Hello,

I wonder if you can help? I am not currently a tortoise owner - but for many years have talked about wanting one, subsequently I have spent a little time researching (fully aware I need to do more!) however I do have an opportunity to have a tortoise from my friend who has tortoise babies - they are 13 months old and she is looking to rehome them. I know they come from a good loving home - but I am obviously concerned as to what to do next. I have pets at home and am fully committed to their welbeing - my life seems to revolve around them, I would love to have a new addition to our family - at 13 months old - what do I do with a new baby tortoise? Is this a good idea? I am not going to take this on without looking more seriously at what to do in order to re home this tortoise but wondered if anyone is able to offer any advice?

Many thanks...

Lots of research tortoise trust website is good. Mine are just over 2, you will need UVB strip light no more than 10 inches over them,for good shell and bone growth. Calcium powder on food daily , mixed weeds for food .A basking light ( I use 60 watt pearl household bulb , no less than 6 inches over them.Good tortoise table and a nice garden full of weeds lol. Heat mat for winter, half size of torty table. It is expensive but once you get torty u wont regret it . chell

Hi and

You would make a good tortoise owner, what species are they e.g. Hermans, Horsfield etc.? you can find some very good advice and infomation on the care sheets from the the 'Tortoise' link on the left hand side. It would be good for you to have a read and then ask as many questions as you want, we all learn from each other, and remember golden rule, the only silly question is the one that is not asked!!
Look forward to your next post
Kind regards
Jane

Heat mats are not needed, no matter what time of year ;) Hope this helps.