My girlfriend has wanted a tortoise for quite some time so i've decided to get her 1 for xmas. I've done plenty of research already but there are a few things that the care sheets don't clear up so i wondered if you could help me.

1. Does the lamp and uv have to be turned off at night or after a set number of hours?

2. Will a baby tortoise be better moving up in size of the table like snakes (which I have so i'm not completely new to reptiles) or can they go straight to an adult size table?

3. If she wants a baby will it have to be 07 or will 08 be out in time for xmas?

4. As a weed only diet with the occasional treat of cucumber and lettuce seems favourable with many, can you buy big bags of it like you can with salad and where from?

Thanks a lot (from a first time poster)

Sorry, forgot to mention it is a Hermanns she wants.

I turn my lamps off at night , i have them on about 12 hours. Weeds are the best food for tort but tomato or such like for a treat. As for tables dont think it matters you could start off with a big one , mine love lots of room to plod about on. Shelled wariors may be a good site for you to look at.

to RFUK.


1. The lamp and uv should be on for around 12 hours a day (8am - 8pm for instance). I've just swapped from separate lights to a combined megaray and would definitely recommend them.

2. An adult size table is going to have to be pretty big, at least 6ft long, so you could start off with a smaller one (a 3ft x 2ft is big enough for a hatchling). Lots of us use underbed boxes instead of wooden tables, they have the advantage of being cheap and easy to replace and waterproof.

3. Have a look at the breeders sticky at the top of the page and speak to a few of them to see what they think they will have available at that time of year. A lot of breeders will be thinking of hibernating them around that time (08's and 07's) but if they know you want one then you could overwinter it for the first year.

4. You can buy weeds seeds on ebay which you can grow over winter, there's a few sellers on there. Cucumber has no nutritional value so should only be fed as a treat. Florette Salad leaves, chicory and watercress are good supermarket additions to bulk out weeds in winter. These should be sprinkled with nutrobal and limestone flour every day.

This thread, in the Newbie section, has links to some information you may find useful:

MED TORTOISES... useful links

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hi i have kept hermans tortoises for 25 years and been breeding them for 20,they are hardy and active but as hatchlings you need to control their diet and ensure they are well hydrated .if you have any other questions please ask i will do my best to answer them.

terry

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these are my own opinions do with them what you will


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

sorry Tina i didnt see your reply
terry

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


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

Terry, you have far more experience than me so I'm just happy if my replies match yours.

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A 4 x 2 will be great. Imports aren't always a problem, just make sure that if you buy one you have it vet checked and treated for parasites.

I don't know of any med species breeders in Notts, the closest are probably Cheshire and Shropshire. Some breeders will deliver or meet you halfway though.

If finances allow I'd suggest you buy two at the same time. The majority of people end up wanting another one within a short space of time and then have to go through the hassle of quarantine. Two together do settle better as well and are more active.

Have you decided exactly which species to buy?

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good choice mozzy007 there lovely

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0.1.0 bearded dragon (ralph)
1.0.0 bearded dragon (bobby)