Owning a tortoise is very rewarding.
They are fascinating reptiles and can give hours of therapeutic ‘watching’ especially in the summer months when they are at their most active. There are many myths surrounding tortoise keeping. Some dating back to the 60’s and 70’s and some more recent that are still incorrect Some myths:
Sadly; none of the above is correct. A hibernating tortoise needs to be kept cool to hibernate safely. Temperatures need to be between 4c and 7c to ensure a safe deep sleep. If a tortoise is kept boxed up in temperatures over 10c they will wake and use up all their reserves to survive. Eventually; they will starve to death. DEFRA Regulations: The 60’s and 70’s saw many thousands of tortoises perish in hibernation. As the numbers had depleted so badly they were now on the endangered list. DEFRA took control and enforced that all Mediterranean tortoises should have a certificate and they had a register of all tortoise keepers. The importing of tortoises were banned and any original imported tortoises left; owners were encourage to register them. Breeding became more regulated and all species (except Horsfields) has to have an A10 to breed or sell. In most recent years DEFRA have stated that all tortoises (except Horsfields also known as Russians) must also be micro chipped. To sell or breed without the A10 or the microchip number is potentially illegal. |
Keeping a tortoise:
Tortoises are fascinating creatures; you can lose hours watching them forage, graze and wonder around. I have spent many an hour sitting with my coffee just observing what they are doing. There are pitfalls to keeping them but if you weigh these up and know what to expect. They are very rewarding to keep.
Once you have made the decision to have one. You now need to make the decision to buy or to re-home an unwanted tortoise? There are literally hundreds of tortoises seeking new homes. This is due to over breeding and keepers not for whatever reason unable to keep them any longer. Many were brought for children who outgrow them; many get fed-up with them after so many years. The commitment to keep a tortoise is massive. Many can live to over 80 or 90 years. Re-homing. Re-homing can be very rewarding; especially if the tortoise has had a bad start in life. Kept in wrong conditions for example and fed incorrect diet or kept in a small hot, dry vivarium for most of its life. Watching the changes as they get well and recover is a pleasure to see. Buying from a breeder: Just like a baby puppy, kitten, and rabbit. They are cute and sweet and steal your heart. When buying a hatchling or one slightly older the rules still apply. Are they active, is their eyes nice and bright, are they eating. Can they walk properly? No discharge from nose, eyes or tail. Does the mouth look nice and pink? Most reputable breeders will guide you and never sell a sick hatchling. Also a breeder should come recommended and also be found on a breeders list just like when buying a pedigree puppy. Buying from a pet shop or garden centre: There are some good pets shop that have good knowledge of tortoises. However; it must be pointed out that the tortoises that they are selling are mass produced. This means that they are ‘farmed’ similar to that of puppy farming. Eggs are hatched on a mass scale and then transported to shops all over the UK. By the time you get to buy the little hatchling he has probably travelled some distance before he gets to you. Pet shop and garden centres will exchange a sick hatchling and offer a replacement. I often wonder then what happens to that sick hatchling once it’s gone back. Pet shops and garden centers are a business. They sell for profit. The equipment they suggest is costly and more often not necessary. They will probably try to sell you the following:
In truth you do not need such items and you will soon find they do not suit your needs and they will be wasted. Correct Equipment
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