General advice

[Rach89]

Hi,
I'm looking at getting a tortoise for me and my children in the next month, I've done so much research i fear i am confusing myself now.
What are the essentials that i need to make sure my tortoise is healthy and happy. I know i'll need an outside enclosure as well.

Thanks in advance

[Nina]

Hi Rach89, and welcome to The Tortoise Table!

it's great that you are doing your research before you get your tortoise. The essentials that you need are an open-topped tortoise table (as big as space will allow, as they get bored in small spaces). You can even install a ramp up to a second level to give him more space for exploring an exercise. Definitely to not get an enclosed glass and wood vivarium. You will also need to provide heat, light and UVB. This can be in the form of a heat and light bulb, plus a fluorescent tube to provide UVB, or an all-in-one mercury vapour heat/light/uvb bulbs. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, and I can elaborate if you want. It's also important that your bulb is hung from something that allows you to raise and lower it, in order to raise and lower the temperature in the table, as this can vary greatly depending on the temperature in the room.

He will need a nice deep substrate so that he can dig in and bury himself completely if he wants to. The best substrate approximates what they would have in the wild, and that is sandy soil, so a mixture of ordinary screened topsoil and children's play sand are recommended, and you can buy both of these at garden centres and DIY shops.

He will also need a water bowl, and some 'furniture' in his table (rocks, plants, etc.) to make it more interesting for him.

A diet of weeds and flowers is best, and you can use the database on our website to produce list of good plants for yourself. https://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/ Diet to some extent depends on the species you are getting, but the most common species nowadays are Hermann's tortoises and Horsfield tortoises so I have attached care sheets for these species.

That's probably enough for now, but have a read of the care sheets and come back with any questions you might have -- we're always here to help.
https://www.tortoise-protection-group.o ... 014New.pdf
and
https://www.tortoise-protection-group.o ... 014New.pdf

Nina

[Rach89]

Thank you so much- these are all so useful. I’ve printed and will study it. Really appreciate your advice.

[Nina]

Do come back with questions, Rach -- there were lots of little details that I didn't include because I didn't want the email to be too long. Also, it's really best to buy a tortoise from a breeder if you can -- they are usually a bit cheaper than in pet shops, but more importantly you should get good after sales advice from a genuine breeder because they want their little ones to go to the best home possible.

Alternatively you could think about adopting a rescue tortoise. If you look at the rehoming section on this forum you can see the tortoises that are currently available. viewforum.php?f=22 It probably won't be a baby that you get, but you will be able to talk to the current owner and find out the tortoise's history, etc., and it's nice to give a home to a tortoise that is looking for one.

Nina

[evelynwang]

Hi Rach89 and Nina,

Great advice from Nina! I'd just add a few quick tips:

- Temperature gradient is crucial – ensure one end of the enclosure is warmer (28−32°C) and the other cooler (20−24°C).
- Hide spots like half-logs or clay pots help reduce stress.
- Soaking 2-3 times weekly in lukewarm water aids hydration and digestion.

Rescue tortoises are wonderful – they often come with established personalities! Wishing you the best with your new family member.