Hi All,

I have added some things that should have been on their but i had forgotten,
thanks to shot, as he reminded me!


Amended Check list for buying a healthy tortoise.
Before I go through the check list, I just have to say when buying a tort
U.K. bred is best, so please check out the breeders list on the TPG or T.T.
Sites;


1) Eyes should be clear and bright.

2) Nose should be dry, their should be no signs of bubbling or sneezing and that there is No wheezing or breathing through the mouth.

3) Check the mouth, the tongue should be a healthy pink and again no signs of bubbling.

4) Shell should be firm, after the tort is a month old, should not feel soft or spongy, It should also be smooth.

5) Make sure you see the tort eating and that the tort is being fed a healthy diet Of weeds and not pellets.

6) Reflexes, ever so gently tug on the back leg, to see if the torts pulls it back towards the shell.

7) Activity, make sure the tortoise is active.

Check that it is being kept in the right conditions not in a viv.

9) Certificates, check the place of origin on them, all certs are issued in the U.K. But that does not mean you have U.K torts, the place of origin tells you where their from. If place of orgin says Slovenian , please do not buy them!


Thank for all your comments so far!

Can I just add to this please that a tortoises shell is not fully hardened after a month. Yearlings can still have a little spring in the plastron. It is very bad for young tortoises to be squeezed to see if the shell has any give as tiny organs can easily be displcaed with tragic consequences.
Hope you do not mind my mentioning this. It's just that a lot of vets (yes vets) seem to be downing healthy tortoises as having soft shell when all is perfectly natural

__________________
Take care
Sue

wizzasmum@aol.com

HI wizzamun,

Thats just great! thanks for that

It will all help anyone out there looking to buy!

What happens if the tort doesnt need a cert like a red foot?

__________________

__________________
Rob

Hi Rob,

Yes it is, and a very good one to add to the list!

So thanks for that!

What happens if the tort doesnt need a cert like a red foot?

__________________

Hi Tomcat,

I would think that is one less thing to check!

But that is a good question and i will research a proper answer for you, i will need a bit of time!

Thank you Also, if they are only young, and are reds, which need high humidity would a viv be ok, as they will have only been in it a short time?

__________________

I'd never actively recommend Vivs.the best person to talk to about redfoots is blondesarah as she's the house red expert around these parts! :P

Also if you can't see a certificate i'd ask to see the parents. Just to prove that they did in fact breed them, and aren't just claiming they're uk cb



Katie

__________________