Hello,

My wife would like a tortoise and I want to get her one. She is very good with animals and we already have 2 house rabbits and a budgie.

The tortoise would have to be kept indoors so I need to know what I need to buy to make sure the tortoise is happy etc. Can someone give me a list of things I would need?

Also I need advice on the best tortoise that is suited to a novice and would be happy living indoors and would not grow to big. I know a tortoise is a long time commitment etc but it is something she has always wanted.

Thank you in advance for any help

Hi there. You are right, they should be a very long term investment. I think that if you click on the dark green boxes on the left hand margin of this page titled "Buying a tortoise" and "The tortoise" and follow the links you will find lots of info to help.

Personally, though, I do worry about tortoises living permanently indoors. With good care they do grow too large for a tortoise table in my opinion. Have a really good read, and also check the Photo Gallery (link on left again), to make absolutely sure you could provide the best care and conditions.

Regards, David nr York.

Hi
I do agree with David about torts being permanently indoors, have you not got access to outdoors at all?
You sound a very responsible pet owner by doing your research first, which is encouraging to see
Jane

I agree with the others that indoors is not a good place for a tortoise to live permanently. You need a permanent outdoor enclosure and indoors should be used only in emergencies, or at either end of the season for a very short time. Hope this helps.