Toooortoooise (Tortoise)

Member Name: Budster2005

Product:	Tortoise
Date:	18/02/09 (211 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great Pets

Disadvantages: Underestimated By Many

My Tortoise :

Ive currently had 2 tortoises in the past 2 years, my first one got attacked by a dog and didnt survive, my other tortoise beanz is a male and is about 2-3 years old. They are very easy creatures to look after if you do it properly but alot of people under estimate the amount of work you have to put in to look after in both living and healthy side. Beanz cost £100 + £20 delivery by special animal courier.

Diet :

Their diet is very specific, only soft fruits can be eaten, most weeds are acceptable but alot can be poisonous and without researching first can be deadly for example iceberg lettuce which alot of people i have spoke to assume they would it is not good for them at all but dandelion leaves are the best and safest to feed them. There a few plants that can also be consumed but only certain areas the most common plant to feed is the pansie.

Living Accomidation :

My first enclosure was a custom built box which was about 1 x 2 foot which looking back i now realise was very small and my latest one was a present and is about 120x100x60 cm. Its a very large enclosure and provides enough room for a baby tortoise until hes about 10 i would say.
I have to lights, one is a spot lamp pointed directly down onto a piece of slate for extra heat and the other is a 27W UV bulb which provides vitamin D3 and is good for their shell.

Decorations.

For the main substrate i use cracker grit/bark to give it an outside feel but make sure it is kept moist as dry substrate can cause watery eyes. I have various amount of fake plants [fish type] placed around which beanz enjoys, a good size water bowl and 4 bits of flat slate [1 is used for feeding].

Hibernation :

As i have not put mine into hibernation this year i cant quote on what i did or what i would recommend to do but i do know that their weight should be checked every other day before hibernation and make sure u get them in a comfortable place.

I hope you found this useful if you are thinking about getting your first tortoise but look around the internet for more detailed info and dont rush into buying one remember get all the accessories, living quarters, plants etc first before the tortoise.

Summary: 5/5