im doing this on behalf of my mum. she wants a tort, i have no idea if she will actually get one but i think its best i get the info before she makes any sort of decision.
i have some questions.
1)what's the best starter tort?
2)can i have some basic info on it?
3)this is to settle an argument. where do you put hybernating torts?
xsachax

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Hey,

Ive just got mine last tuesday (4th March) and make sure you do your research. I got a horsfield as they are really hardy torts and are good for starters if u like... Hermanns are also good and hardy.

They do hibernate although only do so if they are healthy, no health problems etc. They are best fed on weeds (and the especially love dandelion) but occasioanlly if you have no weeds avalable that day wont to them any harm on the odd romaine lettuce or something like that from a supermarket, although stay away from supermarket food as they tend to have high sugar levels or something, best to be natural! They are best kept in a tort table which you can buy from somebody who makes them or you can make your own one which would probobly be much cheaper. They need a light to bask under wich needs to be around 34*C i think or something like that and a UVB light so they can obsorb calcium... their food also needs to be supplimented with limestone flour and some form of nurtient thing like Nutrobol daily depending on age etc. It is best to bath them regularly to keep them hydrated and it also stimulates their 'parts' to release their mess. Mine did a nice empty of himself/herself today by urinating, releasing a nice dose of uric acid (like a white liquidy stuff) and about 3 nice poos. Was so proud of it

It is best on the hotter days to put them outside because then they can get the full benefit of the sun and be outdoors which they love. Again this really depends on how secure your garden is. Horsfields tend to dig and burrow lots but they have great personalities!

I havent done hibernation yet but there are different methods with fridge methods etc. Again i think it really depends on what you have avalable and what your temps are like etc. because they need to be kept at quite a small range of temperatures otherwise they will freeze to death if you like i have heard if they are below like 0 and they can also loose sight etc. so you know need to ask an expert.

Aparently they can also carry bacteria such as Salmonella but i have been told with some basic hygiene methods then you should be fine (and sure do i follow them!)

Right i have probobly said the wrong thing but never mind and i have also proboboly missed loads out sorry for dragging it on a bit i am sure somebody can give a better answer.

Mike

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0.0.1 Horsfield Tortoise?

thanks for the info i will pass it on to her. its just waiting for her to make up her mind lol.
thnx
xsachax

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red foots are great starter torts loadsa people on here have them and they dont need to hybernate :-D

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2.3 bearded dragons, 1.0 red foot tortoise, 1.1 ferrets, 0.1 labrador, 0.1 pomeranian, 0.1 cat,
0.1 royal python, 0.1 bunny, 1.0 yemen chameleon.

they can grow pretty big cant they though?

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0.0.1 Horsfield Tortoise?

Reds do get big but if you have the space thay do make a good fierst tort

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1) Hermans

2) see the med tort caresheet stickied at the top of the shelled section.

3) THEY CAN BE HIBERNATED IN THE FRIDGE OR A COOL OUTBUILDING.

Please excuse the capitals.