Tortoises
13 June 2008, 06:55 AM
#1
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Tortoises
Hello
My daughter wants a tortoise. I don't mind, but having a look around the internet, they appear to be difficult to look after: They talk of UV lights, vivariums, special diets...
I remember having one as a child and it used to spend its time outside trying to eat everything and head-butting trees and then come indoors during the winter.
Have things changed? Are they that difficult now?
Steve
My daughter wants a tortoise. I don't mind, but having a look around the internet, they appear to be difficult to look after: They talk of UV lights, vivariums, special diets...
I remember having one as a child and it used to spend its time outside trying to eat everything and head-butting trees and then come indoors during the winter.
Have things changed? Are they that difficult now?
Steve
13 June 2008, 07:08 AM
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Looks like nothings changed, in fact vivariums are frowned upon here :
The Tortoise Shop
The Tortoise Shop
Inappropriate accomodation
Do not attempt to keep Mediterranean tortoises in small, poorly ventilated housing, for keeping tortoises in "fish tanks" or other glass or plastic vivaria is a certain guarantee of ill health for your charges
Do not attempt to keep Mediterranean tortoises in small, poorly ventilated housing, for keeping tortoises in "fish tanks" or other glass or plastic vivaria is a certain guarantee of ill health for your charges
13 June 2008, 07:28 AM
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We have Tony, a marginated tortoise
He lives in a 3' square wooden pen, which is lit by 1 or 2 spotlights for heat. Don't get a heat pad, as (s)he won't be able to decide how hot he wants to be - (s)he can move as near to the lights as needed to warm up for the day.
Dead easy to look after - feed with green salad - or dandelions (depending on season) with a powder supplement for vitamins etc.
He has a bath in the corner of his pen, which he uses daily to bathe and drink. His bed is lined with hemp.
Oh - and he has a covered (chicken-wire type covering) pen in the garden - UV light from the sun does them the world of good.
We bought him about 3 years ago from a place in Hull, actually from the link above, and they were more than helpful.
I'll post a pic if he's awake
He lives in a 3' square wooden pen, which is lit by 1 or 2 spotlights for heat. Don't get a heat pad, as (s)he won't be able to decide how hot he wants to be - (s)he can move as near to the lights as needed to warm up for the day.
Dead easy to look after - feed with green salad - or dandelions (depending on season) with a powder supplement for vitamins etc.
He has a bath in the corner of his pen, which he uses daily to bathe and drink. His bed is lined with hemp.
Oh - and he has a covered (chicken-wire type covering) pen in the garden - UV light from the sun does them the world of good.
We bought him about 3 years ago from a place in Hull, actually from the link above, and they were more than helpful.
I'll post a pic if he's awake
13 June 2008, 08:51 AM
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We have a pair of Tunisian Tortoises.
I didn't want them, but they are simplicity itself to look after.
Our female lays eggs quite regularly - none have hatched yet.
I have build a vivarium. You need a UV Tube and change it every year. We use a heat pad, no issues. They go out in the garden between about May and September in a couple of pens. We feed specialised pellets, and plenty of greens. They need to be cleaned-out each and every day (this is where your child may fall down) ...... and they DO STINK if left a day!!
Rats are a childs best pet ... we have 2 .... fantastic animals for children, 2 year life span, never bite, very clean, can be handled, eat anything!
A Tortoise really is a long term committment ...... think long and hard.
EDIT:- Don't buy expensive Calcium supplements ..... use Cuttlefish and scrape it onto their meal .... 20p for a Cuttlefish which gives a years supply of Calcium
I didn't want them, but they are simplicity itself to look after.
Our female lays eggs quite regularly - none have hatched yet.
I have build a vivarium. You need a UV Tube and change it every year. We use a heat pad, no issues. They go out in the garden between about May and September in a couple of pens. We feed specialised pellets, and plenty of greens. They need to be cleaned-out each and every day (this is where your child may fall down) ...... and they DO STINK if left a day!!
Rats are a childs best pet ... we have 2 .... fantastic animals for children, 2 year life span, never bite, very clean, can be handled, eat anything!
A Tortoise really is a long term committment ...... think long and hard.
EDIT:- Don't buy expensive Calcium supplements ..... use Cuttlefish and scrape it onto their meal .... 20p for a Cuttlefish which gives a years supply of Calcium
Last edited by PetesDad; 13 June 2008 at 08:53 AM.
13 June 2008, 08:55 AM
#6
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Rats are a childs best pet ... we have 2 .... fantastic animals for children, 2 year life span, never bite, very clean, can be handled, eat anything!
Although, should be noted they are extremely fond of chewing speaker cables etc
13 June 2008, 09:10 AM
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13 June 2008, 09:13 AM
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Imports were banned about 25 years ago (I seem to remember) as they were brought en masse from Greece and about 20% survived the boat trip.
Steve
13 June 2008, 09:20 AM
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