Advice Please*

Lady Lostris · #1 (**permalink**) 12-11-2007, 01:01 AM

Hi every one! I have just joined this forum as I am hoping to soon be the proud Mum of a fab 1 year old Herman's Tortoise!*

I have been reading a lot of your posts on here and generally researching tortoise-keeping on the web over the past month or so. There are so many conflicting opinions on how best to keep and care for a baby tortoise!
After careful consideration we (myself and my partner) have decided to opt for a tortoise table instead of a viv as this seems the most natural environment for a Tort.

I was hoping that you guys could answer a few questions for me please?

What is the best type of substrate to use? (I read that Hemp is good)
Does she need to be bathed regularly?
Is it best to keep young tortoise in pairs, or are they happy living alone?
At what age can she go outside in the garden to soak up the sun? (We are purchasing an outdoor run for her as well as a indoor tortoise table)
Do I need to hibernate her immediately if I get her in December? (Or will she be too small at 1 year old?)

Your comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated! Thank you for your help*

PS - This forum is great! It's been really helpful to us!*

wizzasmum · #2 (**permalink**) 12-11-2007, 01:17 AM

What is the best type of substrate to use? (I read that Hemp is good)

Hemp or a mix of 50/50 soil/sand

Does she need to be bathed regularly?

Yes -daily if kept indoors

Is it best to keep young tortoise in pairs, or are they happy living alone?

Despite being solitary animals in the wild they do better in pairs in captivity especially when small

At what age can she go outside in the garden to soak up the sun? (We are purchasing an outdoor run for her as well as a indoor tortoise table)

Immediately the weather is warm/sunny enough

Do I need to hibernate her immediately if I get her in December? (Or will she be too small at 1 year old?)

She will certainly not be too small but depending on where you get her from it may be best to overwinter for first year. If from a breeder be guided by what they advise. If from a pet shop or pet outlet definately not as they could well be storing an illness. Best not to buy from the pet trade as this perpetuates thee wild caught trade in tortoises.Always buy from a recommended breeder.
Hope this helps

Lady Lostris · #3 (**permalink**) 12-11-2007, 09:11 PM

Thanks so much for the advice. I am very grateful!

Can you also tell me please..... how often should I handle her when she is still a baby? Is it important for me to pick her up and handle her so that she learns to recognize me?

Many thanks for all the advice! xx

wizzasmum · #4 (**permalink**) 15-11-2007, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lady Lostris

Thanks so much for the advice. I am very grateful!

Can you also tell me please..... how often should I handle her when she is still a baby? Is it important for me to pick her up and handle her so that she learns to recognize me?

Many thanks for all the advice! xx

No - it is best to observe rather than handle. Your tortoise will get used to you feeding it and became tame. Too much handling can be stressful. While a baby, handle by picking up from side to side rather top to bottom as the plastron can be springy for some months.

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