My little friend Beanz (Tortoise)

Member Name: Xx-Sarah-xX

Product:	Tortoise
Date:	21/04/09 (363 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great pets

Disadvantages: Sleep a lot

You may think this sounds familiar as I believe the person who last wrote a review on this subject is my other half! About 2 years about my boyfriend was always going on about me getting him a tortoise which I never wanted to, so when he had enough money he got one which was last year. He decided to name him Jim...I don't know why! He was a little un pre-paired at first and made a box which wasn't exactly big but it was only going to be temporary. He bought sawdust with he bedded the box with which didn't last long as he found out this irritates the tortoises. He then put top soil down and made a nice place full of rocks and objects such as plants and plant pots (not forgetting a UV and heat lamp). A few months later he was moving home and had to move the tortoise but unfortunately the box broke so he lived in a shoe box while Buddy was looking for a new home; or course we constantly took him out for a wander. Sadly though Buddy's dog somehow got into his room and attacked the tortoise which had to be put down which was very sad as I loved him because he used to sleep on me!

Anyway...a few months later I decided to get him another one, and a tortoise run with a few bits and pieces. This one is called Beanz (we call him a 'he' though you can't find out till they are a bit older) and he is about 2 years old and the size of my palm. I got him from www.carlisletortoises.co.uk which was £120 including delivery. I got the run from Argos which was £60 and is a descend size, though it doesn't need to be this big. It is about a 4ft by 4ft square with a dark area and mesh over the top...keep him safe from the dog!

These are a great pet. They do require attention but not so much that you'll kill them by doing the smallest thing wrong. They can do for days without eating and drinking which you may find worrying like I do but its just what they do. Also throughout the winter they tend to stay tucked up and asleep more to stay warm.

What do they eat?

You have to make sure you review this carefully as some people thing they can eat iceberg lettuce but they actually can't. Little gems is okay for them though, Dandelion weeds are good for them and a safe bet! But not the yellow part. They also like pansies. The can also eat soft fruits, though should only be given as a treat as they may cause some runny poo's and a bad stomach!


Living enclosure

Like I said before we have a large one that is 4ft by 4ft. At the moment we have top soil and bark in here which he seems to like; you can also just play sand. We have many decoration as they like to play and climb on things. We have large and small rocks, 2 dishes ( one for water and one for food), tunnels, plants; real ones and fake ones which they try and eat but realise they aren't real, and even leaves. Large rocks help to file down there nails as you do have to cut them. We have 2 lamps, a spot lamp and a UV lamp, both pointing round about the same area which is where our tortoise likes it most. The UV lamp provides the shell with vitamin D3 to keep it healthy.

Do they hibernate?

Yes they do, they do this at an age of 4/5. I haven't yet done this so I cannot comment on it. I do know you have to keep an eye on them though just in case they die from lack of food so make sure they are well fed through summer.

How do I wash them?

Ah I'm glad you asked :P Your meant to give them a bath almost everyday, though sometimes we miss one out as we arent home. fill our sink with a smallish amouth of warm water, enough to cover its feet but not its head! Use your hand to scoop water over its back and head etc. They will use there arms to wipe there eyes which is a bit of extra help! We use an old toothbrush to keep his shell clean; don't scrub to hard but enough to get muck off. when you take them out we put him onto a cowl or toilet paper and rub him with a cloth. Make sure you dry the soft skin where it folds near his legs as it may cause sores if not.


All in all I think horsefield tortoises are great pets, they really have there own personalities which you will know if you have one! they shouldn't bite you if you treat them well unless they're hungry and you hold your finger out for them :P

Summary: love them!