Looking to buy first Hermanns
 

Hi,

I'm about to buy my first Hermann's tortoise and haven't been able to locate a local breeder in Scotland so I'm off to the local pet store in Glasgow to purchase.

I know this isn't ideal and wanted to have one last ditch attempt to see if anyone knew of a breeder in Scotland?

If not any advice on what I should be looking for when I got to the reptile shop?

Thanks.

Try Andy Robertson/ robinson on facebook, also on here. Failing that try Bruce Fairweather. Facebook: Highland Hermans or can be found on Tortoise Planet.

Advise on pet shop: don't :)

This is Andy: http://www.shelledwarriors.co.uk/for...969#post660969

I have to agree. There are breeders in Scotland who are definitely preferable to buying a tortoise from over a shop.
Hope you find one and welcome to the forum. :-)

Trying my best guys and thanks for the welcome :)

I've messaged Highland Hermann's and just awaiting a reply and can't seem to find the pm button (maybe because I'm a newbie) to message Andy but will try my best.

I especially liked the advise on pet shops, 'don't!' lol

I'm trying! :)

Buying from a shop is always more risky than a breeder.
Shops want to sell you lots of things you dont actually need for tortoises.
They mix species, which can have drastic effects on tortoises.
Most give out incorrect husbandry.
And dont give after care info.
Most good breeders will always help with care after the tortoise leaves them.

Thanks guys.

I've messaged Highland Hermann's and am just waiting for them to get back to me but can't message Andy, as I don't think I have enough posts under my belt yet for it to allow me to do that.

I love the advice on pet shops, 'don't!' lol

I'm trying! :)

If you do end up buying from a pet shop this is definitely a great place for tips. There are so many experience people helping us all. I just wish I had discovered the forum sooner.

Just be warned that there are some bad "breeders" out there also so just be aware and if possible go on recommendations.

You have to be able to see the parents to know that they are actually captive bred.
A lot of so called breeders, just buy in hatchlings/adults to sell on.
If you go to a good online forum, you can get good lists of recommended breeders:0)

To be honest, no reputable breeder would sell tortoises this time of the year.
As for new keepers its probably the worst time to learn how to keep them.
Temps and light levels are low, so tortoises do not act as they would in the Spring. Good food is also not readily available if you dont have any knowledge on plants. The weeds are there but you have to know whats good and whats not.
Also the most commonly kept tortoises should be in hibernation:0)

I think you need to have made 5 posts before you can PM anyone

Thanks everyone for the replies. I've had a few problems replying to you as quick as I would have liked but my posts all get set aside for permission, probably because I'm still new.

I've really left researching the whole pet shop/UK breeder discussion far too late to accommodate the me and my daughter taking on a tortoise in time for Christmas.

With that being said we now have a new addition called, 'Shelly'! Original I know.

Thanks for all the help so far and I hope I can come back for some more advise on what's best for Shelly.

p.s although I didn't follow your advise, although I would have preferred to, doesn't mean I didnt value it.

Thanks again guys.

Nice of you to take the time to post again ! in my book if you can provide a good home for a tortoise any time of year that has to be a good thing. There are always good people who need good homes for their beloved pets at any time of the year also due to unforeseen circumstances and other reasons too....Well done ! let us know how Shelly gets on if possible.....CB