I know you Tortoise people are pretty hot on correct care etc, so thought I would ask a few questions.

I am thinking about getting me a tort, but am not really sure what to go for, so if people dont mind, I will list what sort of thing I am looking for and if you want to suggest some species for me to think about??

I dont have much knowledge of torts at all, appart from housing and care requirements I have got from care sheets, so please bear that in mind if I say anything stupid.

I want a tort that i can interact with, something that enjoys coming out exploring etc, not sure if all species are pretty much the same on this?.

Something that doesnt get too big, preferably that can be kept in a 2ft viv or small tort table, 3ft viv max.

And i will also mention that I have 2 cats, 1 of which is very inquisitive and will want to play with anything that moves, I would keep him away from the tort, but my worry would be if I kept it outside over the summer, not sure if anyone has suggestions on this?

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dont keep it in a viv

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ANDY B 1

Taken the place of Tops in his absence
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What ive got0.1.0 '07 Amel corn snake2.1.0 Hermanns Tortoises2.3.0 Cats0.2.0 Guinea pigs

lol, good point, so need something that will only need a smallish table

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Hermanns And Horsefields Ae Good First Tortoises But If Yuu Want One That Doesnt Hibernate Then A Red Foot Is Also A Good Option But They Grow Bigger And They Are Kept In The Viv As They Like Humidity

India

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My Pets =) 0.1.0 dog 1.0.0 hamster 0.0.8 fish 0.0.1 tortoise

Just For .... Craig

Member number - 9448 go me!!

hermanns, horsfield, marginated, spur thinged

all good small starter tortoises

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ANDY B 1

Taken the place of Tops in his absence
Ñ Ç

What ive got0.1.0 '07 Amel corn snake2.1.0 Hermanns Tortoises2.3.0 Cats0.2.0 Guinea pigs

Horsfield, hermann, spur thigh and marginated are all very easy to keep tortoises (as long as you're prepared to hibernate) or a redfoot (if you don't want to hibernate).

A 3ft tort table will be fine for a hatchling but a full grown adult will need more space. You'll also need to provide a secure outdoor enclosure which can be used from around May to September. If you have cats then using an indoor rabbit cage would probably be your best option. While the tortoise is small you can use this indoors and carry it outdoors as well. Though it's not hard to build a secure enclosure for outside you'll just need to net it securely - not only to keep your cats out but also to keep out other predators (even birds take hatchling tortoises from gardens).

As with all reptiles there's a million and one things to learn so rather than me try and list lots on here I suggest you have a look at this sticky which has links to some good info:

MED TORTOISES... useful links

There's also sticky's on outdoor enclosures and a list of breeders at the top of the page.

Torts are really lovely to keep and have amazing personalities. Good luck in your research.

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There are some chelonian keepers which do give you a reason to be a little gunshy.

You, as a herper, probably have a better grasp of keeping chelonians than most chelonian keepers.

If you're looking at a 3 ft viv max... there are not many tortoises which can stay in that for more than a few years.

There are some turtles that you can pull this off with such as the mud or musk turtles. They have cool personalities.

Ed

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

Thanks guys, its not something I am going to rush into, i have kept turtles before, but moved them on a while ago. Decided a tort may be a better option, as only need to change a water bowl rather than half a tank

and they can live outside without needing a pond etc.

I will have to have a think about where I can fit in a table, what is the minimum ammount of space I will need to fit in a tort table big enough for an adult?

With regards to summertime outside, would a rabbit run dug into the ground be suitable? as this will obviously keep most things out and should keep the tort safe.

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www.elitereptiles.co.uk PM for directions