Hi all,  we are interested in looking into getting a tortoise and are still at the research stage trying to find out if this would be something we could do.???...so please forgive the daft questions but just how complicated is tortoise care??....also is there a breed that is best for beginners like us?.....Im going to contact some breeders also for advice but there seems to be  alot of conflicting information out there and we are getting abit confused

Hi Big Al,

This site is really good for continuing your research as I have been doing over the last few weeks. There are care sheets for the various species of tortoises under 'The Tortoise' heading on the left, and also more info sheets for hibernation methods, weighing and measuring and enclosure advice too.

Everyone on here is really friendly and will do their best to help you as they have done with me.

I'm getting my first tortoise , a horsfield hatchling in a few weeks and have been really glad of the info provided on this site and the help I have received, especially from Nina and Darren!

Nik x

Hi Nik, thanks for your reply.Ive been looking around the site and there is certainly alot of info here, which is great..I have found a diploma course run by the tortoise trust in chelonian husbandry which i am going to enrol on to give me a better understanding...ill keep you posted as to how that goes.........thanks again for your reply........Alison

Hi Alison,

Welcome to the TPG, and I'm glad you are finding the site useful (we are adding to it all the time, and it's great to have feedback). The Tortoise Trust course is really excellent, and we'd love to hear how you get on with it.

And I hope that when you and Nik get your tortoises we will be bombarded with photos -- we love that!

Nina

Hi

You definately chose the right site to get help. Everyone is so nice and really help you when you are going through difficult times. The TT course is really good you and your torty will feel the benefits, I know Keya, Molly and myself did.
Look forward to seeing your new hatchling when you get it
Jane

Thanks Nina +Jane for the welcome and your replies.Its good to know that you also think the course will be worthwhile.Im looking forward to starting it.If there are any other courses anyone recommends Id be interested to know about them also.Tortoise care and hibernation all seems a very complicated science at the moment but Im sure ill feel happier once ive done the course....ill keep you all posted.Thanks again everybody for your support.

Alison

Hello, and welcome!
I would recommend an Eastern Hermanns tortoise for a beginner. I have one myself, they are quite hardy little fellows and don't grow very big, about 5"-10" when fully grow. They are one of the most commonly kept species of tortoise, so it is not hard to find a good, local breeder if you know where to look. Or, have you thought about rehoming? The tortoise trust most always have tortoises up for adoption, and they will be sure to choose you as they will only re-home to people who have taken a course!

Whatever you choose, take it from me, they are brilliant pets!

Alice