I would like us to have a tortoise but I have no idea what care is involved. Anyone have advice?

[frumpygrumpy]

DP and me are allergic to cats/dogs/hairy things but our children would love a pet. I have always loved the thought of a tortoise and thought this would be a way for the children to enjoy having a pet.

What do you keep them in?
Do they stay in the house? Too warm?
Do they poo everywhere?
What do they eat?
How do I find someone reputable to buy one from?
What is their general care? Do I oil the shell or does it take care of itself?

Anything I haven't thought about?

You might like to see this recent thread:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/pets/705572-Anyone-here-a-Tortoise-keeper-Info-needed-for-complete-Tortoise

The tortoise trust is a good place to start for reliable information about care and facilities needed.

all I know is that they outlive humans, live to about 300 years old or something.

thanks beautiful perfect!

shiny, thats what kind of attracts me.....that we could have one who had been around forever......there was a house for sale locally a few years ago who had bought the house with the tortoise in it and they sold with the tortoise in it. He stayed with his house so sweet!