Multiple torts for newbies

cmacusa3

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I got into a fairly heated discussion today and thought it would be a good debate. I have an acquaintance that wants to get some torts. Not just one, but at least two, to which I explained they don't do good in pairs, that first got him pissed. Then he said he would get at least 3 but wanted around 5. I politely started talking to him about starting slow and getting one. I explained Many times I see people with little to no experience jumping in with multiple torts and as soon as a problem comes up they aren't prepared. My personal choice is I think it's a mistake. I told him my thoughts are get to know everything about a single tort and learn all you can about enclosures, behavior, food...etc. what's everyone's thoughts on this because I know he's going to ask more questions and want my advice as soon as something goes wrong. I told him about TFO but he didn't care.
 

SarahChelonoidis

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It really depends on someone's financial means and willingness to learn. If they are interested in doing it right and can afford to actually do it right, I don't see it as a problem. Some people without tortoise experience can underestimate the initial expense and starting with just one can help them realize what's really involved - but so can careful reading of places like his forum and discussions with experienced keepers of healthy herds.
 

wellington

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I guess I would ask him if he wants a successful here of tortoises or sickly, possibly dead ones. Then explain, that learning all the do's and fonts first will benefit him, the tortoises and his wallet.
 

Yvonne G

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Hi Craig:

When dealing with a hard head, there's not much you can do once their mind is made up. I closed a very old thread today and it showed a picture of what a second baby tortoise did to the first baby tortoise. You might print out that picture and show it to your friend, along with what the OP said happened.

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/bad-day-for-baby.114328/
 
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