Hi I would like to buy a tortise and I would like one that does not need to hibanate .
This will be our first tortise so I dont know weather I should stick to a hermans or horsefield

Any advise greatly recieved

Thanks
Jill

Hi Jill
Both Hermanns and Horsefields Hibernate. Tropical torts like Redfoots yellowfoots and others like Leopards and Sulcuttas do not need to hibernate but grow big and are STRONGLY not recommended for new keepers.

Can i ask why you dont want one that hibernates ?

Hi Jill,

As Craig has said the non-hibernating species can get to quite some size and would not be adviseable to a new inexperienced keeper.

The two species you mentioned are far better for an inexperienced keeper, but both need to hibernate.

Dont be worried to hibernate, its very easy if you follow a simple step by step count down to hibernation

We can supply that information for you

Hermmans or Horsfields are great for first time keepers

If you do get a tortoise pleas try and purchase from a Uk Captive Bred breeder

Good luck and let us know what you decide

when I first started to look decided that we should have a hermans or a horsefield and was quite happy with that decison then I started to read about a indain star and because they dont hibnate wondered if they would be easyer

I have found a breeder who was marginated hatchings for sale who is near us so now i have to read up about them and see if they would be suitable for beginners any more information is glady recieved

I thing that my bigest worry is the hibnation so i will read more and see if i feel better once i have more information .
My other great worry is should I have one or two . I have spoke to the reptile shop near me and they have said that they are alright on there own so I am still looking for more information about that if anyone has any ideas about that they wiould be gladly recieved
I am looking for a captive breed one and would not want one or agree to buy one who is a wild one .
I am able to buy a tortise table and light from the shop in York and they seem to be very informed about the health needs etc


So if any one knows of any breeders in the york area that would be good.

Any tips or information is glady recieved i dont want to make any mistakes that could harm the little one when and if it arrives

thanks

Jill

Hi JilL
You seem to be a very responsible person by looking into it so well done you , you wont belive the ammount of people who purchase on a whim.

As jo says Hibernation is not scary or complex, check out the hibernating section to give you more info. Plenty there

Marginated torts have near identical husbandry requirements to hermanns and are lovely torts, i think they are well suited as a first tort. Like hermanns and horsefields.

Dont waste money on buying tables, they are easy as pie to make, a large empty drawer is perfect, and obvious heating and lighting requirements too save your money from buying from a shop, they sell at 400% profit. at least

Finally dont feel like they need company, they dont. and male and male can fight.
let us know if you need anything else

Hi

thank you for all the replies

I will start looking for a drawer and buy all the etra bits for it

thank you

Jill