tortoises ??

[jazzywoo]

hi guys my daughter while we were at the reptile shop fell totally in love with the tortoises and is desperatly wanting one for her own she is 6 and very rarely gets excited about anything
so we have sat her down and told her if she still really really wants one next xmas santa will bring her one
i just want to make sure that it isnt just a omg how cute are those i want one !!
what i want to ask is before major reasearch starts so i actually do the right research do all torts hibonate or do some just stay awake not sure she will be impressed by her pet going to sleep for half the year lol
or with the right encolsure etc do normal torts stay awake over winter
we have been given a tort table but are vivs better ?
as you can tell i have no idea what im talking about
any advice information recommendation on type books to read anything you think will help us over the next year with research so we can be sure we are providing the best for this tortoise i know she will still want one but i need to make sure but i want to know everything and provide the best for it and be ready for next xmas

[mariekni]

i'm sure i'll be corrected if i'm wrong but i think red foot tortoises dont hibernate.

EDIT: typed turtle instead or tortoise

[ingwerules]

not all torts hibernate,but the ones that dont usually grow quite big, non med torts like leopard/sulcata.
tortoise tables are better imho as of the circulation of fresh air etc
however in the warmer months you will need to put it outside through the day as natural sunlight is much better for them.
if you go to www.shelledwarriors.co.uk and ask the ppl on there as its a designated sight for torts etc and you'll probably find more info.
plus theres uk breeders there too
good luck with your search

[ingwerules]

Originally Posted by mariekni

i'm sure i'll be corrected if i'm wrong but i think red foot tortoises dont hibernate.

EDIT: typed turtle instead or tortoise

i think your right

[purplepixie]

Hermans, ibera, marginata, graeca graeca and horsfields all hibernate, and all but the graeca graeca make good first time tortoises.
www.thetortoisehouse.com and www.tortoises.net for great reading at your leisure.
Redfoots, are one of the easier to keep non hibernators, but as has been said they do grow large.
Open topped enclosures are far better for med tortoises, and more natural.
Some books are out of date by the time they actually get into print. But most newer books are better than some of the out dated older ones.
Tortoises need a UV/heat lamp or spotlight and UV tube.
Substrate if a med, soil and sand mix.
Water.
Calciumcarbonate for their bones.
Small house.
That is the basic needs. The two sites above give more detailed info.

[Chelsea_88]

Hiya
hope your okay, have you found a home for MY 2 little boy lops (i wish haha)
I have 2 horsfields who are 3 years and havent been hibernated, i got them earlier in the year and i was too scared to hibernate them so they are still plodding around as if it were summer. Its great that you are looking deeply into it though

[jazzywoo]

Originally Posted by Chelsea_88

Hiya
hope your okay, have you found a home for MY 2 little boy lops (i wish haha)
I have 2 horsfields who are 3 years and havent been hibernated, i got them earlier in the year and i was too scared to hibernate them so they are still plodding around as if it were summer. Its great that you are looking deeply into it though

no the boys still need a home come and get them you can have them
awww want to see pics of yours

[Chelsea_88]

I wish i had room and the cages
Ive just updated my album on here the 4 of them are on there, we got a new edition last week, barney

[becki_moorcroft]

I want a pair of indian stars... just havent got the space yet... the non hibinators are generally pricer and have harder care requirements from what ive read up on... and i havent given you the table lol... just loaned as i cant get mine till i get a house first rofl... so you have a good few years for it to outgrow it
xx

[Mrs Mental]

Originally Posted by ingwerules

not all torts hibernate,but the ones that dont usually grow quite big, non med torts like leopard/sulcata.
tortoise tables are better imho as of the circulation of fresh air etc
however in the warmer months you will need to put it outside through the day as natural sunlight is much better for them.
if you go to www.shelledwarriors.co.uk and ask the ppl on there as its a designated sight for torts etc and you'll probably find more info.
plus theres uk breeders there too
good luck with your search

Yeah cos we are all thick in here and cant answer your questions!!!!

Think your questions have been answered by Purple Pixie above hun but just wanted to add a hello and welcome to the site from me

As PP suggested have a read through the caresheets and come back with any questions. I'd think a Redfoot may well be the way to go as its one of the smaller non hibernating tortoises and very gorgeous with a great character!!!!