Does anyone have a tortoise?

[takemetoabeach]

I'm really really tempted to take the plunge and bring a tortoise into our family. I think they are adorable and my son has also been begging for one. He's a real animal lover.

Does anyone have them? Are they as lovely as they seem? I've done quite a bit of research and it seems manageable and we have the space for a good house for him.

Which breed makes the best pets?

Any general tips?

And leopard torts are big

Think of the poo

I've had a good think about how I can make an outdoor home for him. I was only thinking inside because of the temperature, I thought it would be better, not because I wanted to keep him in a teeny cage indoors.

I do get more excited the more I read. I really think we would like one, I just want to make sure I get it right. And I'm prepared to spend the time and effort doing that.

As i say take look for your nearest Tortoise society....a charity rehoming one

They are experts and know the pitfalls

I joined my local one (in the south of England) once i had freddie and they did courses and clinics etc

Don't they also carry salmonella?

Yes they do meme

If you can tell us which part of the country you are in, OP, we may know of a local society/club.

Eg, The Tortoise Club covers East Anglia and beyond

www.tortoiseclub.org/index.php

Hampshire

hampshiretortoisesociety.org/

Its worth traveling to these places

Midlands. They would really helpful.

Currently enjoying researching all the amazing outdoor homes you can get / make!

I don't know what breed my mom's is - he is grey. As opposed to the brown one in Orchard's pic.
She had him about 55 years ago and he is still going strong.
He hibernates in a very sturdy box full of straw, with newspapers over to help provide insulation, in the garage.
He eats salad type stuff, peas, beans, weeds and plants etc. Doesn't appear to drink but he will get moisture from his food.
The garden is secure but years ago it wasn't and he escaped regularly to the neighbours' gardens and once or twice into the road. He also dug down and hibernated outdoors once or twice when we couldn't find him when it was time for him to go to bed. Never heard of putting them in the fridge
As a child, I thought he was the world's most boring pet but now I do find him quite interesting. He is still not what you'd call interactive though!

We're in the midlands too. You're welcome to come and meet him if you're anywhere near Stourbridge.

Freddie is grey

He is a spur thigh

You think your garden is secure

Right up to the moment they escape

Haha! I see they are escape artists!

I plan on a good enclosure and only complete freedom under supervision!

They can also move fast when they want too. Mine chase the cats.

I have cats too. I was worried they wouldn't get on.

I've seen some amazing homes for sale and have a much better idea of how the outside space would work.

So now my concerns are the best breed and still panicking about hibernation.

Our tortoise ploughed into the cat once, when the cat was sitting on the grass with his back to the tortoise. Cat jumped about four feet in the air in shock...

Fridge is supposed to be best

And easiest

My elderly neighbours still have the tortoise they bought for their kids 40+ years ago, I look him when they're on holiday, he buried himself in the garden this winter ( in Scotland!) They couldn't find him until until his wee head poked out among the emerging spring bulbs last week, I was on tenterhooks, thinking he wouldn't make it.!

I keep mine in a viv in the fromt room but they also spend time wandering round the garden and house. Make sure it’s escape proof as they can be real escape artists and like to dig. I don’t hibernate mine as a result but they are relatively low maintenance. Walks, they live a good bath, decent varied diet and they are real characters when you get to know them