A tortoise or two what would you recommend??

what!!! now tortoise domination!!!



you go mate

__________________
my family1.0.0 leo, spike1.1.1 bosc, zuko-Mo-Tigga1.0 american bulldog, bruno0.1 rottweiler, cheikawife2.2 kids + 1 on the waystep brother

hi it depends on what space and facilities you are able to offer,also depends on your level of commitment, as some species can be expensive and labour intensive to overwinter as adults,i would you suggest you read up on what is available in the country you live then when you have a better idea what you want post on here. should it be a species or sub species i keep and breed i will be more than happy to go into it with you in more detail.otherwise i feel sure someone else can help you.
terry

__________________
these are my own opinions do with them what you will


http://www.shelledwarriors.co.uk/

First consider whether you want to keep a species which hibernates or not.

For instance some recommended beginner species which hibernate are Hermanns, Horsfields, Med Spur-Thigh. Out of the species which don't hibernate Redfoots are recommended for beginners.

Your next consideration should be housing and outdoor space... do you have enough room for both of these? All the above mentioned species will eventually grow to a size that needs a large amount of space outdoors, when the weather permits, and large indoor housing for when the weather doesn't permit. Even the hibernating species will need indoor housing for early spring and autumn in this country and times when it is too wet and cold for them to be outside unless you provide an outdoor heated area.

There are some good links on this thread about keeping Med tortoises:

MED TORTOISES... useful links

One last point, if you plan to buy two tortoises of a young age (too young to sex) you would need to be prepared for the eventuality that you may have to split them up when they reach maturity if you have a male and female.

In essence my advice would be decide on which species you can provide adequate care for then post again so people can help out on specific husbandry for that species.

__________________

I have plenty of space and plenty of free vivs ( Only Joking about the slow cooker )

We have a wide back garden. Preferably I would be after adults ( Male and female pair ) Hibernation not a problem I used to Hibernate my nans tortoise when i was a little wee lad.

Soooooooooo Any recommendations. I've bred a few reptiles in my time but would love to bring some CB torts into the world instead of this imported crap from slavaki how ever you spell it

Sulcatas and Aldabras are very easy to take care of and you can find both easily... but they are expensive.

ed

__________________
Ed @ not allowed to post a link
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

No offence intended, I thought you were pro-imports, not anti-imports??...

You are fortunate to have a tort keeper, who has at least 3 species, right on your doorstep. I am sure Steve could point you in the right direction. Although he may agree with me, adult torts rarely become available...T.T.

__________________

Weeds...There free ya know!!!

If you wanted adult torts, keep an eye out on www.slowcoach.co.uk, there seems to be a better selection of adult tortoises being advertised than say preloved etc. Personally, I would say horsfields are an excellent choice for new and experienced keepers as they eat whatever you feed them, they interact with you and are relatively hardy. My personal favourite out of all my tortoises!

Breeding is not quite as easy as putting two adults together and waiting for eggs.

I would reccomend you go for a pair of younger tortoises first and then once you have experience, look into breeding if it's something you really want to do.

Look for a good UKCB breeder, there are lists on;
Tortoise-world.com - Home of the original UK Tortoise Breeders list, by Josh Parry (my site)
and The Tortoise House
also
Tortsmad : Tortsmad

with regards to which species you should get, I'd advise researching about some species, then deciding which you can cater for best.

They will need an outdoor enclosure for the summer.

__________________
Josh
www.tortoise-world.com

Im pro imports for the correct species But also like to support UK breeders.

I must admit I do like the Sulcatas I think its the size which I prefer

I will obviously be doing more research on them and won't just go out and buy.

Thank you for all the advice given so far.