introduction

[josiejump120883]

Hi folks, I'm from Scotland, I don't own a tortoise yet but my 10 year old son has been asking for one for years and finally I feel he's old enough to share the responsibility and have an understanding of what owning a pet tortoise involves. I don't know much myself so thought here would be the best place to start.

 

[kirsty Johnston]

Hello and welcome.
I'm from Scotland as well
I would recommend a hermanns or a Greek tortoise. These are the tortoises which cope best is the British climate. Also they don't grow as big as some of the others.
Also as you are new to the tortoise world I wouldn't recommend a hatchling (a baby tortoise) because they need to be kept warmer and have more requirements.
Check out the care sheets for both of these

 

[josiejump120883]

Hi, thanks very much for your reply. Hermanns certainly seem like the popular option. I will have a look through the care sheets, are they expensive pets to look after?

 

[kirsty Johnston]

No worries
They can be expensive. For food etc it costs next to nothing because they eat weeds and flowers and you only really need to pay for calcium powder and cuttlefish bones.
The biggest expense in my opinion is the electricity. You will need a uva, uvb, and heat bulb running for 12 hours everyday. Also if your not going to hibernate your tortoise through the winter your heating bill will be quite high to keep the temps correct for your tortoise. But I personally feel like it's all worth it

 

[josiejump120883]

My heating bill is always high I'm one of these permanently cold people lol
Am I better to source a breeder to ensure I'm buying a healthy tort?

 

[kirsty Johnston]

My heating bill is always high I'm one of these permanently cold people lol
Am I better to source a breeder to ensure I'm buying a healthy tort?

Haha should do pretty well then!
Yeah I wouldn't go to a pet shop. Try and find a breeder or adopt one from gumtree or the sspca. Please keep me updated.
I'm very excited for you!

 

[wellington]

Hello and Welcome to you and your son. This is a great place to start and the only place to look.

 

[josiejump120883]

Thank you, I'd like to surprise my son with his tort on Xmas morning, all going to plan. Thanks very much for your advice tonight, I was mega daunted at first but now not so much, and looking forward to having a wee shell dude (i may try to swap my toddler and get 2! Lol)

 

[Yvonne G]

Welcome to the forum!

First thing to learn: Do not trust the opinions of the clerks at the pet store. They're in business to make money, and really don't know too much about what you need to buy for your tortoise.

 

[josiejump120883]

They guys in our only Pet store would struggle to tie their shoes lol I'd definately seek advice from elsewhere

 

[AnimalLady]

Hello and welcome!

Can't wait to see whatcha get!

Good luck to you!

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Hello Josie

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Welcome.
Scotland is well represented here with quite a few active members.
Yes. photos when you decide!

 

[josiejump120883]

There are quite a few locally looking to be rehomed etc.. so besides the tort table... Where to u keep them safe when you're not at home during the day and at night? (apologies if that seems like a silly question)

 

[Speedy-1]

Hi and welcome !

 

[Yvonne G]

In my opinion, the tortoise needs a habitat dedicated to him, and he needs to stay in it...whether that habitat is indoors, outdoors, or indoors and outdoors. All of my tortoises have their own space. Each species has his own space. If I'm away from the house, the tortoises are in their habitats, safe and sound.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Hello, Josie, and a very warm welcome to Tortoise Forum.
Have a look at http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/ to start off with.
Then, for Greeks and Hermann's plus Russians, which i think would be a good third option for you try:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/greek-tortoise-testudo-graeca-care-sheet-overview.87146/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/sticky-hermanns-tortoise-care-sheet-updated.101410/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/
an other good information on :
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/the-end-of-pyramiding.15137/
and http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/closed-chambers.32333/.
A lot of reading, i know, but the expense is mainly in the set up (and electricity) so it saves a lot of time and money to get it right before you start.
Have a read and please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions.
All the answers you need are available through this forum.

 

[josiejump120883]

Thank you all for the kind welcome and advice, it's very much appreciated.