Getting a tortoise - what do I need to know?

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Friend is moving away and gifting me her tortoise as she knows I've always wanted one - having had one as a child. I know a little about hibernating and such but is there a book you could recommend or website maybe? Already have guinea pigs so assuming he could use their run if we put a divide in it in case they bite each other. What else do I need? All advice welcome 🐢

Hi. I have had my tortoises for a couple of years and found a lot of conflicting advice out there! Their care varies depending on what species it is - I have a horsfield and a hermanns tortoise.
They should live on a tortoise table with a heat & UV source when indoors (not a vivarium) and a secure run when outside. They eat weeds, not fruit & veg. They need a cuttlefish to nibble on for extra calcium. They should be microchipped as can very easily wander off!
The most helpful information I found was on the Billy's Tortoises facebook group.

Thanks very much really! I've joined that fb group

Oh wow - what a beautiful fellow he is! Yes, great advice on that group although I sometimes ignore bits of it as my hermanns tortie does a little happy dance when I give him a strawberry.

Sorry to barge in - I know nothing about tortoises (do love them though). I'm just intrigued by the idea of one doing a 'happy dance'. Would love to see it!

Just remember they live a long time. Our lovely old tortoise had been in the family for over 40 years when she died. She was fully grown when she was given to dh and could easily been over 60.

Yes I have found some of the weed identifying a bit overwhelming tbh, and I presume I'd have to change his diet (even if it is to a more appropriate one) slowly to avoid stressing him out, I'm looking forward to it though.

Bruffin - he's already 57 years old (roughly)!

It's a very slow happy dance