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Wanting my first Tortoise
Posted: 07/01/2012 by Heather2

Hi Everyone,

I really want to get a tortoise. I have been doing a lot of research and I feel that I am finally ready to go out and get one. But from all the reading I have done I don't want to buy from a pet shop. I know this would be wrong. I have had a look on your breeders list and have seen that you have some in Yorkshire. Though West Yorkshire is best for me as I dont want him to have a long journey. Also I have been looking at the Indian Star but see you do not have them on your list. Has anyone got any advise? I would like to buy from a breeder but I would have to make sure they are good and not just like the pet shops.

I would not but a tortoise if I did not feel like I knew how to take care of it. I have been reading about them for a long time and have been looking on your site for a few weeks as well as the tortoise trust.

Any help would be great.

Heather

Re: Wanting my first Tortoise
Posted: 07/01/2012 by tortoise7

Hi Heather Click and drag me down to the editor

I done the same as you before I got my first tortoise, I read everything and looked on the forums, glad I did because I knew exactly what I was getting into.
The best tortoises suited to our environment are Hermans, Horsfields and Ibera's, as they come from climates quite similar to ours, the only thing different is the daylight time, which we try to replicate with UV and heat sources.
Indian stars as you have probably learnt do not hibernate, but they do need extensive outdoor and indoor accommodation, that is just something to consider, and of course with purchasing any tortoise you have to think of looking after them for your lifetime duration and possibly beyond.
You are making a wise decision to get your tort from a UK Breeder, my friend has two Indian stars I could ask her what Breeder she got them from if you like? I don't think it will be near Yorkshire though. I brought mine from Southampton which is about 2.5 hours away from me, and Keya & Molly were both fine with the journey, you just have to keep them in a dark box and somewhere where the car motion is not too bumpy.
Jane

Re: Wanting my first Tortoise
Posted: 08/01/2012 by TPGDarren

Hi Heather,

The trouble with tropical tortoises is that they can spend little time outdoors due to the unreliable UK weather resulting in them having to spend more time in an indoor restricted enclosure.
I personally would recommend either Hermanns, Iberas or Marginated tortoises.
May I ask if there is any particular reason why you'd like Stars?

Kindest Regards
Darren

Re: Wanting my first Tortoise
Posted: 08/01/2012 by Heather2

Hi Darren,

One reason I was looking at the Star is because my Husband is from India and I like the look of them. I was also looking at one that does not Hibernate, and that stays quite small. But to be honest I am not so bothered about which one I get as long as it is Healthy and comes from a good breeder.

Aileen.

Re: Wanting my first Tortoise
Posted: 08/01/2012 by Heather2

Hi Jane,

Thanks for the reply. If you could ask that would be great. I think my next step will be to call some breeders and see what the best option is. The long life span is one of the reasons we want a tortoise. That and me and my Husband are both vegetarian :-)

Re: Wanting my first Tortoise
Posted: 08/01/2012 by tortoise7

Hi
Yes I will ask for you and let you know. I must admit I think I would take Darren's advice though, as it could be very costly owning Indian Torts.
Ha Ha so a complete family diet of green's, very economical!!
Jane  

Re: Wanting my first Tortoise
Posted: 11/01/2012 by tortoise7

Hi Aileen
I have not forgotten you, just waiting for my friend to come back to me with the details

Jane

Re: Wanting my first Tortoise
Posted: 13/01/2012 by Heather2

Hi Jane,

Thanks, it's not a problem I am in no hurry. :-)

 

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