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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 |
Looks like nothings changed, in fact vivariums are frowned upon here :
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 |
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 |
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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 :thumb: |
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 |
Originally Posted by PetesDad
(Post 7937794)
A Tortoise really is a long term committment ...... think long and hard.
I think they are great but I thought there was a ban on buying them?Don't know where I heard that now |
Originally Posted by lozgti
(Post 7937822)
how long do they live? Is it something like 90?
I think they are great but I thought there was a ban on buying them?Don't know where I heard that now 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 |
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