Tortoise

[SteveCourty]

My girlfriend wants a tortoise and im thinking a christmas present would be a good idea (Dont worry shes wanted one for a few years so it wont be a fad) In your opinion what would be the best to get? This will give me a good chance to read up on them before I make a decision

[TIMOTHY AND MATILDA]

I have 4 hermanns
They are fab
Best to use an open topped tortoise table rather than a vivarium,people make them out of argos deep bookcase laid on its side which is a perfect indoor home

[SteveCourty]

yeah already looked at a few tables that people I no have locally im fairly handy with a saw and hammer so could easily make something up

[annsimpson1]

you need to consider whether you wish to hibernate, if you have outside space, how much space indoors, do you go away a lot (there are no tort kennels) and also how settled you are as these are obviously very long term commitments. The most commonly available ones are the med torts, hermans, greek spurs, followed by the Horsfeilds and marginated, horsfeilds don't require paperwork, all appreciate being outside in the summer, are better pruchased from a breeder rather than a shop, all also hibernate in the wild and although they can live in viv's its easier to keep them in tort tables unless you have a very cold house. None are eccessively large as adults but would need a large space if kept inside and not hibernated.

[blazingtortoise]

Just a quick note - bear in mind that you are looking at hibernating species but at the time of year when they may be hibernating or winding down (esp round christmas) so they may be less available, especially from a breeder.

[purplepixie]

Good beginners tortoises are, marginata, hermans, horsfields and iberas for hibernating speices. Redfoots are tropical tortoises and are reasonably easy.

[Grond]

I think Hermans or Iberas are ideal for a first tortoise.

You will need to think about what you're going to do over winter if you don't hibernate, as you will need to create artificial summer conditions indoors with heat and UV light.