Hi,

I'm also looking for reputable breeders in Scotland. I live right in between both Edinburgh and Glasgow. I was also wondering which species of tortoise would be better for the scottish climate? I know I mustn't have the tortoise outside on damp/rainy days but I have read that they must be able to have access to garden, I'm unsure which tortoise species would be best.

thanks
Sarah

Hi Sarah, I am glad ur seeking advice and doing research!

I reckon that Testudo graeca ibera is a good  species for you. As they have quite dark shells, they absorb lots of the sun's energy and soon warm up to optimal temperatures on even cloudy days.

I have a female who has lived with me in the north of England for over 25 years, without issues. I also have 2 males (rescued) now been in the horth of England for over 20 years.  Do include a cloched area in their outdoor pen and they should thrive. Don't be afraid to ask for further advice, it will be forthcoming from me or other members.

Regards, David near York.

Hi David,
Thats fab! thank you for your help!

I have another quick question, as the last couple of winter up here have been pretty harsh, am I best to keep the tortoise inside for the whole of, say for example, November, December, January? and then start to take them outside gradually as the days slowly get warmer?

(We don't have any other pets and there is no small children to hassle and stress the tortoise if it were to be kept in over those months)

kind regards
Sarah

Hi Sarah.

If you are just getting one now, and its a youngster, I would keep awake so you can be sure it is not ill, and well fed. Because you might not know much about the history of your torty, it will need monitoring closely and it is late in the season to have time to "beef up", or go through a period of quarantine time for hibernation.

I hibernate mine in an 80 litre plastic storage box of soil. It is about 20 inches deep and I keep that in an unheated porch area with digital thermometer alarms, which bleep at temps you set it to...but do watch the temp closely. Mine are by the front door once hibernating and checking is very easy. They are large adult weighing in at around 2.8 to 3.2 kg!. Read up on natural and fridge methods of hibernation, and especially read past postings under hibernation in the forum section. It can be a bit unnerving at first, but you are in good time to do your research

Regards again, David nr York.

I will have some available in a week or so and deliver to the North of England if that is any use ;)

Sue

www.tortsmad.com