Tortoise?

[Singing to the starlight]

I've done a fair bit of research, but would love to hear from people who own the pet before I go ahead and get one.

[.Brittany.]

I have never owned a tortoise, but that would be a cool pet to have!

[Power Cosmic]

Well, it largely depends on what kind of tortoise you're looking at. For a beginner, I'd advise a Herman's tortoise. A note here, you do need paperwork to certify that your tortoise is captive bred rather than wild caught, but any decent pet shop will supply this. Also, when selecting it, examine it closely, make sure it's shell is hard, that it doesn't seem sluggish, and it's being kept in a clean environment that isn't overcrowded.

What species is it that you're looking at anyways?

[Singing to the starlight]

I should have known you'd reply Janos :P

I'm...not really sure. One of the species that don't grow big xD

God I sound like a noob. I've done loads of research...Just not on various species. Are the species that big a deal? I know a shop down the road sell ones...of a variety that don't grow bigger then your palm. I was planning on those.

I think the main part of me thats hanging back is what if I get my wish and get to go travelling? I couldn't take it with me.

[Imagine]

My brother owned some turtles but a tortoise would be cool.

[Power Cosmic]

Originally Posted by Sitting on the speaker

I should have known you'd reply Janos :P

I'm...not really sure. One of the species that don't grow big xD

God I sound like a noob. I've done loads of research...Just not on various species. Are the species that big a deal? I know a shop down the road sell ones...of a variety that don't grow bigger then your palm. I was planning on those.

I think the main part of me thats hanging back is what if I get my wish and get to go travelling? I couldn't take it with me.

Species matters just due to size, temperament, and a whole host of other stuff that I'm probably forgetting.

Hm, also, about the shop selling the tortoise that doesn't grow bigger than your palm..I'd be sceptical, since a lot of shops can be a bit unscrupulous, since they might just be young one. A horsefield's tortoise doesn't need the paperwork I mentioned before, as far as I know.

I might be wrong, but ask them the species and wiki it, just to be sure.

Another thing I should point out about tortoises, they're VERY long lived. As in, if they're treated right and are in the right conditions/good health and stuff, they can expect to live from 50-80 years, depending on the species.

If you're wanting a small one, I'd recommend a horsefield's, here's a really good care sheet for it, it'll tell you all you need to know.
http://www.thereptilian.co.uk/care_s...sefieldii.html