Hibernating

[Nail42]

Hi i nothing about Tortoises and was wondering if they all (if any) hibernate. Also if there are any non hibernating species are they easy to find in reptile shops.
Thanks

[daughterofthedarkness]

Leopard tortoises don't hibernate, neither do the tropical ones like red foots and yellow foots, however these all get rather large.

[leggy]

The indian star is non hibernating and it stays a reasonable size. I dont think any torts are easy to care for but i have heard most recomend Hermanns as a good starter but that needs to hibernate. I only know about the Leopards and stars and In my opinion the star is a better option long term due to size. I would only buy from a breeder as the shops to my knowledge sell imports and not only is it more expensive but the tort will likely be ill and full of worms. I know stars are hard to find but have seen the leopards advertised

[lpickering]

please dont ever buy from pet shops or reptile shops i was done twice, i bought my first tort from a shop, 4 days later had to take her back as she was really ill had diarrohea and runny nose syndrome and then i bought two torts from a "breeder" which turned out to be someone who imported them rather than breed them. was told a story about how they are better imported etc but trust me theyre not!!! make sure they are UK CAPTIVE BREAD if they are not stay well clear or you will have a very big vet bill. I had to go to the vet with my two 2x last week they had conjunctivitis and then found they had worm infestation the next day so they needed antibiotics and worming and the second worm treatment is on thursday this week. please please dont buy imports its not fair on the poor animals. i have now joined the tort protection group to try and stop inportations and pet/reptile shops selling these they give really bad advice and just want your money there is absolutely no after care. please buy from a breeder and when/if you do get one make sure on the C.I.T.I.Es documents it says UK captive bread. hope this helps