Hi I have just bought Georgie a female hermann's and her plastron measures 12cm but the certificate I got with her is still the initial hatchling certificate do I need to apply for a new certificate and if so how do I go about this. I have read that you need to have the tortoise microchipped before a new certificate can be issued but after reading posts on here about microchips I am alittle worried can someone please advise me further

Many thanks

Chermaine

Hi Charmaine
They should all have their hatchling certificate and that stays with them, it is like our birth certificate.
Microchipping is a personal decision, it does not have to be done there are other security alternatives, like finger printing which is taking a photo of the plastron (underneath) and the Carapace (Top shell) and sending it to John Heyward.
I can let you know more if you decide to do that. Alot depends on how theft secure your torts are.
Jane

The yellow certs have to go back now, once the tortoise has changed hands.

Please can you give me some more information about this and how I can go about it

thanks

Chermaine

Hi Chermaine

Do you mean about the finger printing?
Jane

Yes please and also about sending back the yellow certs once the tortoise changes hands I am really worried that i have two tortoises that have cost me the earth and I don't know if I have the correct certificates none of the certificates have my name on and Georgie has a 12 cm shell I am very confused about what certs I should or shouldn't have

Many thanks

Chermaine