulbs too. Nothing is too expensive if you are considering a tortoise though, because I noticed that the one notch down in products can be bad (Like liquid calcium, and calci-sand compared to the powdered calcium)
In my opinion, tortoises are wild animals (they haven't gone through years of human intervention making them domesticated animals) and as such need to be outside. Keeping a tortoise outside doesn't cost nearly as much as keeping one inside. When inside, they need a large habitat so they can get plenty of exercise (no aquarium), a UVB light, so they can make their calcium work, substrate, hiding places, water dish, food, a heat source, etc. If you keep a tortoise inside without the proper equipment, he won't live long.
Yvonne
Yvonne
Not to scare you off, but just UV bulbs can be near $50, and they only last for a year or so! Most every pet is cheep, when kept poorly, and then it does not live long....but most every pet is fairly expensive when proper habitats are built and the ocasional vet visit is factored in!
Thats why the idea of a pet shop pushing people out the door with a tort, sand, aquarium, and a cheep bulb is so scary. Its far less then what the animal needs to live well, let alone thrive!
Your looking to make the right decision and getting the facts before making the rash "he's so cute" decision, and that's excellent.....for both you and the tort!
Thats why the idea of a pet shop pushing people out the door with a tort, sand, aquarium, and a cheep bulb is so scary. Its far less then what the animal needs to live well, let alone thrive!
Your looking to make the right decision and getting the facts before making the rash "he's so cute" decision, and that's excellent.....for both you and the tort!
kieran, welcome to the forum. I commend you for doing research prior to getting a tort. It can be a lifetime commitment.
While you are researching getting a tort. Check and see if there is a vet in your area that cares and knows Torts. Do you have an idea of what type you may want?
While you are researching getting a tort. Check and see if there is a vet in your area that cares and knows Torts. Do you have an idea of what type you may want?
M
Maggie Cummings
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You would be better off getting a Rubbermaid type tub instead of a viv and your tort would be better off also. They pretty much need a heat/UVB light as they need to get their body temp up so they can metabolize their food. If they are too cold they won't eat. If they don't eat you'll get a sick animal.
You're gonna need a container, a heat light and a UVB light, substrate and a hide for them to sleep in. You'll probably want a thermometer also so you can monitor the temp of the tank/container. Getting a tortoise set up is not cheap. You can do without the UVB bulb in the summer if you put the animal outside, but you'll need the heat light...you'll also need to find a reptile Vet and a well tort visit will cost too. I hope we have answered all your questions. If you have Craig's list you might get some of that stuff used and cheaper...
You're gonna need a container, a heat light and a UVB light, substrate and a hide for them to sleep in. You'll probably want a thermometer also so you can monitor the temp of the tank/container. Getting a tortoise set up is not cheap. You can do without the UVB bulb in the summer if you put the animal outside, but you'll need the heat light...you'll also need to find a reptile Vet and a well tort visit will cost too. I hope we have answered all your questions. If you have Craig's list you might get some of that stuff used and cheaper...
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- Jan 22, 2008
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Hi...Welcome to the forum.
First you will need to decide what species of tortoise you want. For a first timer, I would suggest NOT getting one that will be really large, as their needs are much larger. It is usually better for first timers to get one that is well started instead of a hatchling.
Then go to the section of this forum that offers info about your choice. Also read the section on enclosures and on food. Different species have different requirements.
As mentioned, before you need one, you need to find a vet near you. If you tell us what city/town you live in, someone will look up choices in your area. It is recommended to take a poop sample to a vet a couple weeks after you get your tort so he can be checked for parasites, coccidia, bacteria, etc.
When you set up your outside enclosure you will need to make sure it can't dig out under your fencing, which needs to be solid so he can't see out. They are less apt to dig if they can't see out.
Basicly get as much informatioin as you can. Get your enclosure set up before you buy your tortoise.
Good luck
Patsy
First you will need to decide what species of tortoise you want. For a first timer, I would suggest NOT getting one that will be really large, as their needs are much larger. It is usually better for first timers to get one that is well started instead of a hatchling.
Then go to the section of this forum that offers info about your choice. Also read the section on enclosures and on food. Different species have different requirements.
As mentioned, before you need one, you need to find a vet near you. If you tell us what city/town you live in, someone will look up choices in your area. It is recommended to take a poop sample to a vet a couple weeks after you get your tort so he can be checked for parasites, coccidia, bacteria, etc.
When you set up your outside enclosure you will need to make sure it can't dig out under your fencing, which needs to be solid so he can't see out. They are less apt to dig if they can't see out.
Basicly get as much informatioin as you can. Get your enclosure set up before you buy your tortoise.
Good luck
Patsy
What kind are you getting? A lot of how we answer will depend on the type. They need different care. Some are easier then others...
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