Hi. I would like to purchase a Tortoise but I am very new to them. Does anybody know which type of Tortoise is best for beginners or which has the best temperment etc.

Thanks very much.

__________________

If you haven't seen it before, read some of the articles/caresheets on Tortoise Trust Web - Start Page

The caresheets there will direct you based on what sort of size, environment etc. you want for your tortoise.

__________________

Most people would recommend you getting either a hermanns tortoise or a spur thigh tortoise, these grow to a reasonable size and are probably the most easy to get hold of!

__________________

see i'm biased and would probably say Horsfields. I have two and their full of character. Don't grow to big..i wouldn't class them as small either.. all torts neeed access to lots and lots of space.

But basically what Athravan said. Have a look on there and see what kind of tort best suits what you're after, then by all means come back n ask for more tips n advice


Katie

__________________

hi ,i got a horsfeild great little character,best thing to do is get more info,but i got a horsfeild as that was recommended,and mabe been a bit biased,good luck keep us up to date

For a beginner I would stay away from tropical tortoises. You would be better of with a hermanns, horsfield, ibera or graeca (these are hibernating species).......each tortoise has their own individual temperement of course, but as a rule horsfields and hermanns are classed as the ideal 'first tortoise' and horsfields have bags of personality whereas hermanns can be more 'chilled out'.....but this is a big generalisation.......they are all fabulous

I would strongly recommend NOT buying from any pet shop/internet site/garden centre, only buy from a breeder. This way you will get a genuine captive bred, healthy tortoise. Sadly pet shops will 'claim' their tortoises are captive bred, but one look at the CITIES cert will tell you otherwise. If you go to TortoiseProtectionGroup : Tortoise Aid you will find a recommended breeders list in the database........this site will also give you a bit more insight to the pet shop trade

Anthravan gave you the TT link which is one of the most respected tortoise/turtle information sites available on the net, you could also go to Tortoises for a very user friendly site purely for med tortoises.

Any questions just ask away

__________________
Phoebe

Keeping: Hermanns and Whitei's

thanks all Ive decided on a horsfield....setup should arrive in a couple of days & when thats all set up & sorted I will get one...looking into breeders near me in Kent xx

__________________

oh great ,let us know when you get it ,and post a pic

oooo, yes! Pics when you get one please!

__________________

Two big babies Tammy the terrier and Ellie the yorky!

Two noisy Chins Betty and Bubbles.

Cornsnake Guss the old grouch

Royal python Savannah

There are LOADS of breeders in kent, grrr lucky!!

__________________