Hi everyone. Does anyone have a pet tortoise? If so what are they like as pets? Are they hard to care for?
We kept tortoises for many years. I wouldn't say they're too difficult to keep but they are great escape artistes and need a secure garden as once they smell freedom they can move at a real pace. Basically, ours had the run of the house and their favourite sleeping place was in the hearth...we have solid fuel heating...so when they came to hibernate it was a bit difficult and they never really went to sleep properly. One of the few times Titan hibernated she awoke with a gummed up mouth...this can happen...and the vet had to sedate her to ungum it. Feeding wasn't a problem, they loved dog food, peaches, tomatoes, nectarines, greens, apples, dandelions and any garden plant that took their fancy...make sure there isn't anything poisonous...and they like to drink, so fresh water. We also gave them warm baths and weighed them regularly as they need a good weight for hibernation. They also like company, for when Titan passed on Max became quite fretful and we decided to part with him. We gave him to a trusted friend who had a very old tortoise who had lost his companion and there he lived out his life. They can live to a great age, someone I know inherited hers, he'd been passed down through the family. Because of the cruelty involved in importing tortoises, a license is needed to keep one in UK now and I believe they are bred here...though there is an illegal trade still.
my african sulcatta has not reached the age to be big enough to live outside yet but he loves to go outside every chance he gets if you buy a baby tourtoise start him out in a large glass tank untill he gets big enough for outside living...if you get a tourtoise that will get very large you will need to build a shed for him/her...they are great animals and fun to watch grow...p.s. my tourtoise absoulutley loves dandelions
www.turtletimes.com is a great site that can help you decide if a tortoise is the right pet for you, and what type would be good for your lifestyle. There are many informative care sheets there, as well as forums filled with educated and knowledgeable members: http://www.turtletimes.com/forums/ peace.
