New to the forum and new to tortoises....

[lnrak]

Hello - I'm new to the forum and am looking for any info I can get on purchasing a tortoise for my daughter. Which would be the best kind (the smaller the better!!) and something which I can't seem to find on the net - do you have to hibernate the tortoise every year or do they not need hibernation indoors at a constant temperature? Thanks for your help - lnrak.

[Katiexx]

Hello Inrak.

if you're after a smaller spcies you're looking at Hermanns, Horsefields, (these are classed as Mediteranean species). These both need to hibernate. If you want a tortoise that won't hibernate then you're looking at your tropical species such as Indian Star tortoises (they rarely exceed 25cm in length as adults, n males rarely exceed 20cm plastron length). They however, are more known for being sensitive. they aren't usually classed as a beginner tortoise. But to be honest if you've researched enough and are prepared to put in what they need then i see no problem. (I've yet to find someone in the UK who keeps these torts outside full time..there might be a few people on here) They'll need overwintering indoors.

Horsfields (aka Russian tortoise)are the tortoises i keep, and i adore them. They are SUCH characters. Both are very very different to one another. Horsefields thrive on a vegi diet of mainly weeds,wild flowers

There's also the option of Spur-thighed tortoises as there adult size is roughly 20cm (these hibernate though.not a species i've kept so others on here will be better to give advice)

Whichever you choose try to ensure that there indoor accomodation is a Tortoise Table and not a vivarium. (hard to regulate the humidity in a viv, n species such as horsfields suffer from high humidity). Bigger the better as torts walk miles in the wild.

so much more, but hopefully by naming some species u might have abetter idea. also visit Tortoise Trust Web - Start Page < some good information on there

HTH
Katie

[Graham]

The most important piece of advice you need is only buy from a genuine UK breeder who has been recommended by an experienced tortoise owner, this way you'll avoid all the potential problems of buying an imported, possibly wild caught tort.
A good UK breeder will also give you all the correct info you need re housing, feeding, hibernation etc...
Just be aware that many dealers on the net, and many petshops, garden centres etc as well, claim to sell captive bred tortoises, and in many cases they have been found to be dodgy imports, speaking as one who has suffered at the hands of these people believe me this is not a route you want to go down!

[lnrak]

Thanks very much, greatly appreciated